Coenzyme Q10

Coenzyme Q10 is a benzoquinone derivative that occurs naturally and is present in all cells of the body. Since its discovery and isolation in the 1950's, hundreds of research studies have been conducted on coenzyme Q10; it plays a vital role in the energy production cycle of all cells, it regulates mitochondrial DNA transcription, it contributes to the redox poise of cells as well as being a powerful anti-oxidant that protects against free radical damage which in turn can lead to ageing and disease. The recognition that coenzyme Q10 administration has a therapeutic benefit to humans has only begun to be recognized in recent years. Coenzyme Q10 is an out of patent, non-toxic nutraceutical whose clinical use has been largely anecdotally promoted. However, the number and range of anecdotal clinical studies has been steadily increasing and it has been reported to be beneficial in an amazingly wide range of conditions, including heart disease, atherosclerosis, hypertension, chronic fatigue syndrome, muscular dystrophy, prostate disease, gum disease and some neurological diseases. Perhaps the most profound implication for the use of coenzyme Q10 is the potential to improve the lifestyle and well-being of the ageing population.

Coenzyme Q10 Clinical Trial

A major centre initiative has been to set up in a large scale double blinded clinical trial to establish what benefits coenzyme Q10 administration may have on the improvement of human muscle function in terms of strength and fatigability improvement. The trial is due for completion in late 2000 or early 2001.

The Centre trial is being carried out with the collaboration of a number of other groups:

	Orthopaedic Surgical Departments of the Royal Melbourne Hospital, Monash Medical Centre, Epworth Hospital
	University of Melbourne Department of Physiotherapy
	Radiology Departments of the Royal Melbourne Hospital, Monash Medical Centre, Epworth Hospital
	Baker Medical Research Institute