Mildronate (Meldonium) is a Soviet anti-ischemic drug primarily used to protect the heart from ischemic damage.
It was developed in the 1970’s in Latvia. At first, it supposed to be a cattle growth promoting compound. Later on, it was discovered that Mildronate has a better usage. Currently, it is used to treat ischemic heart disease, cerebrovascular disorders, and asthenia (aka chronic fatigue).
Mildronate often used recreationally by many people as a performance enhancer, especially by athletes (17% of Russian athletes were Meldonium-positive in 2015). Needless to say that if you are a professional athlete, Mildronate may not suit you well as it is banned by WADA.
Meldonium works by inhibiting carnitine biosynthesis, thus preventing accumulation of fatty acid oxidation byproducts in tissues.
Indications for use are:
- Ischemic heart disease
- Cerebrovascular disorders
- Decreased mental and physical capacity
- Alcohol abstinence syndrom