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Co-Q10, mitoquinone, ubidecarenone, ubiquinone

Brand

Co-Q10, Vitamin Q10, Neuquinone, Taidecanone, Heartcin, Ubiquinone (to name a few)

Availability

25 mg, 50 mg, tablets
10 mg, 30 mg, 60 mg, capsules

Pharmacology

Coenzyme Q10 is a compound that is made naturally in the body. A coenzyme is a substance that is required for an enzyme to work properly. It is a protein that speeds up chemical reactions that take place in the body. The Q and the 10 in coenzyme Q10 refer to parts of the compounds chemical structure.

A component of coenzyme Q10 are ubiquinones which are lipid-soluable, and involved in energy transport within the mitochondria of cells. Coenzyme Q10 is similar to many vitamins in that it is fat-soluable. Its chemical structure is like that of vitamin K.

Coenzyme Q10 is used by the cells to produce energy for maintenance and growth of the cell. It is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from chemicals called free radicals that can harm the cell’s membrane and DNA. Very simply, it protects tissues from ischemic celluar damage.

Coenzyme Q10 is found in the organs of most mammals. The highest concentrations have been found in the heart, liver, kidneys, and pancreas. The lowest amounts are found in the lungs.

Animal studies have found that coenzyme Q10 stimulated the immune system and increased resistance to disease.

Coenzyme Q10 is classified as a nutritional supplement. The classification is defined by the U.S. Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act, Oct. 25, 1994, and states that to be a nutritional supplement it should contain one or more of the following dietary ingredients: a vitamin, mineral, amino acid, herb or other botanical; and that it be intended for ingestion in the form of a pill, capsule, tablet, gel-cap or liquid form. Also that it not be represented as a conventional food or as a sole item of a meal or the diet, and that it is labeled as a dietary supplement.

Indications

Used as supplemental treatment in heart failure, ischemic heart disease, immunodeficiency, and some neurodegenerative diseases.

Drug Interactions or Contraindications

Oral antidiabetic agents may inhibit some coenzyme Q10 enzymes. Use together cautiously.

Coenzyme Q10 may be reduced when administered with Warfarin.

Coenzyme Q10 may increase the effects of: diltiazem, metoprolol, enalapril, and nitrate, use together cautiously.

The beta-blockers like atenolol, labetolol, metoprolol, and propranolol may reduce effects of coenzyme Q10.

Tricyclics like amitriptyline, amoxapine, clomipramine, desipramine, doxepin, imipramine, nortriptyline, protriptyline, and trimipramine may also reduce effects of coenzyme Q10.

Coenzyme Q10 may help reduce toxic effects of cancer chemo agents doxorubicin and daunorubicin.

Adverse Reactions

No significant side effects reported at this time.

Dosage Recommendations

10 mg to 30 mg PO daily  ³

Considerations

Always check with veterinarian prior to giving coenzyme Q10, if your rat is currently on other medications.

References

Coenzyme Q10 administration increases brain mitochondrial concentrations and exerts neuroprotective effects.
Matthews RT, Yang L, Browne S, Baik M, Beal MF.
Neurochemistry Laboratory, Neurology Service, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=9671775&dopt=Abstract

Possible Health Benefits of Coenzyme Q10
Roland Stocker, Ph.D.
University of New South Wales
Sydney, Australia
http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/f-w02/coenzymeq10.html

Co-Q10 Energizes the Heart and Brain
By Carmia Borek, Ph.D.
July 1999 Issue of Nutrition Science News
http://exchange.healthwell.com/nutritionsciencenews/nsn_backs/Jul_99/nutrientreview.cfm

Posted on July 25, 2003, 18:13, Last updated on September 13, 2007, 19:04 | Herbals & Health Supplements