Nutraceuticals and nootropics for anti-aging

Anti-Parkinson action shown in CoEnzyme Q10 trial

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a substance found in various membranes within cells. It is best known as an antioxidant in the membranes of mitochondria — the components of cells that extract energy from sugars and fats. In recent years CoQ10 supplementation has proven useful in a variety of medical conditions, including cancer, gum disease, neurodegenerative diseases, and cardiovascular diseases.

A recent study has now revealed that CoQ10 supplements can significantly slow the progression of Parkinson Disease. The doses used were 300 to 1200 mg/day — higher than doses typically used as supplements. The best results were achieved with the highest dose, suggesting that perhaps even larger doses would work even better. It is interesting to note that the researcher quoted in news reports about this study felt compelled to tell readers with Parkinson Disease not to use CoQ10 until larger trials are done, and that journalists felt obliged to report this ridiculous advice in their articles. (Would anyone in their right mind follow such advice?)

Links to brief reviews about CoQ10:

Review of CoQ10 on The Doctor’s Doctor web page

Review of Biology of CoQ10 — Purdue University

Links to news articles about the new Parkinson results:

Supplement promising in Parkinson's therapy

Coenzyme Q10 Showing Wide Potential

Link to abstract of the research paper:

Effects of coenzyme Q10 in early Parkinson disease