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



Zamanian MY¹ ; Karimvandi MN² ; Nikbakhtzadeh M³ ; Zahedi E³ ; Bokov DO⁴ ; Kujawska M⁵ ; Heidari M⁶ ; Rahmani MR⁷
Source: Current Molecular Pharmacology Published:2023

Abstract

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 learning-enhancing 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 pro-teins. Individuals treated with MOD showed improved memory and learning skills in different conditions. These effects were associated with regulating brain activity in some participants, con-firmed by functional magnetic resonance imaging. Presented herein, data support the use of MOD in treating memory and learning deficits in various disease conditions. © 2023 Bentham Science Publishers.