Coenzyme Q10 for Mood Disorders?

Mood disorders have been shown to benefit from supplementation with antioxidants. This may be one reason that certain herbs are beneficial at reducing anxiety and depression and improving mood. Evidence suggests that a number of supplements that are considered antioxidants are effective at improving mood. In animal studies, coenzyme Q10, a supplemental form of a naturally present energy metabolism intermediate, has been shown to have possible antidepressant effects. Experimental animals that are exposed to stress usually experience mood changes that mimic human depression. Administration of coenzyme Q10 to these animals significantly ameliorates these symptoms. In addition, coenzyme Q10 can also significantly reduce stress hormone release through its ability to lower corticosterone levels and can prevent the weight loss associated with excessive stress. Coenzyme Q10 may therefore be able to improve mood through its ability to significantly inhibit the stress response in animals. 

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Aboul-Fotouh, S. 2013. Coenzyme Q10 displays antidepressant-like activity with reduction of hippocampal oxidative/nitrosative DNA damage in chronically stressed rats. Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior. 104: 105-112

About Robert Barrington

Robert Barrington is a writer, nutritionist, lecturer and philosopher.
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