Recent preclinical studies have shown that nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) plays a critical role in molecular mechanisms of axon degeneration, and reductions in NAD+ levels are associated with axonal degeneration. RESULTS: NR supplementation did not result in elevation of plasma NAD+ levels but resulted in a small increase in NAD+ in the skin samples.
Relevant if your routine includes niacinamide, pha.
This research supports adding niacinamide to your AM/PM routine.
Translated from this study's findings, not a personal prescription. Pair with your existing protocol and your practitioner's guidance.
1. J Peripher Nerv Syst. 2026 Mar;31(1):e70101. doi: 10.1111/jns.70101. Evaluation of Nicotinamide Riboside in Prevention of Small Nerve Fiber Axon Degeneration and Promotion of Nerve Regeneration. Thomas S(1), Ben-Davies R(1), Cetinkaya-Fisgin A(1), Hu X(1)(2), Li X(1), Stewart S(1), Pan B(1), Twiss JL(3), Ratan RR(4)(5), Willis D(4)(5), Polydefkis M(1), Höke A(1)(2).
1. J Peripher Nerv Syst. 2026 Mar;31(1):e70101. doi: 10.1111/jns.70101. Evaluation of Nicotinamide Riboside in Prevention of Small Nerve Fiber Axon Degeneration and Promotion of Nerve Regeneration. Thomas S(1), Ben-Davies R(1), Cetinkaya-Fisgin A(1), Hu X(1)(2), Li X(1), Stewart S(1), Pan B(1), Twiss JL(3), Ratan RR(4)(5), Willis D(4)(5), Polydefkis M(1), Höke A(1)(2). Author information: (1)Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA. (2)Merkin Peripheral Neuropathy and Nerve Regeneration Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA. (3)Department of Biological Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA. (4)Burke Neurological Institute, White Plains, New York, USA. (5)Weill Cornell Medicine Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, New York, New York, USA. BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Recent preclinical studies have shown that nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) plays a critical role in molecular mechanisms of axon degeneration, and reductions in NAD+ levels are associated with axonal degeneration. Nicotinamide riboside (NR) is a safe and widely available pyridine-nucleoside form of vitamin B3 and is an NAD+ precursor. METHODS: To investigate if oral supplementation of synthetic NR can act as a therapeutic agent to prevent degeneration of small somatic sensory axons innervating the skin or promote regeneration of these same fibers in humans, we utilized a validated experimental model of cutaneous nerve degeneration and regeneration and conducted a placebo-controlled, double-blinded Phase 2 study. RESULTS: NR supplementation did not result in elevation of plasma NAD+ levels but resulted in a small increase in NAD+ in the skin samples. NR supplementation did not prevent capsaicin-induced degeneration of the epidermal sensory nerve fibers, and there was no difference in the amount of epidermal reinnervation at the 90-day visit. Although there was a small but statistically significant increase in the number of epidermal sensory nerve fibers at the 60-day visit, these results are preliminary and will need to be validated in larger studies. INTERPRETATION: At present oral NR supplementation, at the doses used in this study, cannot be recommended to prevent neuropathy or to improve nerve regeneration. © 2026 Peripheral Nerve Society. DOI: 10.1111/jns.70101 PMID: 41502156 [Indexed for MEDLINE]
Original source →Wounds continue to represent a significant public health challenge globally. In recent years, Astragalus mongholicus Bunge, a traditional Chinese botanical drug utilized for wound treatment, has garnered increasing research attention. However, the therapeutic efficacy and safety of this natural botanical drug on wound healing remain poorly understood.
Friedreich's ataxia is a rare, chronic, progressive, neurodegenerative condition affecting multiple organ systems, including neurological, musculoskeletal, cardiac, and endocrine systems, and is marked by low cardiopulmonary fitness. We tested the effect of exercise and NAD+ precursor supplementation with nicotinamide riboside, which have each shown benefits in animal and early clinical studies, on cardiopulmonary fitness in individuals with Friedreich's ataxia. This 12-week, outpatient, phase 2, single-site (Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA), randomised, 2 × 2 factorial clinical trial recruited individuals aged 10-40 years with an ejection fraction of 45% or greater who were able to exercise.
Nicotinamide (NAM) and Polypodium leucotomos extract (PL) have demonstrated photoprotective effects, but their role in preventing UVA-induced DNA damage in humans remains unclear. To evaluate the effects of oral NAM and PL on UVA-induced erythema and thymidine dimer (TT-dimer) formation. In this intraindividual trial, 50 healthy volunteers (phototypes I-III) were randomized (1:1) to receive either NAM (2000 mg daily) or PL (Heliocare Advanced: 480 mg daily) for 30 days.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Individual results vary. Consult a qualified dermatologist or healthcare professional for medical concerns. Full disclaimer →