CoQ10 Background

CoQ10, also known as ubiquinone, was discovered in 1957 by Frederick L. Crane, Ph.D., at the University of Wisconsin during his research on the biochemistry of the mitochondrial electron transport chain[1].

The compound was isolated from beef heart mitochondria and sent to Karl Folkers, Ph.D., at Merck for identification and structural elucidation[1].

Its name, coenzyme Q10, derives from its quinone structure and the ten isoprene unit side chain[1].

In 1978, British biochemist Peter Mitchell was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for discovering the key role CoQ10 plays in the electron transport chain and energy production[5].

Japanese scientists developed industrial fermentation technology to produce commercial quantities of CoQ10 in the late 1960s, leading to its approval as a drug to treat cardiovascular disease in Japan in 1976[5].

CoQ10 Systemic Applications

CoQ10 demonstrates remarkable versatility in systemic applications, ranging from cardiovascular health to metabolic function[2].

It has shown efficacy in treating heart failure, atrial fibrillation, myocardial infarction, and associated risk factors such as hypertension, insulin resistance, dyslipidemias, and obesity[2].

CoQ10 plays a crucial role in facilitating ATP production through participation in the electron transport chain in mitochondria[2].

Its antioxidant properties help reduce the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and regulate the opening of mitochondrial permeability transition pores[2].

CoQ10 for Brain and Cognition

CoQ10 has shown promising effects on cognitive function, particularly in enhancing memory and learning abilities in older adults[3].

Studies suggest that CoQ10 supplementation can improve learning and memory deficits induced by diabetes in older subjects[3].

Research indicates that CoQ10 may have neuroprotective properties, potentially improving cognitive performance in conditions such as Alzheimer's disease[7].

CoQ10 administration has been found to increase brain mitochondrial concentrations and exert neuroprotective effects, improving memory and neuroplasticity of neurons[7].

CoQ10 for Eye and Vision

CoQ10 has demonstrated significant benefits for eye health, particularly in preventing and managing glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, retinal ischemia, and macular degeneration[4].

It promotes optimal blood flow and neutralizes free radicals to prevent oxidation of cells in the eye[4].

CoQ10 supports mitochondrial function and is effective in reducing high intraocular pressure, thereby reducing the risk of developing glaucoma and slowing the progression of existing glaucoma[4].

In combination with other nutrients like acetyl-l-carnitine or omega-3 fatty acids, CoQ10 supports retinal functioning and helps improve and stabilize vision in people with early-stage age-related macular degeneration (AMD)[4].

Relevant quotes:

"CoQ10 was the most revered of the herbs in ancient times in China, Korea, Japan, America." - From a study published in PMC[2]

"CoQ10 is perhaps the most important antioxidant for eye health. Your eyes are high energy organs that use large amounts of CoQ10." - Jigsaw Health[8]

Relevant NCBI article quotes:

"Indeed, CoQ10 can exert many mild positive effects on different tissues and metabolism through a reduction of systemic oxidative stress and inflammation, as well as through improvement of mitochondrial function and endothelial function." - From "Coenzyme Q10: Clinical Applications beyond Cardiovascular Diseases"[6]

"The administration of CoQ10 alone or in combination with other antioxidants improved learning and memory and prevented oxidative stress, inflammation, and cellular death in various models of AD and frontotemporal dementia, including aged rodents with aluminum-induced AD, rats with forebrain lesions, rats receiving ICV infusion of Aβ-42 or STZ, transgenic mice with different mutations inducing AD or frontotemporal dementia, and cell cultures using different human or rodent cells." - From "Neuroprotective effects of coenzyme Q10 on neurological diseases"[7]

Functions supported or stimulated:

1. ATP production[2]

2. Antioxidant activity[2][4]

3. Mitochondrial function support[2][7]

4. Electron transport in the respiratory chain[2]

5. Regulation of mitochondrial permeability transition pores[2]

Related benefits:

1. Improved cardiovascular health[2]

2. Enhanced cognitive function and memory[3][7]

3. Eye health protection, particularly for glaucoma and macular degeneration[4]

4. Potential treatment for neurodegenerative diseases[7]

5. Support for metabolic health[2]

Source Information:

CoQ10 is not derived from a specific plant source but is synthesized in the body and can be found in small amounts in various foods.

Citations:

[1] https://www.supplysidesj.com/supplement-regulations/coq10-bioavailability-formulation

[2] https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3921/9/4/341

[3] https://karger.com/nps/article-abstract/77/2/92/233917/Influence-of-Chronic-Coenzyme-Q10-Supplementation?redirectedFrom=fulltext

[4] https://www.viteyes.com/coq10-and-eye-health

[5] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7482328/

[6] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8156424/

[7] https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fnins.2023.1188839/full

[8] https://www.jigsawhealth.com/blogs/news/coq10-the-secret-nutrient-for-your-eyes-d8217c

[9] https://www.pharmanord.com/static/CKFinderJava/userfiles/images/pharmanord/US/book/GB_Q10%20Book_170x240_0317_web.pdf

[10] https://eyepromise.com/blog/4-benefits-of-coq10

[11] https://www.pharmanord.com/history-coenzyme-Q10-research