CoQ10 Research Articles

List of Scientific Research Papers and Articles on CoQ10 at bottom of the page.

1) CoQ10

Benefits of CoQ10 (Ubiquinone)

CoQ10 is a vitamin-like compound that is produced naturally in the human body and is also found in most living organisms. It is also called ubiquinone, a combination of quinone, a type of coenzyme, and ubiquitous, meaning it exists everywhere in the human body. CoQ10 plays an important role in your body's energy production and is an essential component of the mitochondria, where it helps to metabolize fats and carbohydrates and maintain cell membrane flexibility. CoQ10 is also involved in the production of several key enzymes that are used to create ATP, which is burned by your body for energy, and in the energy transfer between mitochondria and cells. Without CoQ10, you would not be able to function!

History
CoQ10 was first discovered by Dr. Frederick Crane of the University of Wisconsin in 1957. One year later, Professor Karl Folkers and others at Merck Incorporated identified and recorded CoQ10's chemical structure, and were the first to produce it through fermentation. Intermittent research led to its use in Japan for cardiac insufficiencies during the 1960's. Dr. Folkers championed more intensive research into CoQ10's role in cardiovascular health in 1972, after he and an Italian scientist, Gian Paolo Littarru, discovered that persons with cardiac insufficiencies had very low levels of CoQ10, and supplementation increased CoQ10 levels and positively affected heart health. Soon afterwards, the Japanese developed a method that allowed pure CoQ10 to be produced in quantities large enough for significant clinical trials. During the 1980's this method was perfected in Japan, and medical technology finally allowed scientists to measure CoQ10 levels in blood and tissues, leading to a surge in further research. It was during this time that a Swedish researcher, Lars Ernster, drew attention to CoQ10's role as a free radical-scavenging antioxidant. Today a multitude of research supports CoQ10's health benefits.

As a result of the overwhelmingly positive reports from studies conducted since CoQ10's discovery, the Japanese were the first to approve widespread use of CoQ10, granting market approval for it in 1974. From 1974 to 1982, CoQ10 use in Japan grew rapidly until it was one of the most widely used products in the Japanese pharmaceutical industry. It is still widely used today, and has a long history of safe use. In "An Introduction To Coenzyme Q10" by Peter H. Langsjoen, M.D., F.A.C.C., he lists the substantial amount of scientific evidence that supports CoQ10's benefits. "Internationally, there have been at least nine placebo controlled studies on the treatment of heart disease with CoQ10: two in Japan, two in the United States, two in Italy, two in Germany, and one in Sweden. All nine of these studies have confirmed the effectiveness of CoQ10 as well as its remarkable safety. There have now been eight international symposia on the biomedical and clinical aspects of CoQ10 (from 1976 through 1993). These eight symposia comprised over 3000 papers presented by approximately 200 different physicians and scientists from 18 countries." "The majority of the clinical studies concerned the treatment of heart disease and were remarkably consistent in their conclusions: that treatment with CoQ10 significantly improved heart muscle function while producing no adverse effects or drug interactions."

How does it help?
Virtually every cell of the human body contains CoQ10. The mitochondria, the area of cells where energy is produced, contain the most CoQ10. The heart and liver contain the greatest amount of CoQ10. It has helped some people with congestive heart failure(CHF) an effect reported in an analysis of eight controlled trials and found in some, though not all, double-blind studies. The beneficial effects of CoQ10 may not be seen until after several months of treatment. Discontinuation of CoQ10 supplementation in people with CHF has resulted in severe relapses and should only be attempted under the supervision of a doctor.

Similar improvements have been reported in people with cardiomyopathies a group of diseases affecting heart muscle. Research (including double-blind studies) in this area has been consistently positive.

Also, due to its effect on heart muscle, researchers have studied CoQ10 in people with heart arrhythmias. Preliminary research in this area reported improvement after approximately one month in people with premature ventricular beats (a form of arrhythmia) who also suffer from diabetes.

Angina patients taking 280 mg per day of CoQ10 report a greater ability to exercise without experiencing chest pain. This has been confirmed in independent investigations.

CoQ10 appears to increase the heart's tolerance to a lack of oxygen. Perhaps as a result, preliminary research has shown that problems resulting from heart surgery occurred less frequently in people given CoQ10 compared with the control group.

Muscle mitochondria lack adequate CoQ10 in people with muscular dystrophy, a problem that could affect muscle function. In a double-blind three-month trial, four of eight people with muscular dystrophy had improvements in heart function and sense of well-being when supplementing CoQ10.

Mitochondrial function also appears to be impaired in people with Alzheimer's disease. Due to CoQ10's effects on mitochondrial functioning, one group of researchers has given CoQ10 (along with iron and vitamin B6) to several people with Alzheimer's disease and reported the progression of the disease appeared to have been prevented for one and a half, to two years.

CoQ10 also modulates immunity. Perhaps as a result, a few cases have been reported in which women with metastatic breast cancer (cancer that had spread to other tissues) had a regression of their cancer after treatment with CoQ10 (390 mg per day).

CoQ10 appears to modulate blood pressure by reducing resistance to blood flow. Several trials have reported that supplementation with CoQ10 significantly reduced blood pressure in people with hypertension, usually after ten weeks to four or more months of treatment.

Where is it found?
CoQ10 is found primarily in fish and meat, but the amounts in food are far less than what can be obtained from supplements.

Who is likely to be deficient?
Deficiency is poorly understood, but it may be caused by synthesis problems in the body rather than an insufficiency in the diet. Low blood levels have been reported in people with heart failure, cardiomyopathy, gingivitis(inflammation of the gums), morbid obesity, hypertension, muscular dystrophy, diabetes, AIDS, and in some people on kidney dialysis. People with phenylketonuria (PKU) may be deficient in CoQ10 because of dietary restrictions. CoQ10 levels are also generally lower in older people as the decline starts in the mid 30s. So the over 40s may generally benefit from supplementation The test used to assess CoQ10 status is not routinely available from medical laboratories.

Benefits
* may beneficially affect the aging process
* improves heart muscle function
* increased energy levels in those suffering from fatigue
* reduces blood pressure in people with hypertension
* boosts overall immune function
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2) Coenzyme Q10

Overview:
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a substance that’s found naturally in the body and helps convert food into energy. CoQ10 is found in almost every cell in the body, and it is a powerful antioxidant.

Antioxidants fight damaging particles in the body known as free radicals, which damage cell membranes, tamper with DNA, and even cause cell death. Scientists believe free radicals contribute to the aging process, as well as a number of health problems, including heart disease and cancer.

Antioxidants, such as CoQ10, can neutralize free radicals and may reduce or even help prevent some of the damage they cause.
Some researchers believe that CoQ10 may help with heart-related conditions, because it can improve energy production in cells, prevent blood clot formation, and act as an antioxidant.

Uses:
Some studies suggest that coenzyme Q10 supplements, either by themselves or in with other drug therapies, may help prevent or treat the following conditions:

After Heart Attack
One clinical study found that people who took daily CoQ10 supplements within 3 days of a heart attack were less likely to have subsequent heart attacks and chest pain. They were also less likely to die of heart disease than those who did not take the supplements.

Heart failure (HF)
There’s evidence that CoQ10 may help treat heart failure when combined with conventional medications. People who have congestive heart failure, where the heart isn't able to pump blood as well as it should, may also have low levels of CoQ10. Heart failure can cause blood to pool in parts of the body, such as the lungs and legs. It can also cause shortness of breath. Several clinical studies suggests that CoQ10 supplements help reduce swelling in the legs; reduce fluid in the lungs, making breathing easier; and increase exercise capacity in people with heart failure.

High blood pressure
Several clinical studies involving small numbers of people suggest that CoQ10 may lower blood pressure. However, it may take 4 - 12 weeks to see any change. In one analysis, after reviewing 12 clinical studies, researchers concluded that CoQ10 has the potential to lower systolic blood pressure by up to 17 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure by 10 mm Hg, without significant side effects.

High cholesterol
People with high cholesterol tend to have lower levels of CoQ10, so CoQ10 has been proposed as a treatment for high cholesterol, but so far there’s no evidence whether it works or not. There is some evidence it may reduce side effects from conventional treatment with cholesterol-lowering drugs called statins, which reduce natural levels of CoQ10 in the body. Taking CoQ10 supplements can bring levels back to normal. Plus, studies show that CoQ10 may decrease the muscle pain associated with statin treatment.

Diabetes
CoQ10 supplements may improve heart health and blood sugar and help manage high blood pressure in people with diabetes. Two studies found that 100 mg of CoQ10 twice daily improved A1c levels, a measure of long-term blood sugar control.

Heart damage caused by chemotherapy
Several clinical studies suggest that CoQ10 may help prevent heart damage caused by certain chemotherapy drugs, Adriamycin, or other Athracycline medications.

Heart surgery
Clinical research indicates that introducing CoQ10 prior to heart surgery, including bypass surgery and heart transplantation, can reduce damage caused by free radicals, strengthen heart function, and lower the incidence of irregular heart beat (arrhythmias) during the recovery phase.

Gum (Periodontal) disease
Gum disease is a common problem that causes swelling, bleeding, pain, and redness of the gums. Clinical studies show that people with gum disease tend to have low levels of CoQ10 in their gums. A few studies with small numbers of people found that CoQ10 supplements led to faster healing and tissue repair.

Other
Preliminary clinical studies also suggest that CoQ10 may:

Improve immune function in people with HIV or AIDS
Increase sperm motility, improving male fertility
Be used as part of the treatment for Parkinson's disease
Improve exercise ability in people with angina
Help prevent migraines

Dietary Sources:
Primary dietary sources of CoQ10 include oily fish (such as salmon and tuna), organ meats (such as liver), and whole grains. Most people don’t get enough CoQ10 through a balanced diet and supplements may help especially people with particular health conditions (see "Uses" section) or those taking certain medications (see "Interactions" section).

Available Forms:
CoQ10 is available as a supplement in several forms, including soft gel capsules, oral spray, hard shell capsules, and tablets. CoQ10 is also added to various cosmetics.

How to Take It:
Pediatric
Don' t give CoQ10 to a child under 18 except under the supervision of a health care provider.

Adult
For adults 19 years and older: The recommended dose for CoQ10 supplementation is 200 - 400 mg daily. Higher doses may be recommended for specific conditions.

CoQ10 is fat-soluble, so it should be taken with a meal containing fat so your body can absorb it.

Precautions:
Because of the potential for side effects and interactions with medications, you should take dietary supplements only under the supervision of a knowledgeable health care provider.
Coenzyme Q10 appears to be generally safe with no major side effects, except occasional stomach upset. However, researchers haven't done studies and don't know if CoQ10 supplements are safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

CoQ10 may lower blood sugar, so people with diabetes should talk with their health care provider before taking it to avoid the risk of low blood sugar.

Possible Interactions:

If you are being treated with any of the following medications, you should not use CoQ10 without first talking to your health care provider.

Chemotherapy – CoQ10 may reduce the toxicity of chemotherapy agents.

Blood pressure medications -- CoQ10 may work with blood pressure medications to lower blood pressure. In a clinical study of people taking blood pressure medications, adding CoQ10 supplements allowed them to lower the doses of these medications. More research is needed, however. If you take medication for high blood pressure, talk to your health care provider before taking CoQ10, and don' t stop taking your regular medication.

Blood-thinning medications -- There have been reports that CoQ10 may make medications such as warfarin (Coumadin) or clopidigrel (Plavix) less effective at thinning the blood. If you take blood thinners, ask your health care provider before taking CoQ10 as your Doctor may need to reduce your blood thinning medication.

Betaxolol (Betoptic) -- CoQ10 supplements may reduce the heart-related side effects of betaxolol drops (Betoptic), a beta-blocker medication used to treat glaucoma, without making the medication any less effective.

Other -- Medications that can lower the levels of CoQ10 in the body include:

Statins for cholesterol, including atorvastatin (Lipitor), lovastatin (Mevacor), pravastatin (Pravachol), and simvastatin (Zocor)
Fibric acid derivatives for cholesterol, including gemfibrozil (Lopid)
Beta-blockers for high blood pressure, such as atenolol (Tenormin), labetolol (Normodyne), metoprolol (Lopressor or Toprol), and propranolol (Inderal)
Tricyclic antidepressant medications, including amitriptyline (Elavil), doxepin (Sinequan), and imipramine (Tofranil).

Alternative Names:
CoQ10; Ubiquinone, Co-Q10, Co-Enzyme Q10, Ubidecarenone
MD After a person’s name means Medical Doctor (American)

Reviewed last on: 3/31/2011
Steven D. Ehrlich, NMD, Solutions Acupuncture, a private practice specializing in complementary and alternative medicine, Phoenix, AZ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

Supporting Research
Aguilaniu H, Durieux J, Dillin A. Metabolism, ubiquinone synthesis, and longevity. Genes Dev. 2005;19(20):2399-406.
Al-Hasso. Coenzyme Q10: a review. Hosp Pharm. 2001;36(1):51-66.
Beal MF. Therapeutic effects of coenzyme Q10 in neurodegenerative diseases. Methods Enzymol. 2004;382:473-87.
Belardinelli R, Mucaj A, Lacalaprice F, et al., Coenzyme Q10 and exercise training in chronic heart failure. Eur Heart J. 2006;27(22):2675-81.
Berthold HK, Naini A, Di Mauro S, Hallikainen M, Gylling H, Krone W, Gouni-Berthold I. Effect of ezetimibe and/or simvastatin on coenzyme Q10 levels in plasma: a randomised trial. Drug Saf. 2006;29(8):703-12.
Caso G, Kelly P, McNurlan MA, Lawson WE. Effect of coenzyme q10 on myopathyic symptoms in patients treated with statins. Am J Cardiol. 2007;99(10):1409-12.
Dhanasekaran M, Ren J. The emerging role of coenzyme Q-10 in aging, neurodegeneration, cardiovascular disease, cancer and diabetes mellitus. Curr Neurovasc Res. 2005;2(5):447-59.
de Bustos F, Molina JA, Jimenez-Jimenz FJ, Garcia-Redondo A, Gomez-Escalonilla C, Porta-Etessam J, et al. Serum levels of coenzyme Q10 in patients with Alzheimer's disease. J Neural Transm. 2000;107(2):233-239.
Heck AM, DeWitt BA, Lukes AL. Potential interactions between alternative therapies and warfarin. Am J Health-System Pharm. 2000;57(13):1221-1227.
Hodgson JM, Watts GF, Playford DA, et al. Coenzyme Q(10) improves blood pressure and glycaemic control: a controlled trial in subjects with type 2 diabetes. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2002;56:1137-1142.
Khan M, Gross J, Haupt H, et al., A pilot clinical trial of the effects of coenzyme Q10 on chronic tinnitus aurium. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2007;136(1):72-7.
Khatta M, Alexander BS, Krichten CM, Fisher ML, Freudenberger R, Robinson SW et al. The effect of conenzyme Q10 in patients with congestive heart failure. Ann Int Med. 2000;132(8):636-640.
Langsjoen PH, Langsjoen JO, Langsjoen AM, Lucas LA. Treatment of statin adverse effects with supplemental Coenzyme Q10 and statin drug discontinuation. Biofactors. 2005;25(1-4):147-52.
Levy G, Kaufmann P, Buchsbaum R, et al., A two-stage design for a phase II clinical trial of coenzyme Q10 in ALS. Neurology. 2006;66(5):660-3.
McCarty MF. Toward practical prevention of type 2 diabetes. Med Hypotheses. 2000;54(5):786-793.
Nahas R. Complementary and alternative medicine approaches to blood pressure reduction: An evidence-based review. Can Fam Physician. 2008 Nov;54(11):1529-33. Review.
Ochiai A, Itagaki S, Kurokawa T, Kobayashi M, Hirano T, Iseki K. Improvement in intestinal coenzyme q10 absorption by food intake. Yakugaku Zasshi. 2007;127(8):1251-4.
Ostrowski RP. Effect of coenzyme Q(10) on biochemical and morphological changes in experimental ischemia in the rat brain. Brain Res Bull. 2000;53(4):399-407.
Palan PR, Connell K, Ramirez E, Inegbenijie C, Gavara RY, Ouseph JA, Mikhail MS. Effects of menopause and hormone replacement therapy on serum levels of coenzyme Q10 and other lipid-soluble antioxidants. Biofactors. 2005;25(1-4):61-6.
Quinzii CM, Dimauro S, Hirano M. Human coenzyme q(10) deficiency. Neurochem Res. 2007;32(4-5):723-7.
Raitakari OT, McCredie RJ, Witting P, Griffiths KA, Letter J, Sullivan D, Stocker R, Celermajer DS. Coenzyme Q improves LDL resistance to ex vivo oxidation but does not enhance endothelial function in hypercholesterolemic young adults. Free Radic Biol Med. 2000;28(7):1100-1105.
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Rosenfeldt FL, Haas SJ, Krum H, Hadj A, Ng K, Leong JY, Watts GF. Conenzyme Q10 in the treatment of hypertension: a meta-analysis of the clinical trials. J Hum Hypertens. 2007;21(4):297-306.
Rosenfeldt F, Hilton D, Pepe S, Krum H. Systematic review of effect of coenzyme Q10 in physical exercise, hypertension and heart failure. Biofactors. 2003;18(1-4):91-100.
Salles JE, Moises VA, Almeida DR, Chacra AR, Moises RS. Myocardial dysfunction in mitochondrial diabetes treated with Coenzyme Q10. Diabetes Res Clin Pract. 2006;72(1):100-3.
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3) Treatment of Heart Disease with Coenzyme Q10

C J Miller January 2012

Since its discovery in the late 1950s Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) has received much attention as a necessary compound for proper cellular function. It is the essential coenzyme necessary for the production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate) upon which all cellular functions depend. Without ATP our bodies cannot function properly. Without CoQ10, ATP cannot function. This connection has made CoQ10 a very important object of study in relation to chronic disease.

In many cases the presence of chronic disease is associated with inadequate levels of CoQ10. But no area of study has received more attention than the relation between CoQ10 and heart disease. That is because CoQ10 is believed to be of fundamental importance in cells with high metabolic demands such as cardiac cells. A further reason the connection of heart disease and CoQ10 has gained so much attention is because heart conditions of many kinds are associated with chronically low CoQ10 levels.

CoQ10 is highly concentrated in heart muscle cells because of their high energy requirements. Add this to the fact that heart disease is the number one killer in developed and developing countries and one can see why the bulk of scientific research on CoQ10 has been concerned with heart disease.

Specifically, studies on congestive heart failure have demonstrated a strong correlation between the severity of heart failure and the degree of CoQ10 deficiency. The lower the levels of CoQ10 in the heart muscles the more severe the heart failure. If indeed CoQ10 deficiency is a primary cause of congestive heart failure then, in such cases, the remedy is simple and cost effective; CoQ10 supplementation.
Congestive heart failure is a condition where the heart does not pump effectively resulting in an accumulation of fluid in the lungs. Symptoms may include shortness of breath, difficulty breathing when lying flat and leg or ankle swelling. Causes include chronic hypertension, cardiomyopathy (primary heart disease) and myocardial infarction (irreversible injury to heart muscles).

Heart muscle strength is measure by the ejection fraction which is a measure of the fraction of blood pumped out of the heart with each beat. A low ejection fraction indicates a weak heart.

Several trials have been conducted involving patients with enlarged weak heart muscles of unknown causes. For those of you who like difficult phrases this condition (or variety of conditions) is known as idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy. In these trials CoQ10 supplementation was compared to placebo effects. Standard treatments for heart failure were not discontinued. The results were measured by echocardiography (a diagnostic test which uses ultrasound waves to make images of the heart chambers, valves and surrounding structures).

The overall results of CoQ10 supplementation demonstrated a steady and continued improvement in heart function as well as steady and continued reduction in patient symptoms including fatigue, chest pains, palpitations and breathing difficulty. Patients with more establish and long-term cases showed gradual improvement but did not gain normal heart function.

Patients with newer cases of heart failure demonstrated much more rapid improvement often returning to normal heart function.
Papers numbering in the hundreds from eight different symposia have been written and presented on the effects of CoQ10 on heart disease. International clinical studies have also been conducted in the United States, Japan, Germany, Italy and Sweden. Together these studies and the papers that have been derived from them demonstrate significant improvement in heart muscle function while causing no adverse effects.

One particular area of study involves diastolic dysfunction which is one of the earliest signs of myocardial failure. Diastole is the phase of the cardiac cycle when the heart is filled with returning blood. Because this phase requires more cellular energy than the systolic phase (when the blood is pushed out of the heart) it is more dependent on CoQ10.

Diastolic dysfunction is a stiffening of the heart muscle which naturally restricts the heart’s ability to pump. This condition is associated with many cardiac disorders. Hypertension is among these disorders. As the heart muscles become stiff there is often a corresponding rise in blood pressure. When the diastolic dysfunction is reversed, blood pressure tends to lower as well.

In one study involving 109 patients with hypertension, CoQ10 supplementation was added to normal hypertension treatments. In an average of 4.4 months 51% of the patients were able stop using at least one blood pressure lowering medication. Some were able to stop using up to three medications. Another study produced similar results. In that study 43% of 424 patients were able to stop using between one and three cardiovascular drugs because of CoQ10 supplementation.

These examples are just a drop in the bucket. Diastolic dysfunction (and by proxy, hypertension) includes only a small sampling of heart conditions that respond favourably to CoQ10 supplementation. Other areas of research show great promise for CoQ10 treatments. Among these are cancer and AIDS. But such conditions are beyond the scope of this essay. CoQ10 is essential to the proper functioning of all cell types. It is not surprising, therefore, to find a diverse number of diseases that respond favourably to CoQ10 supplementation. Since all metabolically active tissues are highly sensitive to CoQ10 deficiency, we can expect to see CoQ10 research expand to many other areas of chronic diseases.
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4) About CoQ10

What is a Coenzyme?

A coenzyme is a substance needed for the proper functioning of an enzyme, a protein that speeds up the rate at which chemical reactions take place in the body. Coenzymes are vital participants in many of the ongoing chemical reactions in our bodies that are the very essence of life.

CoQ10 which is also called Ubiquinone/Ubiquinol (from ubiquitous - found everywhere) is a vitamin like substance that is found in almost all living cells. Without CoQ10 we would die. Unlike vitamins that must be obtained from external sources (by way of our food or by supplementation), CoQ10 is synthesised in the body although this is a complex process which can be inhibited especially if there is a deficiency of other essential nutrients.

Also under certain circumstances (e.g. after strenuous exercise, or in times of illness, or as a result of taking some pharmaceutical drugs) production of CoQ10 cannot always meet the body's requirements for it. In addition, research shows that from the age of 20, production of CoQ10 slows down. This is why CoQ10 is considered to be a 'conditionally essential nutrient'.

In order that our vital organs, the heart, liver, kidneys etc are able to function properly and meet their energy requirements, they depend on receiving and maintaining a sufficient supply of CoQ10. Coenzyme Q10 is therefore recognized as a vital component in the process in the mitochondria (the power-plants of our cells) that convert the energy in the foods that we eat into the fuel (known as Adenozine Triphosphate - ATP) necessary to drive cellular machinery in the body.

In addition to the important process which provides energy, CoQ10 also stabilizes cell membranes and acts as an antioxidant. In this capacity, it destroys free radicals, the unstable molecules that can cause damage to normal cells in the body.

The Chemical Structure of CoQ10

Coenzyme Q10 is a two part compound. The 'Q' stands for Quinone (any class of aromatic yellow compounds that are biologically important as coenzymes or acceptors or vitamins). The '10' stands for the number of isoprenoid units in the tail portion of the molecule. Mammals generally have 10 isoprenoid units in the tail portion.

The History of CoQ10

As with other amazing breakthroughs in medicine, CoQ10 was discovered by chance when researchers were looking for a vitamin that could bridge a gap in the mitochondrial energy conversion process.
The story goes back to 1957 and to a Wisconsin University laboratory where researchers were conducting experiments on mitochondria in beef hearts.

One of the researchers, Dr Frederick Crane PhD noticed some yellow crystals in a test tube containing lipid which had been extracted from the mitochondria and stored in a refrigerator for future investigation. Dr Crane felt these crystals deserved a second 'look' and when he used a technique called light absorption spectrum he identified the substance as a quinone (a family of organic compounds that have properties related to energy conversion).

With his curiosity now aroused, Dr Crane sent off a sample of the yellow substance to Dr Karl Folkers PhD who at the time was a leading biochemist at Merck Sharpe and Dohme Laboratories in New Jersey. Dr Folkers confirmed that the substance was a quinone and he identified it's chemical structure as 2,3 dimethoxy-5 methyl-6 decaprenyl-1,4 benzoquinone.

The researchers had stumbled onto the missing link and it would turn out to be a very significant link.
Dr Folkers left Merck Sharp and Dohme in 1963 to take up a position as president of the Stanford Research Institute. He held this position for five years before moving on where for the next thirty years he was research professor of chemistry and later director of the Institute for Biomedical research at the University of Texas in Austin.

Until his death in 1997 at the age of 91, Dr Folkers conducted and encouraged research on the biochemistry and clinical applications of CoQ10.

Chronological History

1957: Frederick Crane first isolates Coenzyme Q10 from beef hearts.
1958: The precise chemical structure of CoQ10 is determined by Dr Karl Folkers
1965: Coenzyme Q7 (which is a related compound) was first used by Professor Yamamura of Japan in congestive heart failure.
1972: Italian researcher Dr Gian Paolo Littarru and Dr Karl Folkers determine that there is a deficiency of CoQ10 in heart disease.
1974: The Japanese develop and perfect a fermentation process that enables pure CoQ10 to be produced in commercial quantities.
1976: Japanese hospitals place Coenzyme Q10 on the formulary.
1978: English Biochemist Peter Mitchell Ph.D receives a Nobel Prize in chemistry for CoQ10 and energy transfer.
1982: CoQ10 consumption in Japan makes it one of the country's top five medications
1980's Huge increase in the number and size of clinical studies in many countries.
1985: Dr Per Langsjoen from the United States reports on double blind studies that show the significant impact CoQ10 has in cardiomyopathy.
1986: Dr Folkers (known as the father of CoQ10) was acknowledged by the American Chemical Society and was awarded the prestigious Priestly Medal for his research into CoQ10.
1986: Dr Emile Bliznakov who was then President and Scientific Director of the Lupus Research Institute first publishes his best selling book 'The Miracle Nutrient Coenzyme Q10'.
1990's Health food industry embraces CoQ10.
1992: The Manchester Memorial Hospital in Connecticut USA places CoQ10 on the formulary.
1996: In Ancona Italy the 9th International conference on CoQ10 was held. At this convention, researchers and physicians reported on medical conditions improved by the administration of CoQ10.
1997: A division of American Corporation Tishcon (headed by Raj Chopra) develops the 'Bio Solv' process, a breakthrough which significantly improves the bioavailability of CoQ10 supplementation.
1997: Textbooks of mainstream cardiology include information about CoQ10.
2007 Kaneka Corporation in Japan overcomes stability issues and manufactures the 'reduced' (non oxidised) form of CoQ10 known as Ubiquinol. Previously all forms of CoQ10 have been Ubiquinone.

CoQ10 Facts

Because it is found in every cell in the body it is not a 'foreign' substance.
It is considered to be totally safe. Mild side effects have been reported in some people - nausea, diarrhoea, too much energy and loss of appetite. These symptoms generally disappear if CoQ10 is taken after a meal.
It is sold in the United States in Europe and in New Zealand as a nutritional supplement but in Japan until 2001 it was prescribed as a 'drug' by physicians and in hospitals. It is now classified in Japan as a nutritional supplement.
Most of the world's CoQ10 is manufactured in Japan for distribution worldwide. Japanese Company Kaneka has recently built a factory in the United States.

Research

Much research has been conducted into the role that Coq10 might have in:

A wide range of heart problems including: congestive heart failure, arrhythmias and mitral valve prolapse and angina pectoris.
Boosting recovery after cardiac surgery.
Reducing blood pressure and blood lipids.
Building a strong immune system as a defence against all forms of disease
Reducing many of the serious side effects of cholesterol and other prescription drugs such as adriamycin, beta blockers and psychiatric drugs.
Maintaining a healthy brain and looking at whether Q10 might be helpful with diseases such as Parkinson's Alzheimer's and hereditary Ataxia.
Chronic gum disease
The body as an antioxidant
Slowing the aging process
Assisting chronic fatigue sufferers.
Assisting in weight loss by stimulating mitochrondria and thermogenic activity
Normalising blood sugar levels
Age related macular degeneration.

What Others are saying:

"New and revolutionary treatments of disease, particularly where there has been no treatment of intrinsic biochemical significance, have generally been believable to a few persons and unbelievable and even ridiculous to others before proof of efficacy. Revolutionary therapy has always been so and perhaps always shall be, but such is the nature of true discovery. It appears that the bioenergetics of CoQ10 is remarkable and its potential in medicine is no exception to the history of controversial advances in medicine".
The late Karl Folkers, PhD, Researcher

"It is unthinkable for me to practice good cardiology without the help of Coenzyme Q10. And, for the thousands of people with cardiac conditions so severe that they need a heart transplant, CoQ10 may be a suitable alternative that not only enhances the quality of life, but extends survival as well".
Stephen Sinatra, MD, FACC, Cardiologist & Author, 'The Coenzyme Q10 Phenomenon'

"Energy is life, and CoQ is a crucial component of the energy cycle and therefore of life itself".
Emile Bliznakov, MD Researcher and Gerald Hunt, co-authors, The Miracle Nutrient: Coenzyme Q10.

"Coenzyme Q10 a heart medicine used around the world, and if your doctor doesn't know about it, you can easily get it on your own; it could save your life".
Jean Carper, Author of best-seller Miracle Cures

"CoQ10 is an essential element of food that can now be used medically. So if CoQ10 is so good, why don't more doctors use it? The answer to the question is found in the fields of politics and marketing and not in the fields of science and medicine. The controversy surrounding CoQ10 is political and economic, as the previous 30 years of research on CoQ10 have been remarkably consistent and free of major controversy.Although it is not the first time that a fundamental and clinically important discovery has come about without the backing of a pharmaceutical company, it is the first such discovery to so radically alter how physicians must view disease. While the pharmaceutical industry does a good job at physician and patient education on their new products, the distributors of CoQ10 are not as effective at this".
Peter Langsjoen, MD, Cardiologist

"Studies show that most people with congestive heart failure have a deficiency of CoQ10 in their heart muscle. The lower the levels, the worse the congestive heart failure. But studies also show that patients who were supposed to die 15 years ago from congestive heart failure are still alive today primarily because of taking Coenzyme Q10 daily".
William Lee Cowden, MD, Cardiologist

"Coenzyme Q10 is an amazing natural substance with far reaching therapeutic potential, it should be used more extensively in the treatment of patients".
Michael Schachter, MD, FACAM

"Deficiencies of CoQ10 have been documented in patients with heart disease. Administration of CoQ10 ameliorated symptoms, reduced the number of hospitalizations and appeared to decrease the number of anginal attacks in patients with angina pectoris".
Alan Gaby, MD

"I also recommend it (CoQ10) for patients on cholesterol-lowering medications. The HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors that block production of cholesterol in the liver also block the body's natural production of CoQ10. Adverse effects include myopathy, muscle weakness and tiredness. When a patient has one of these medications prescribed, we also suggest he supplement his diet with CoQ10".
John J. Herr, RPh, Pharmacist

"In one case, I went to see a newborn diagnosed with cardiomyopathy. I asked the attending doctor if he tried coenzyme Q10 or Carnitine. He said that he had read about their effects but would not use either. With the family's permission, I treated the baby with these supplements. The baby recovered without the heart transplant surgery that was being recommended by the university medical center".
Gary Gordon, MD, DO

MD After a person’s name means Medical Doctor (American)

Scientific Research Papers and Articles on CoQ10:

CoenzymeQ10, An Independent Predictor of Mortality in Chronic Heart Failure
http://www.coq10.co.nz/cms/uploads/File/COQ10%20AN%20INDEPENDENT%20PREDICTOR%20OF%20MORTALITY%20IN%20CHRONIC%20HEART%20FAILURE.pdf

Cardiovascular Disease, Neurodegenerative Disease, Huntington's Disease, Parkinson's Disease

http://www.coq10.co.nz/cms/uploads/File/cardio_neuro_hunt_park.pdf

The Emerging Role Of CoQ10 In Aging, Neurodegeneration, Cardiovascular Disease, Cancer And Diabetes Mellitus

http://www.coq10.co.nz/cms/uploads/File/Emerging-Role-of-CoQ10.pdf

Coenzyme Q10 and Life Extension

http://www.coq10.co.nz/cms/uploads/File/coq10_and_life_extension.pdf

Therapeutic role of coenzyme Q10 in Parkinson's disease

http://www.coq10.co.nz/cms/uploads/File/Parkinsons_study.pdf

CARDIOVASCULAR APPLICATIONS OF COENZYME

http://www.coq10.co.nz/cms/uploads/File/CARDIOVASCULAR_APPL.pdf

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