Effects of Modafinil (Provigil) on Memory and Learning in Experimental and Clinical Studies: From Molecular Mechanisms to Behaviour Molecular Mechanisms and Behavioural Effects

• Published in: Current molecular pharmacology Vol. 16; no. 4; p. 507
• Main Authors: Zamanian, Mohammad Yassin, Karimvandi, Mahdi Najafiani, Nikbakhtzadeh, Marjan, Zahedi, Elham, Bokov, Dmitry Olegovich, Kujawska, Małgorzata, Heidari, Mahsa, Rahmani, Mohammad Reza
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United Arab Emirates 01.01.2023
• Subjects: Animals; Benzhydryl Compounds - pharmacology; Benzhydryl Compounds - therapeutic use; Modafinil - pharmacology; learning; memory; synaptic plasticity; Modafinil; hippocampus; oxidative stress
• ISSN: 1874-4702
• DOI: 10.2174/1874467215666220901122824

Modafinil (MOD, 2-diphenyl-methyl-sulphinil-2-acetamide) is a stimulant-like medicine used to treat narcolepsy. Off-label uses include improving cognitive ability in the course of other diseases. This review aims to discuss findings demonstrating the memory and learningenhancing activity of MOD in experimental and clinical studies. We included behavioral evaluations alongside the effects of MOD at the cellular and molecular level. MOD in different animal disease models exerted beneficial effects on induced memory and learning impairment, which in some cases were accompanied by modulation of neurotransmitter pathways or neuroplastic capabilities, reducing oxidative stress, or expression of synaptic proteins. Individuals treated with MOD showed improved memory and learning skills in different conditions. These effects were associated with regulating brain activity in some participants, confirmed by functional magnetic resonance imaging. Presented herein, data support the use of MOD in treating memory and learning deficits in various disease conditions.