Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a vital enzyme catalyst in the creation of cell energy, which is synthesized in the liver. It has a long history of effectiveness in immune enhancement, raising cardiac strength against angina, promoting natural weight loss, inhibiting aging and overcoming gum diseases. It is also crucial in preventing and treating congestive heart and artery diseases. Supplemental CoQ10 may have cardioprotective, cytoprotective and neuroprotective activities. It may be indicated in cardiovascular disease, particularly in congestive heart failure. It may also be indicated to correct reduced blood levels of CoQ10 that result from the use of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors used to treat elevated cholesterol levels. It also appears to have usefulness in the management of periodontal disease in some.
Coenzyme Q10 is a compound found naturally in the energy-producing center of the cell known as the mitochondria. It is involved in the making of an important molecule known as ATP. ATP serves as the cell's major energy source and drives a number of biological processes including muscle contraction and the production of protein. CoQ10 also works as an antioxidant. Antioxidants are substances that scavenge free radicals, damaging compounds in the body that alter cell membranes, tamper with DNA, and even cause cell death. Free radicals occur naturally in the body, but environmental toxins (including ultraviolet light, radiation, cigarette smoking, and air pollution) can also increase the number of these damaging particles. Free radicals are believed to contribute to the aging process as well as the development of 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. CoQ10 boosts energy, enhances the immune system, and acts as an antioxidant. A growing body of research suggests that using CoQ10 supplements alone or in combination with other drug therapies and nutritional supplements may help prevent or treat some of the conditions like Heart Disease, Congestive Heart Failure (CHF), High Blood Pressure, High Cholesterol, Diabetes, Heart Damage caused by Chemotherapy, Heart Surgery, Breast Cancer, Periodontal (gum) Disease, etc. Similarly, CoQ10 may improve immune function in individuals with immune deficiencies (such as AIDS) and chronic infections (such as yeast and other viral infections); increase sperm motility leading to enhanced fertility; be used as part of the treatment for Alzheimer's disease; reduce damage from stroke; boost athletic performance; enhance physical activity in people with fatigue syndromes; and improve exercise tolerance in individuals with muscular dystrophy.
References:
James F Balch, Mark Stengler. Prescription for Natural Cures.
PDR Health. http://www.pdrhealth.com/drug_info/nmdrugprofiles/nutsupdrugs/coe_0084.shtml
University of Maryland Medical Center. http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/coenzyme-q10-000295.htm
