PARKINSON'S DISEASE NEWS

26th July 2010 - New review

THE EFFECTS OF COENZYME Q10 ON PARKINSON'S DISEASE

The mitochondria is the part of the cells that produces energy. The first step in producing energy in the mitochondria is Complex I (NADH : ubiquinone oxidoreductase). In people with Parkinson's Disease, Complex I is reduced in activity in the substantia nigra, which is the part of the brain primarily affected in Parkinson's Disease. Complex I needs Coenzyme Q10 in order to function properly [1]. However, energy production has no direct effect on increasing dopamine formation  It has been claimed that Coenzyme Q10 is a potent antioxidant that can partially recover the function of dopaminergic neurons (the cells involved in Parkinson's Disease).

Coenzyme Q10 was found to be completely ineffective in Parkinson's Disease in daily doses of 200mg [2], 300mg [3], 400mg [4], 600mg [4], and 800mg [4]. Only one Coenzyme Q10 study has ever shown any improvement in Parkinson's Disease, using 360mg, but the effects were mild and were only assessed for four weeks [5]. Daily doses of 300mg, 600mg and 1200 mg of Coenzyme Q10 failed to improve the symptoms of Parkinson's Disease, but reduced the rate of deterioration [6]. Coenzyme Q10 was safe to use in doses of 1200mg [6] [7], 1800mg [7], 2400 [7], and 3000 mg [7]. Plasma levels of Coenzyme Q10 did not increase in doses above 2400mg [7]. For more current news go to Parkinson's Disease News.

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Parkinson's Disease News details all significant new research, news reports, new books, and new resources concerning Parkinson's Disease and those medical disorders that often coincide with Parkinson's Disease. It is compiled from an analysis of  all newly published research, news reports, new clinical trials, all newly published books, and new web sites. A summary and analysis of the new research are provided,  as well as links to the complete abstracts and news reports