Neuroprotective Effects of Thiamine and Precursors with Higher Bioavailability: Focus on Benfotiamine and Dibenzoylthiamine

Thiamine (vitamin B1) is essential for brain function because of the coenzyme role thiamine diphosphate (ThDP) in glucose and energy metabolism. In order to compensate deficiency, several precursors with higher bioavailability were developed since 1950s. Among these, thioester benfotiamine (BFT) has been extensively studied beneficial effects both rodent models neurodegeneration human clinical studies. BFT antioxidant anti-inflammatory properties that seem be mediated by a mechanism independent ThDP. no adverse improves cognitive outcome patients mild Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Recent vitro studies show another thioester, dibenzoylthiamine (DBT) even more efficient BFT, especially respect its potency. thioesters have pleiotropic linked an increase circulating concentrations possibly hitherto unidentified metabolites particular open thiazole ring derivatives. The identification active neuroprotective derivatives clarification their action extremely promising perspectives field neurodegenerative, neurodevelopmental psychiatric conditions.