Nootropic: Idebenone

Introduction

Just what is Idebenone? Those of you who have inquired into this compound will see that the internet is awash with all manner of bizarre and fascinating claims; a more advanced version of coq10 is a common claim, a more biologically available version of coq10 another - one site even purports (not a surprise since they sell just coq10) that idebenone is a synthetic, Indian chemical totally unrelated to coq10 and intrinsically dangerous. Confused? Smartnootropics to the rescue.

Mechanism

Idebenone is a short-chain quinone in comparison to coq10 a long chain quinone and as such possesses both superior bioavailability and a faster peak plasma concentration profile. Idebenone is a potent antioxidant which is currently being investigated for its therapeutic role in neuromuscular disorders and unlike coq10 has demonstrated an ability to renew cellular ATP levels in abnormal conditions through cytosolic-mitochondrial shuttling. Idebenone also increased learning and memory in mice studies and has been claimed to activate NGF in the human brain. Finally Idebenone has been shown to uprate the production of the life-extending enzyme: superoxide dismutase in specific cortical regions.

Uses

• May benefit neuromuscular disorders


• Improves memory and learning and may increase brain dopamine levels


• Has been indicated to accelerate the turn over of the neurotransmitter serotonin.


• Powerful antioxidant


• May improve age related mitochondrial decline


• Increases production of superoxide dismutase

Issues

At high doses idebenone has demonstrated an ability to cause cellular death via genomic DNA fragmentation, however the study dose would be near impossible to match in-vivo and lower doses exhibited no such toxicity. Idebenone has also been theorised to stimulate oxygen radical production in mitochondrial electron transport and some now label it a "pro-oxidant" capable of accelerating the aging process - it is unclear whether its antioxidant profile and production of superoxide dismutase are sufficient to counteract this process or whether an additional antioxidant (ALA) could sufficiently nullify idebenone's pro-oxidant capacity.

Dosage

Idebenone is well tolerated and doses range from a mere 70mg up to 200mg or greater. As always one should err on the side of caution and begin with an allergy test.

Experience

I cannot comment on Idebenone's antioxidant capacity. From a single 150mg dose daily for a week I experienced a noticeable increase in energy and positivity I would normally associate with an uprating of the neurotransmitter serotonin. No side effects were noted. Due to the possible pro-oxidant nature of this chemical I intend to suspend further testing until more research has been completed.