Compound Monograph
Adenosine
Adenosine is an endogenous purine nucleoside central to energy metabolism and a signalling molecule that promotes sleep and slows the heart.
Classification
Adenosine is a purine nucleoside, part of the other constituents class. Compounds outside the major chemical classes — nucleosides, simple amines, mixed volatile oils, and as-yet uncategorised constituents.
Where Does It Come From? (3)
Adenosine is a naturally occurring (and made in the body) purine nucleoside, found in Cordyceps, Reishi and Samambaia. It is well tolerated orally (low toxicity).
Research & Evidence
Adenosine is a purine nucleoside fundamental to life, forming part of ATP, the cell’s energy currency, as well as of nucleic acids and signalling molecules. As an extracellular signalling molecule it acts on adenosine receptors and has wide-ranging effects: it promotes sleepiness as it accumulates during waking hours (an effect that caffeine blocks by antagonising its receptors), dilates blood vessels, and slows conduction through the heart. This last property is exploited medically, where intravenous adenosine is used to terminate certain rapid heart rhythms.
Toxicity & Safety
Endogenous adenosine is essential and well tolerated. Given as a medication it has a very short duration of action, but it can transiently cause flushing, chest discomfort and a brief pause in the heartbeat, so its clinical use is supervised.