Idebenone (pronounced eye-deb-eh-known, is a synthetic analog of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10). It is a brain stimulant that increases brain energy levels and rejuvinates cell mitochondria throughout the whole body. Most recently, it has been shown to be very supportive in the treatment of Friedreich's ataxia and Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Chemically, idebenone is an organic compound of the quinone family.
Nootropic effects and Alzheimer's disease
Idebenone studies have shown it to improve learning and memory in humans. Evaluation of Surrogate endpoints like electroretinography, auditory evoked potentials and visual analogue scales also suggested positive nootropic effects. Research on idebenone as a potential therapy of Alzheimer's disease have demonstrated a slight trend of benefit. In some European countries, the drug is available for the treatment of individual patients in special cases.
Skin aging and other neuromuscular diseases
Idebenone has been in clinical trial since May 2010 for the treatment of Mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes). [update] An idebenone study investigating Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy is under way.
Idebenone is claimed to have properties similar to CoQ10 in its antioxidant properties, and has therefore been used in anti-aging on the basis of free-radical theory. Clinical evidence for this use is missing. Idebenone has been proven to mitigate wrinkles up to 30% when applied topically.
The human brain is an object recognition system par excellence that for exceeds the best computer systems ever invented. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is crucial to sustaining a healthy brain. Stress, substance abuse, poor diet, physical inactivity, lack of sleep are all known to negatively affect the brain as well as increase our risk of succumbing to diseases like Alzheimer's. Recent studies have even linked high-fat diets earlier in life to the later development of Alzheimer's disease, especially in people who are already genetically predisposed to it.
Indeed, one of the best things we can do for our brain is to simply keep exercising it. (Use it or loose it!). Puzzles and brain-teasers are a good way to keep our neurons in shape. Become an active observer of the world around you. Create mental "snapshots," or vivid images, of things you want to remember.
So who can benefit from Idebenone?
1. Healthy people wishing cognitive enhancement and brain energizer effects.
2. Stroke victims wishing to improve memory, emotional or speech disturbances.
3. Alzheimer's and cerebrovascular dementia patients.
4. Those preparing for major surgery, especially brain, heart, liver or kidney.
5. People with heart energetics problems, e.g. cardiomyopathy, ischemic heart disease, congestive heart failure.
6. People with myelination problems, e.g. multiple sclerosis or "white matter" stroke injury.
7. Those seeking to increase their general energy and vitality levels.
8. People with especially high endurance energy needs, e.g. cross country skiers, long distance runners.
9. Those at risk of excitatory amino acid 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.
10. People wishing to enhance the brain serotonin benefits of tryptophan or 5-hydroxy-tryptophan supplements or SSRI herbs and drugs, such as St. John's Wort, Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft, or Luvox etc.
11. Those suffering acute or chronic liver damage from poison mushrooms, toxic chemicals, hepatitis.
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!
Please feel free to read the following article from Dr. James South.