Uses of Coenzyme Q10 in Noncommunicable Diseases: Literature Review

Abstract

In Thailand, four noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), namely cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, are the diseases with the highest mortality. The World Health Organization has identified noncommunicable diseases as a major challenge to reduce premature mortality from noncommunicable diseases by one third through prevention and treatment approaches. Thailand will be entered the super aged society, meaning that more than 28% of the population will be 60 years old or older in 2031. Hence, Thai public health should prepare to deal with health problems from old age and noncommunicable diseases. Anti-aging medicine aims to extend human longevity by preventing and slowing down aging by taking antioxidant supplements such as vitamins, minerals, coenzyme Q10, etc. This article has aimed to review the uses of Coenzyme Q10 in the treatment of NCDs, including definition, chemical structure, mechanism of action, clinical study results, side effects, warnings, drug interactions, and recommendations. The past 7-year literature review from the electronic databases; PubMed, ScienceDirect and Cochrane Library was conducted. Studies were selected based on titles, abstracts, full texts, and data collection, including systematic reviews and meta-analyses, clinical trials, and outcomes. The results were as follows: Coenzyme Q10 or ubiquinone is a nutrient for energy production in cell. Coenzyme Q10 has been used as a medicine for treatment various diseases and symptoms. According to the clinical trial data of Coenzyme Q10 demonstrated the efficiency for treatment various diseases and symptoms including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, kidney disease, neurodegenerative disease and inflammation. Moreover, it has been found to be safe without serious side effects. In Thailand, Coenzyme Q10 has been used as a co-adjuvant to standard drug therapy for congestive heart failure only. This review will contribute to current medical knowledge and can be used as basic information for those interested in conducting further research on treatment for all other noncommunicable diseases.