Abstract
Pantethine is the active, stable form of pantothenic acid (vitamin B5). Oral administration of pantethine has consistently shown a favorable impact on lipid risk factors in individuals with hypercholesterolemia, arteriosclerosis, and diabetes. Pantethine administration has also been shown to favorably affect parameters associated with platelet lipid composition and cell membrane fluidity. Due to its role in the formation of coenzyme A (CoA), pantethine might assist with detoxification of some xenobiotic compounds. Administration also appears to favorably impact adrenal cortex function. In several animal models, preliminary studies have indicated a protective effect against cataract formation.