Idebenone (eye-DEB-uh-known) is a synthetic quinone molecule that is similar to Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10). CoQ10 is a vitamin-like molecule that participates in the electron transport chain which is an integral part of energy production in living cells. (Ernster L, Dallner G: Biochemical, physiological and medical aspects of ubiquinone function. Biochem Biophys Acta 1995;1271: 195-204)
Under normal conditions, both idebenone and CoQ10 are effective antioxidants, as they are capable of neutralizing free radicals that cause tissue damage. However, at low oxygen concentrations, CoQ10 may act more like a free radical itself; idebenone appears to be a strong antioxidant even in low oxygen environments.
Although CoQ10 is manufactured in the body from the amino acid tyrosine and acetyl-CoA, idebenone is a synthetic molecule that must be supplemented. Because idebenone may offer some advantages over CoQ10 in specific situations, researchers are investigating its properties more closely.
Purported Effects and Benefits of Idebenone
- Anti-aging: prevents oxidative damage to mitochondrial DNA, thus forestalling age-related mitochondrial dysfunction
- Energy enhancement: provides efficient electron transport even in low oxygen conditions (e.g., exercise)
- Improved cognition: crosses the blood-brain barrier readily; stimulates the activity of nerve growth factor in the brain; counteracts various brain disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, and Friedreich’s ataxia; boosts levels of critical neurotransmitters, including serotonin and dopamine
- Organ protection: helps prevent organ deterioration in low-oxygen conditions (stroke, heart attack, peripheral artery disease, trauma, sepsis, etc.); decreases free-radical-induced cellular and tissue damage (a 1995 study showed relatively better protection—compared to CoQ10—of organs being temporarily stored for transplants)
- Protection against excitatory amino acid (EAA) toxicity: reduces damage from endogenously produced EAAs (glutamate and aspartate) and those from foods and supplements (e.g., MSG or aspartame)
Clinical Studies with Idebenone
- Topically applied idebenone has demonstrated an anti-aging and anti-inflammatory effect on sun-damaged skin as measured by decreased wrinkling and reduced production of collagen and inflammatory cytokines. (McDaniel D, et al. Clinical efficacy assessment in photodamaged skin of 0.5% and 1.0% idebenone. J Cosmet Dermatol 2005;4(3):167-73)
- Idebenone effectively inhibits the production of lipoperoxide in brain tissue. Lipoperoxides are byproducts of oxidative damage (peroxidation of fatty acids). (Suno M, Nagaoka A. Effect of idebenone and various nootropic drugs on lipid peroxidation in rat brain homogenate in the presence of succinate. Nippon Yakurigaku Zasshi 1988;91(5):295-9)
- Idebenone seems to decrease cardiac damage in Friedreich’s ataxia, and it may reduce the neurologic damage associated with this condition. Friedreich’s ataxia is an inherited disease characterized by a mitochondrial defect that leads to excessive production of free radicals and progressive oxidative damage to the heart, brain, and other organs. (Di Prospero N, et al. Neurological effects of high-dose idebenone in patients with Friedreich's ataxia: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Lancet Neurology 2007;6(10):878-886)
- Oral idebenone appears to improve cognitive function in patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease; it appears to improve cerebral metabolism, correct neurotransmitter defects and enhance memory and learning. (Adkins J, Noble S. Idebenone: review of its use in mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease. CNS Drugs 1998;9(5):403-19)
The actions and benefits of CoQ10 have long been recognized. Idebenone, a synthetic analog of CoQ10, demonstrates promise in treating a wide variety of conditions, and it may prove useful in situations where CoQ10 falls short.
