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Coenzyme Q10

Coenzyme Q10

Common Names

  • Ubiquinone
  • ubidecarenone
  • ubiquinol
  • CoQ
  • CoQ10

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For Patients & Caregivers

How It Works Minus iconIcon indicating subtraction, or that the element can be closed. Plus IconIcon indicating addition, or that the element can be opened. Arrow (down) icon.An arrow icon, usually indicating that the containing element can be opened and closed.

Coenzyme Q10 has not been shown to treat or prevent cancer.

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is produced naturally by all cells in the body. It is necessary for production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the “fuel” of all living cells. During periods of ischemia (lack of oxygen), such as occurs during a heart attack, CoQ10 has been shown to reduce damage to heart tissue and its mitochondria (where ATP production takes place). It is known to be an antioxidant and to stabilize cell and organelle membranes. In animal studies, coenzyme Q10 is able to neutralize free radicals, which can damage DNA and cells. However, absorption of oral coenzyme Q10 through the intestine is low.

Due to its antioxidant activity, CoQ10 may interfere with the actions of certain chemotherapy drugs and radiation therapy.

Purported Uses Minus iconIcon indicating subtraction, or that the element can be closed. Plus IconIcon indicating addition, or that the element can be opened. Arrow (down) icon.An arrow icon, usually indicating that the containing element can be opened and closed.
  • As an antioxidant
    Laboratory studies show that CoQ10 has antioxidant effects.
  • To treat breast cancer
    A few case reports describe remission of breast cancer when treated with high doses of CoQ10, but this is insufficient evidence to support this use.
  • To manage cardiovascular disease
    Several studies show CoQ10 improves left ventricular function and reduce hypertension. Other studies yielded negative results.
  • To reduce high cholesterol
    Clinical trials show inconsistent results: two indicate an increase in HDL, one shows a decrease in LDL, while two others indicate that coenzyme Q10 has no effect on LDL oxidation (which contributes to the development of atheroclerotic plaques in the blood vessels).
  • To prevent cardiac toxicity from anthracyclines
    One clinical trial supports this use, but additional studies are needed.
  • To improve athletic performance
    Clinical trials do not support this use.
  • To prevent the progression of Parkinson’s disease
    One clinical trial showed that high doses of coenzyme Q10 slowed the progression of Parkinson’s disease, but larger clinical trials are needed to support this use.
  • To treat Huntington’s disease
    Data from a single clinical trial do not support this use.
  • To treat periodontal disease (disease of the gum, teeth, and underlying bone)
    One study supports this use, but additional clinical trials are needed.
  • To treat infertility
    Coenzyme Q10 improved sperm motility, but it is not known if it can be used to treat infertility
Do Not Take If Minus iconIcon indicating subtraction, or that the element can be closed. Plus IconIcon indicating addition, or that the element can be opened. Arrow (down) icon.An arrow icon, usually indicating that the containing element can be opened and closed.
  • You are taking Warfarin (CoQ10 may alter its effects.
  • You are undergoing chemotherapy (Theoretically, because it is an antioxidant, CoQ10 may decrease the effectiveness of chemotherapy; patients should consult with their oncologist).
  • You are taking Theophylline (CoQ delays the clearance of theophylline, which may cause persistent vomiting, cardiac arrhythmias, and intractable seizures).
Side Effects Minus iconIcon indicating subtraction, or that the element can be closed. Plus IconIcon indicating addition, or that the element can be opened. Arrow (down) icon.An arrow icon, usually indicating that the containing element can be opened and closed.
  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Loss of appetite
Special Point Minus iconIcon indicating subtraction, or that the element can be closed. Plus IconIcon indicating addition, or that the element can be opened. Arrow (down) icon.An arrow icon, usually indicating that the containing element can be opened and closed.

A study conducted in mice showed that high intake of CoQ10 reduced the effectiveness of radiation therapy against non-small cell lung cancer. Patients considering use of CoQ10 during radiation therapy should consult with their physician.

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For Healthcare Professionals

Brand Name Minus iconIcon indicating subtraction, or that the element can be closed. Plus IconIcon indicating addition, or that the element can be opened. Arrow (down) icon.An arrow icon, usually indicating that the containing element can be opened and closed.
UbiQgel™
Scientific Name Minus iconIcon indicating subtraction, or that the element can be closed. Plus IconIcon indicating addition, or that the element can be opened. Arrow (down) icon.An arrow icon, usually indicating that the containing element can be opened and closed.
2,3 dimethoxy-5 methyl-6-decaprenyl benzoquinone
Clinical Summary Minus iconIcon indicating subtraction, or that the element can be closed. Plus IconIcon indicating addition, or that the element can be opened. Arrow (down) icon.An arrow icon, usually indicating that the containing element can be opened and closed.

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), also known as ubiquinone, is involved in cellular respiration and energy production. It is found in all human cells, at higher concentrations in the liver, kidney, heart, and pancreas. It is also consumed as a dietary supplement for its antioxidant effects and is often promoted as a preventive agent for cardiovascular diseases, Parkinson’s disease, infertility and cancer. Studies using murine models indicate antioxidant and neuroprotective effects (17) (18),  and the ability to alleviate radiation-induced nephropathy (34).

Data from clinical trials suggest beneficial effects of CoQ10 in patients with coronary artery disease (2) and congestive heart failure (21). Supplementation may increase sperm motility in asthenozoospermic men (8); modulate expression of insulin, lipid and inflammatory markers in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (POCS) (35); and reduce fatigue induced by physical exertion (9). In addition, neuroprotective effects were reported in patients with progressive supranuclear palsy (5) as well as those with early Parkinson’s disease (6) (33), but not in patients with mid-stage Parkinson’s disease (7). Case reports also suggest that CoQ10 supplementation improves postural hypotension, a hallmark of multiple-system atrophy (36). But a mixture of antioxidants, including CoQ10, vitamins C, E, and lipoic acid was found ineffective against Alzheimer’s disease (20).
CoQ10 may also play a role in preventing migraines (22). A small study showed a reduction in the frequency of migraine headaches following supplementation (23), but a randomized trial failed to find benefit (24). More research is warranted. Further, the observation that patients on statin therapy have decreased concentrations of CoQ10 in muscle cells (25) resulted in efforts to evaluate the benefit of CoQ10 in alleviating statin-induced myalgias. Data are inconclusive (26) (27) (28).

CoQ10 has also been investigated for anticancer effects. In a study of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, coenzyme Q10 levels were positively associated with antioxidant capacity and negatively correlated with inflammation markers, post surgery (37), suggesting a role for CoQ10 as an antioxidant therapy. In studies of breast cancer patients, a combination of CoQ10 and L-carnitine was found effective in controlling moderate-severe cancer-related fatigue (CRF) (38). And according to case reports, supplementation may be useful for treating the cancer (3) (4), although a randomized trial reported no benefit in improving self-reported fatigue or quality of life (29). Further study is needed (39).

CoQ10 may interfere with the actions of warfarin (11) (12). Because of its antioxidant property, CoQ10 may also reduce effectiveness of chemotherapy and radiation therapy (13).

Purported Uses Minus iconIcon indicating subtraction, or that the element can be closed. Plus IconIcon indicating addition, or that the element can be opened. Arrow (down) icon.An arrow icon, usually indicating that the containing element can be opened and closed.
  • Angina
  • Cancer prevention
  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Chemotherapy side effects
  • Congestive heart failure
  • HIV and AIDS
  • Hypertension
  • Infertility
  • Migraine prophylaxis
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • Periodontal disease
  • Strength and stamina
Mechanism of Action Minus iconIcon indicating subtraction, or that the element can be closed. Plus IconIcon indicating addition, or that the element can be opened. Arrow (down) icon.An arrow icon, usually indicating that the containing element can be opened and closed.

CoQ10 is known to have antioxidant and membrane stabilizing properties and is the only endogenously produced lipid with a redox function in mammals. All cells are capable of synthesizing CoQ10 and no redistribution between organs occurs through the blood. It is necessary for adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production, and its role as a mobile electron carrier in the mitochondrial electron-transfer processes of respiration and coupled phosphorylation is well established. It also has a direct regulatory role on succinyl and NADH dehydrogenases (1). CoQ10 has been shown to scavenge free radicals produced by lipid peroxidation and prevent mitochondrial deformity during episodes of ischemia, and it may help maintain the integrity of myocardial calcium ion channels during ischemic insults (2). CoQ10 may also be capable of stabilizing cellular membranes and preventing depletion of metabolites required for ATP resynthesis (10), and suppressing age-related inflammatory reactions and osteoclast differentiation by inhibiting oxidative stress (30).

One of the mechanisms underlying the neuroprotective effects of CoQ10 involves inhibition of microglia in pentylenetetrazol-induced kindling epilepsy in mice (40).

In addition, CoQ10 was shown to prevent the reduction of glucose transporter-4 (GLUT4) protein levels in adipocytes caused by simvastatin, which is a likely mechanism against statin-induced diabetes (31). It also reduced high glucose-induced apoptosis and dysfunction of endothelial progenitor cells by up-regulating endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and heme oxygenase (HO-1) through the AMP-activated protein kinase pathway (41). In a  murine model, it was shown to afford protection against doxorubicin-induced testicular toxicity by ameliorating oxidative stress, reducing apoptosis and by up-regulating testicular P-glycoprotein (32).

Contraindications Minus iconIcon indicating subtraction, or that the element can be closed. Plus IconIcon indicating addition, or that the element can be opened. Arrow (down) icon.An arrow icon, usually indicating that the containing element can be opened and closed.
  • A study done in a murine model of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) suggests that intake of ubiquinone may reduce the effects of radiation therapy (13).
Adverse Reactions Minus iconIcon indicating subtraction, or that the element can be closed. Plus IconIcon indicating addition, or that the element can be opened. Arrow (down) icon.An arrow icon, usually indicating that the containing element can be opened and closed.

Infrequent: Nausea, diarrhea, and appetite suppression.
 (11)

Herb-Drug Interactions Minus iconIcon indicating subtraction, or that the element can be closed. Plus IconIcon indicating addition, or that the element can be opened. Arrow (down) icon.An arrow icon, usually indicating that the containing element can be opened and closed.

HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors: Endogenous levels of CoQ10 may be reduced by lovastatin, atorvastatin and simvastatin. The HMG-CoA reductase enzyme is responsible for catalyzing the conversion of acetyl CoA to cholesterol and synthesis of CoQ10 (14).
Warfarin: CoQ10 is structurally similar to vitamin K and may antagonize the effects of warfarin (11). However, there are reports that CoQ10 can increase the risk of bleeding when used with warfarin (12).
Theophylline: CoQ10 delays the clearance of theophylline, which can cause persistent vomiting, cardiac arrhythmias, and intractable seizures (19).

Dosage (OneMSK Only) Minus iconIcon indicating subtraction, or that the element can be closed. Plus IconIcon indicating addition, or that the element can be opened. Arrow (down) icon.An arrow icon, usually indicating that the containing element can be opened and closed.
References Minus iconIcon indicating subtraction, or that the element can be closed. Plus IconIcon indicating addition, or that the element can be opened. Arrow (down) icon.An arrow icon, usually indicating that the containing element can be opened and closed.

  1. Greenberg S, Frishman WH. Co-enzyme Q10: a new drug for cardiovascular disease. J Clin Pharmacol 1990;30:596-608.

  2. Tiano L, Belardinelli R, Carnevali P, Principi F, Seddaiu G, Littarru GP. Effect of coenzyme Q10 administration on endothelial function and extracellular superoxide dismutase in patients with ischaemic heart disease: a double-blind, randomized controlled study. Eur Heart J. Sep 2007;28(18):2249-2255.

  3. Lockwood K, et al. Partial and complete regression of breast cancer in patients in relation to dosage of coenzyme Q10. Biochem Biophys Res Comm 1994;199:1504-8.

  4. Lockwood K, et al. Progress on therapy of breast cancer with vitamin Q10 and the regression of metastasis. Biochem Biophys Res Comm 1995;212:172-7.

  5. Stamelou M, Reuss A, Pilatus U, et al. Short-term effects of coenzyme Q10 in progressive supranuclear palsy: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Mov Disord. May 15 2008;23(7):942-949.

  6. Shults CW, Oakes D, Kieburtz K, et al. Effects of coenzyme Q10 in early parkinson disease. Arch Neurol 1998;4:505-6.

  7. Storch A, Jost WH, Vieregge P, et al. Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial on symptomatic effects of coenzyme Q(10) in Parkinson disease. Arch Neurol. Jul 2007;64(7):938-944.

  8. Balercia G, Buldreghini E, Vignini A, et al. Coenzyme Q(10) treatment in infertile men with idiopathic asthenozoospermia: a placebo-controlled, double-blind randomized trial. Fertil Steril. 2009 May;91(5):1785-92.

  9. Mizuno K, Tanaka M, Nozaki S, et al. Antifatigue effects of coenzyme Q10 during physical fatigue. Nutrition. Apr 2008;24(4):293-299.

  10. Dallner G, Sindelar PJ. Regulation of ubiquinone metabolism. Free Radic Biol Med 2000;29:285-94.

  11. Fuke C, Krikorian SA, Couris RR. Coenzyme Q10: a review of essential functions and clinical trials. US Pharmacist 2000;25:28-41.

  12. Shalansky S, Lynd L, Richardson K, et al. Risk of warfarin-related bleeding events and supratherapeutic international normalized ratios associated with complementary and alternative medicine: a longitudinal analysis. Pharmacotherapy 2007;27(9):1237-47.

  13. Lund EL, Quistorff B, Spang-Thomsen M, Kristjansen PE. Effect of radiation therapy on small-cell lung cancer is reduced by ubiquinone intake. Folia Microbiol 1998;4:505-6.

  14. Pronsky ZM. Power’s and Moore’s Food-Medication Interactions, 11th ed. Pottstown (PA): Food Medication Interactions; 2000.

  15. Khatta M, Alexander BS, Krichten CM, et al. The effect of coenzyme Q10 in patients with congestive heart failure. Ann Intern Med 2000;132:636-40.

  16. Watson PS, Scalia GM, Galbraith A, et al. Lack of effect of coenzyme Q on left ventricular function in patients with congestive heart failure. J Am Coll Cardiol 1999;33:1549-52.

  17. Kalayci M, Unal MM, Gul S, et al. The effect of Coenzyme Q10 on ischemia and neuronal damage in an experimental traumatic brain injury model in rats. BMC Neurosci. 2011 Jul 29;12(1):75.

  18. Dumont M, Kipiani K, Yu F, et al. Coenzyme Q10 Decreases Amyloid Pathology and Improves Behavior in a Transgenic Mouse Model of Alzheimer’s Disease. J Alzheimers Dis. 2011 Jul 28. [Epub ahead of print]

  19. Baskaran R, Shanmugam S, Nagayya-Sriraman S, et al. The effect of coenzyme Q10 on the pharmacokinetic parameters of theophylline. Arch Pharm Res. 2008 Jul;31(7):938-44.

  20. Galasko DR, Peskind E, Clark CM, et al; for the Alzheimer’s Disease Cooperative Study. Antioxidants for Alzheimer Disease: A Randomized Clinical Trial With Cerebrospinal Fluid Biomarker Measures. Arch Neurol. 2012 Mar 19. [Epub ahead of print]

  21. Fotino AD, Thompson-Paul AM, Bazzano LA. Effect of coenzyme Q10 supplementation on heart failure: a meta-analysis. Am J Clin Nutr. 2013 Feb;97(2):268-75.

  22. Hershey AD, Powers SW, Vockell AL, et al. Coenzyme Q10 deficiency and response to supplementation in pediatric and adolescent migraine. Headache. 2007 Jan;47(1):73-80.

  23. Rozen TD, Oshinsky ML, Gebeline CA, et al. Open label trial of coenzyme Q10 as a migraine preventive. Cephalalgia. 2002 Mar;22(2):137-41.

  24. Slater SK, Nelson TD, Kabbouche MA, et al. A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, crossover, add-on study of CoEnzyme Q10 in the prevention of pediatric and adolescent migraine. Cephalalgia. 2011 Jun;31(8):897-905.

  25. Mabuchi H, Nohara A, Kobayashi J, et al. Effects of CoQ10 supplementation on plasma lipoprotein lipid, CoQ10 and liver and muscle enzyme levels in hypercholesterolemic patients treated with atorvastatin: a randomized double-blind study. Atherosclerosis. 2007 Dec;195(2):e182-9.

  26. Bookstaver DA, Burkhalter NA, Hatzigeorgiou C. Effect of coenzyme Q10 supplementation on statin-induced myalgias. Am J Cardiol. 2012 Aug 15;110(4):526-9.

  27. Bogsrud MP, Langslet G, Ose L, et al. No effect of combined coenzyme Q10 and selenium supplementation on atorvastatin-induced myopathy. Scand Cardiovasc J. 2013 Apr;47(2):80-7.

  28. Fedacko J, Pella D, Fedackova P, et al. Coenzyme Q(10) and selenium in statin-associated myopathy treatment. Can J Physiol Pharmacol. 2013 Feb;91(2):165-70.

  29. Lesser GJ, Case D, Stark N, et al. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of oral coenzyme Q10 to relieve self-reported treatment-related fatigue in newly diagnosed patients with breast cancer. J Support Oncol. 2013 Mar;11(1):31-42.

  30. Yoneda T, Tomofuji T, Ekuni D, et al. Anti-aging effects of co-enzyme Q10 on periodontal tissues. J Dent Res. 2013 Aug;92(8):735-9.

  31. Ganesan S, Ito MK. Coenzyme Q10 ameliorates the reduction in GLUT4 transporter expression induced by simvastatin in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Metab Syndr Relat Disord. 2013 Aug;11(4):251-5.

  32. El-Sheikh AA, Morsy MA, Mahmoud MM, Rifaai RA. Protective mechanisms of coenzyme-Q10 may involve up-regulation of testicular P-glycoprotein in doxorubicin-induced toxicity. Environ Toxicol Pharmacol. 2014 Feb 19;37(2):772-781.

  33. Seet RC1, Lim EC, Tan JJ, et al. Does high-dose coenzyme Q10 improve oxidative damage and clinical outcomes in Parkinson’s disease? Antioxid Redox Signal. 2014 Jul 10;21(2):211-7.

  34. Ki Y, Kim W, Kim YH, et al. Effect of Coenzyme Q10 on Radiation Nephropathy in Rats. J Korean Med Sci. 2017 May;32(5):757-763.

  35. Rahmani E, Jamilian M, Samimi M, et al. The effects of coenzyme Q10 supplementation on gene expression related to insulin, lipid and inflammation in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome. Gynecol Endocrinol. 2017 Sep 26:1-6.

  36. Rembold CM. Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation in Orthostatic Hypotension and Multiple-System Atrophy: A Report on 7 Cases. Am J Med. 2017 Dec 11. pii: S0002-9343(17)31097-5.

  37. Liu HT, Cheng SB, Huang YC, Huang YT, Lin PT. Coenzyme Q10 and Oxidative Stress: Inflammation Status in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients after Surgery. Nutrients. 2017 Jan 4;9(1). pii: E29.

  38. Iwase S, Kawaguchi T, Yotsumoto D, et al. Efficacy and safety of an amino acid jelly containing coenzyme Q10 and L-carnitine in controlling fatigue in breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy: a multi-institutional, randomized, exploratory trial (JORTC-CAM01). Support Care Cancer. 2016 Feb;24(2):637-646.

  39. Tafazoli A. Coenzyme Q10 in breast cancer care. Future Oncol. 2017 May;13(11):1035-1041

  40. Bhardwaj M, Kumar A. Neuroprotective mechanism of Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) against PTZ induced kindling and associated cognitive dysfunction: Possible role of microglia inhibition. Pharmacol Rep. 2016 Dec;68(6):1301-1311.

  41. Tsai HY, Lin CP, Huang PH, et al. Coenzyme Q10 Attenuates High Glucose-Induced Endothelial Progenitor Cell Dysfunction through AMP-Activated Protein Kinase Pathways. J Diabetes Res. 2016;2016:6384759.

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