Idebenone (Lucebanol)
What is Idebenone?
Idebenone is a synthetic analog of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and a short-chain synthetic analogue of ubiquinone (1) (3) (5). It's a man-made compound that shares similarities with CoQ10 and is employed for various medical conditions (4) (5). Idebenone is purported to have antioxidant properties and has seen use in anti-aging based on the free-radical theory (1) (6). However, concrete clinical evidence supporting this particular use remains elusive (1).
https://science.bio/product/idebenone-powder/
Idebenone: This medication is an antioxidant that has been shown to improve energy production and reduce the severity of some symptoms in people with certain types of mitochondrial disease.
Uses of Idebenone
Research has shed light on the potential health advantages of idebenone, including:
- Treating visual impairment in adolescents and adults suffering from Leber's Hereditary Optic Neuropathy (LHON) (3) (5).
- Potential use in treating Alzheimer's disease and other cognitive impairments, although with limited success (1).
- Application in neuromuscular diseases (1).
Dosage
The recommended dose of idebenone hinges on both the specific ailment under treatment and the individual's body weight (3) (4) (5). For addressing visual impairment in LHON patients, the standard dosage typically ranges from 900mg to 1,320mg daily, administered orally (3) (5). The treatment duration is contingent upon the disease in question, but usually spans a prolonged period (3) (5).
Side Effects
Idebenone is usually well-tolerated with infrequent side effects (3) (4) (5). Potential side effects from oral consumption can encompass nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, loose stools, an accelerated heart rate, or heightened infection risk (5). Topical application of idebenone is deemed likely safe over short durations, although certain individuals may exhibit allergic reactions (5).
Interactions
Idebenone might interact with specific medications. As such, it's prudent to seek consultation from a medical professional before concurrently using idebenone with other drugs or supplements (3).
Summary:
Idebenone is a synthetic counterpart of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and a short-chain synthetic variant of ubiquinone. Resembling CoQ10 in structure and function, it's harnessed for various therapeutic purposes. The potential benefits of idebenone span from treating visual impairment in LHON patients and neuromuscular diseases to its tentative use in Alzheimer's treatment. Although idebenone is typically well-received by users, certain side effects can manifest. There's also the potential for drug interactions, necessitating professional medical advice prior to its combined use with other substances.
Citations:
(1) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Idebenone
(2) https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/idebenone
(3) https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB09081
(4) https://www.rxlist.com/supplements/idebenone.htm
(5) https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-1078/idebenone
(6) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7708875/