Idebenone
By James South MA
 
Idebenone is a synthetic analog (variant) of one of life's most essential
biochemicals, coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10). CoQ10 is an important antioxidant component
of the lipid (fatty) membranes that surround all cells, as well as the lipid
membranes surrounding the various organelles ("little organs"), such as
mitochondria and microsomes, inside cells.
 
CoQ10 is also an important member of the "Electron Transport Chain" (ETC) within
mitochondria, which are the "power plants" of the cell. Most of the oxygen we
breathe is used inside the ETC to produce much of the ATP bioenergy that powers
virtually every activity of our cells and bodies.
 
Without CoQ10, or a good substitute, human life quickly ends, and Idebenone is a
"better CoQ10" that has been extensively researched the past 15 years.
 
CoQ10's pro-oxidant action
 
When blood flow is seriously reduced to any part of the body, as in a heart
attack, stroke, trauma, shock, or chronic poor blood circulation- cellular/
mitochondrial oxygen (O2) levels quickly drop in the affected region. Yet
because O2 is seven to eight times more soluble in the lipid zones of cell
membrane, compared to the watery compartments of the cell, there is still
sufficient O2 remaining in the membranes of cells and organelles, as well as in
the ETC, to auto-oxidize CoQ10. As the CoQ10 auto-oxidizes, hydrogen peroxide,
superoxide and hydroxl free radicals are rapidly formed in massive numbers.
These free radicals quickly damage cell/ organelle structure and function, as
well as rapidly halt ATP energy generation by the ETC.
 
Brain and spinal cord cells are especially prone to such damage, and may be
irreparably damaged or even destroyed within minutes.
 
Why Idebenone is superior to CoQ10
 
Enter Idebenone to the rescue! Studies have shown that under the same cellular
low oxygen conditions that cause CoQ10 to act as a pro-oxidant producer of
damaging free radicals, Idebenone prevents the free radical dam-age and
maintains relatively normal cell ATP levels. In short, while Idebenone can
effectively substitute for CoQ10's positive and life essential functions, it
doesn't have CoQ10's free radical producing and energy crashing "dark side"
which occurs under hypoxic (low O2) conditions.
 
Idebenone's potential benefits fall into five categories; antiaging, energy
enhancement, cognition enhancement, organ protector and protector against
excitatory amino acid neurotoxicity.
 
Idebenone &endash; The anti-aging benefits
 
The mitochondrial power plants produce over 90% of all cellular ATP bioenergy.
They are also generally the richest sites in CoQ10 (or Idebenone). Mitochondrial
DNA (mtDNA) allows mitochondria to reproduce them-selves.
 
While the DNA in a cell nucleus comes from both our parents, mtDNA comes
exclusively from our mother's mtDNA.
 
There are typically two or three copies of mtDNA in each mitochondrion, with
average 1000 mitochondria per cell. Because mtDNA exists in the "heart of the
fiery furnace" where electron "sparks" are constantly leaking as ATP is produced
in the ETC, mtDNA is far more prone to free radical electron damage than is the
DNA in our cell nuclei that contains the "blueprint" for our entire organism.
 
At the same time, the repair capacity of mtDNA is much less than that of our
cell nucleus DNA. As a consequence, over the course of a lifetime our mtDNA
becomes ever more damaged, and the mitochondria produced therefrom become ever
more ineffective at energy generation.
 
Studies comparing heart tissue from young people with that from elderly people
have shown almost no significant mitochondrial dysfunction in young hearts, with
significant, often severe mitochondrial dysfunction in elderly hearts.
 
The cells that are most susceptible to mitochondrial energy depletion with
advancing age are the brain, skeletal muscle and heart muscle cells. Idebenone
thus offers a prime anti-aging effect here in several ways. Unlike CoQ10, even
under the low O2 conditions that may occur periodically over a lifetime,
Idebenone will serve as a powerful mitochondrial free radical quencher,
lessening the ever-increasing mtDNA damage that occurs with age. Idebenone will
work even better than CoQ10 within the ETC to keep energy production high, even
under hypoxic conditions. This is especially critical to brain and heart cells
that may be rapidly damaged during low ATP production episodes that occur due to
poor tissue oxygenation.
 
Idebenone &endash; Energy enhancement
 
Iron is a "dual edged sword." It is absolutely essential for life, it plays a
central role in ATP generation in the ETC. Yet iron can also be a powerful
initiator of free radical production and cell structural damage, especially
under low O2 conditions.
 
This occurs, for example, during stroke, and during the gradual onset of
Parkinson's disease. Studies have shown that Idebenone can tightly couple
oxidation to energy production. This prevents iron ions from wastefully and
toxically, diverting O2 to producing free radicals inside the mitochondria,
instead of energy.
 
Studies have shown that Idebenone can almost completely eliminate this,
diverting 10% of cellular O2 away from toxic iron induced free radical
generation, to beneficial ATP energy production under hypoxic conditions.
 
Mild cellular hypoxia can occur even from intense exercise, or even from mild
exercise done by out of shape "couch potatoes."
 
Idebenone &endash; Cognition enhancement
 
A variety of studies using brain cells, (animal and humans) have shown
Idebenone's ability to enhance brain structure and function.
 
Human and animal studies have demonstrated that Idebenone can enhance serotonin
production, even under far less than optimal conditions, as e.g. with a very low
tryptophan diet, or in patients with cerebrovascular dementia.
 
Idebenone has enhanced cholinergic nerve function and consequent learning
ability even under hypoxic conditions, or when an anti-cholinergic drug
(Scopolamine) was administered.
 
Idebenone has increased cellular catecholamine (dopamine, adrenalin and
noradrenanlin) production by enhancing cellular uptake of the precursor
amino-acid tyrosine.
 
Idebenone enhances long term potentiation in hippocampal nerve cells, a key part
of memory formation and consolidation. Idebenone has restored glucose (brain
fuel) utilization and ATP production in ischemic (poor blood flow) rat-brain.
 
Idebenone has been shown to enhance general cerebral metabolism, lessen the
damage from strokes, and has been used to treat Alzheimer's and other dementias.
 
And like the original nootropic drug; piracetam, Idebenone has been shown to
promote information transfer across the corpus callosum, the membrane separating
the right and left brain hemispheres.
 
This is turn may promote the union/ integration of the logical (yang) and
intuitive (yin) halves of the brain/ mind.
 
Idebenone &endash; Organ protector
 
As our organs age or are damaged, we age and are damaged. Over a lifetime, blood
flow to our organs diminishes due to arteriosclerosis and less efficient heart
pumping. This reduces O2 dependent energy production needed for repair,
reproduction and normal function of the organ cells. Free radical damage
accumulates over time, leaving ever more dead, dying or dysfunctional cells
within organs.
 
At some point a critical threshold is reached when too many cells within an
organ are dysfunctional, and they can no longer sustain the organ's life and
function. Then the organ- heart, brain, liver etc. fails.
 
Idebenone protects organs in many ways, it cushions them against hypoxic (low
O2) and/ or ischemic (poor blood flow) damage. Idebenone enhances both normal
and hypoxic ATP energy generation.
 
Each cell in our organs must produce the energy it needs for life and health,
cells cannot "borrow" energy from each other.
 
Idebenone &endash; The free radical quencher
 
Idebenone is a powerful antioxidant, more so than CoQ10, and in some studies is
30 to 100 times more effective, than vitamin E or vinpocetine as a free radical
quencher within the brain cells.
 
Idebenone lessens the free radical induced mtDNA damage that accumulates
acceleratingly over a lifetime, slowing organ damage and aging.
 
A 1995 study in the Journal of Transplantation compared the organ preserving
effects of CoQ10 and Idebenone. The study measured various factors, such as free
radical membrane lipid damage, cell protein damage and cellular energy
production under hypoxia conditions.
 
The results showed Idebenone to be dramatically more effective than CoQ10 at
preserving liver tissue under conditions identical to that endured by whole
livers "harvested" and stored (briefly) before transplant to another person.
 
The study recommended using Idebenone to increase the transplant viability of
human livers donated for organ transplant. Why not use Idebenone to increase
your own organ viability, while you still have the use of them!
 
Protection against excitatory amino acid (EAA) neuro toxicity
 
Glutamic acid and aspartic acid are the two chief EAA neurotransmitters in the
human brain. Without them we would be "mental vegetables."
 
Yet under certain conditions, e.g. stroke or traumatic brain injury- excessive
amounts of EAA's accumulate in the fluid surrounding brain cells, causing damage
and even death to nerve and glial cells through free radical mechanisms.
 
EAA toxicity is at least partly responsible for the neurotoxicity of the
recreational drug "Ecstasy or MDMA." Studies over the past 30 years have also
shown that excessive dietary intake of EAA's may also damage brain structure/
function, especially in children or EAA sensitive adults.
 
The two main dietary sources of EAA's are the flavor enhancer MSG (monosodium
glutamate) and the artificial sweetener aspartame (Nutrasweet). Also many
processed foods (e.g. canned soups, dry roasted spiced peanuts, beef/ chicken
bouillon, canned tuna, spices etc.) contain "hydrolized vegetable protein, yeast
extract, soy protein isolate" and similar ingredients that are mostly EAA's.
 
In studies with various types of nerve cell, as well as oligodendroglial cells
(which make up the protective myelin sheaths surrounding many nerves, the
so-called "white matter" of the brain). Idebenone has shown dramatic protective
effects against glutamate toxicity.
 
Summary
 
With all these powers, Idebenone should now rightfully take its place in the
first rank of anti-aging/ nootropic/ energizer drugs, along with Hydergine,
Piracetam, vinpocetine, deprenyl and GH3/ KH3 (and it's one of my personal
favorites!)
 
So who can benefit from Idebenone? The answers are,
 
1. Healthy people wishing cognitive enhancement and brain energizer effects (it
synergizes well with piracetam, vinpocetine and Hydergine). 2 or 3 tablets (45mg
each) daily.
 
2. Stroke victims wishing to improve memory, emotional or speech disturbances. 3
to 6 tablets (45mg each) daily.
 
3. Alzheimer's and cerebrovascular dementia patients. 4 to 6 tablets (45mg each)
daily.
 
4. Those preparing for major surgery, especially brain, heart, liver or kidney.
Synergizes well with Hydergine. 4 to 6 tablets (45mg each).
 
5. People with heart energetics problems, e.g. cardiomyopathy, ischemic heart
disease, congestive heart failure. 3 to 6 tablets (45mg each) daily.
 
6. People with myelination problems, e.g. multiple sclerosis or "white matter"
stroke injury. 3 to 6 tablets (45mg each) daily.
 
7. Those seeking to increase their general energy and vitality levels. 2 to 3
tablets (45mg each) daily.
 
8. People with especially high endurance energy needs, e.g. cross country
skiers, long distance runners, cyclists, swimmers etc. 3 to 4 tablets (45mg
each) daily.
 
9. Those at risk of EAA brain damage, e.g. people who routinely consume large
amounts of aspartame sweetened foods/ drinks, or those who routinely eat MSG or
"hydrolyzed vegetable protein" containing restaurant or prepared foods. 2 or 3
tablets (45mg each) daily.
 
10. People wishing to enhance the brain serotonin benefits of tryptophan or
oxitriptan (5-hydroxy-tryptophan) supplements or SSRI drugs, such as Prozac,
Paxil, Zoloft or Luvox etc. 2 to 4 tablets (45mg each) daily.
 
11. Those suffering acute or chronic liver damage from poison mushrooms, toxic
chemicals, hepatitis etc. 2 to 4 tablets (45mg each) daily.
 
12. People desiring a "long haul" broad-spectrum anti-aging drug. Synergizes
well with deprenyl, Hydergine, GH3/ KH3. 2 or 3 tablets (45mg each) daily.
 
Because of its synergy with other life extension drugs, those also taking any or
all of Hydergine, Piracetam (and its analogues), vinpocetine, deprenyl, GH3/ KH3
may benefit from even just one 45mg tablet a day, especially if taken regularly
on a long-term basis. Because idebenone is fat soluble, it is best taken with a
fat rich meal, or with lipid absorption enhancing agents such as lecithin or
phosphatidyl choline.
 
Numerous studies have shown that idebenone is well distributed through-out the
body after absorption, accumulating in cellular and organelle membranes, as well
as in the electron transport chain, exactly where it does the most good!
 
Idebenone &endash; The product
 
It is generally recognised that Takeda, the original producer of idebenone;
produces the best quality product. Therefore, in keeping with the IAS policy
of quality first, the brand offered is Mnesis by Takeda.
 
ALL INFORMATION IS EDUCATIONAL AND PROVIDED UNDER IAS TERMS AND CONDITIONS. IT
DOES NOT AND SHOULD NOT REPLACE THE ADVICE OF YOUR PHYSICIAN.