History
In the 1970's researchers began studying the therapeutic potential of a vitamin-like natural compound found in all aerobic organisms that has since become known to the world as Coenzyme Q10. Now, of course it is a well known fact that CoQ 10 has the ability to support against heart failure and generalized free radical damage while mitigating certain neurological conditions. CoQ has also been found to play a pivotal role in cellular energy production.
In an attempt to boost CoQ's therapeutic effects researchers began synthesizing and testing a variety of its chemical analogs and derivatives. Most of these derivatives were found to be ineffective and even unsafe. One lucky eception was idebenone.
Idebenone's structure was so closely related to CoQ10, that it was found to be capable of replacing CoQ 10 in its action towards cellular energy production—with some important distinctions. More water-soluble than CoQ10, Idebenone's cellular distribution and antioxidant profile proved superior in neutralizing certain types of free radicals, notably caused by reduced blood flow. Idebenone also appears more conducive than CoQ10 in protecting noxious free-radical leakage in the cell's mitochondria.
Safety
Most experts agree that idebenone is quite safe as it has been in clinical use since the 1970's and has an excellent safety record. In the US, it is sold without a prescription and classified as a nutritional supplement˜just as is CoQ10 itself.
However, over the counter availability may not last much longer as rumors do exist that the FDA will not allow our industry to continue to sell this analog derivative supplement without a prescription.