Vitamin B1 Derivative Sparks Dopamine, Boosts Wakefulness

Image credit: pch.vector via Freepik. Article by  H. Soya. Neuroscience News – May 18, 2025. Source: University of Tsukuba. Research article: The Journal of Physiological Sciences.

Summary: Thiamine derivatives, once developed to treat nutrient deficiencies, are now being explored for their potential effects on brain function and energy. A new study shows that TTFD, a thiamine derivative, increases dopamine in the brain’s medial prefrontal cortex, leading to enhanced arousal and physical activity in rats. The effect appears to be driven by activation of key brain regions involved in wakefulness, including the ventral tegmental area and locus coeruleus. These findings suggest that TTFD could be used not only for nutritional support but also as a novel approach to boosting alertness and vitality. […]

Click here to view original web page at www.neurosciencenews.com