Parkinson's disease, named after Dr. James Parkinson who first identified this condition in 1817, is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by tremor, stiff muscles and movement difficulties. It occurs when cells that produce dopamine, the brain chemical that transmits messages relating to movement and coordination, start to die off. There is no cure, but medicines such as levodopa and dopamine agonists, help to relieve symptoms. The dietary supplement, coenzyme Q10, may play a role in the treatment of Parkinson's disease, although evidence to prove it is effective is limited. Talk to your doctor before taking coenzyme Q10 and do not use it in place of prescription medicines.
Properties and Potential Benefits
Also known as ubiquinone or ubidecarenone, coenzyme Q10 days a role in energy production and helps to protects the body's cells from free radical damage. First isolated in 1957, coenzyme Q10 might play a role in the prevention and treatment of a number of diseases including asthma, heart disease and thyroid conditions. The Patient.co.UK website adds that it may have a neuroprotective effect and, as such, might play a role in the treatment of Parkinson's disease.
Administration
Certain foods, such as meat and seafood, contain small quantities of coenzyme Q10, but it is commonly taken as a dietary supplement either in capsules or tablets. The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests that taking 300 mg to 2,400 mg daily might help to slow the progression of early-stage Parkinson's disease. However, this is only a guideline. Ask your doctor whether this is an appropriate dose for you.
Scientific Evidence
Study results published in the December 2008 issue of "Neuroscience Letters" show that the brain of an individual with Parkinson's disease is deficient in coenzyme Q10, indicating that it may be implicated in the development of Parkinson's disease. Research findings published in the June 2009 issue of the "Journal of Neurochemistry" also found that coenzyme Q10 has a neuroprotective effect and improves Parkinson's disease symptoms. However, coenzyme Q10 was combined with another chemical known as creatine, so it is difficult to know whether coenzyme Q10 has the same effects when used alone. In addition, the study was carried out in mice, not in people with Parkinson's disease.
Safety Considerations
RxList states that coenzyme Q10 is likely safe for most adults but adds that it may cause side effects including loss of appetite, diarrhea, vomiting and stomach upset. It may lower your blood pressure, so avoid using if you have very low blood pressure. Do not take coenzyme Q10 if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Bear in mind that it may interact with other drugs you may be taking including chemotherapeutic drugs, anti-hypertensive medicines and anticoagulants.
References
- NHS Choices: Parkinson's Disease; Jan. 29, 2010
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Parkinson's Disease; Steven D. Ehrlich, N.M.D.; March 30, 2010
- Patient.co.UK: Coenzyme Q10; Dr. Richard Draper; September 2009
- "Neuroscience Letters"; The Coenzyme Q10 Status of The Brain Regions of Parkinson's Disease Patients; I.P. Hargreaves, et al.; December 2008
- "Journal of Neurochemistry"; Combination Therapy with Coenzyme Q10 and Creatine Produces Additive Neuroprotective Effects in Models of Parkinson's and Huntington's Diseases; L. Yang, et al.; June 2009
- RxList: Coenzyme Q10
