Abstract
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is an efficient antioxidant produced endogenously in a
living organism. It acts as an important cofactor in the electron transport
system of mitochondria and reported as a safe supplement in humans and animals
with minimal adverse effect. CoQ10 is found naturally, as a trans configuration,
chemical nomenclature of which is 2,3- dimethoxy-5- methyl-6-decaprenyle
-1,4-benzoquinone. It is found in the body in two forms. In quinone form
(oxidized form), it serves as an electron transporter that transfers the
electrons in the electron transport chain between various complexes, and in
ubiquinol form (reduced form), it serves as potent antioxidants by scavenging
free radicals or by tocopherol regeneration in the living organism. Its primary
roles include synthesis of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), stabilizes lipid
membrane, antioxidant activity, cell growth stimulation, and cell death
inhibition. CoQ10 has shown a variety of pharmacological and clinical effects
including neuroprotective, hepatoprotective, anti-atherosclerotic,
anticonvulsant, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive,
cardiovascular, antimicrobial, immunomodulatory, and various effects on the
central nervous system. Present review has set about to bring updated
information regarding to clinical and preclinical activities of CoQ10, which may
be helpful to researchers to explore a new bioactive molecules for various
therapeutic application.
Key words
Antioxidants - Benzoquinone - Electron transporter - LD50 - Cofactor
