Is Coenzyme Q10 Effective in Protection against Ulcerative Colitis? An Experimental Study in Rats

Coenzyme Q(10) (Co-Q(10)) is a vitamin-like supplement which appears to be safe, with minimal side effects and low drug interaction potential. Co-Q(10) is used in the treatment of a variety of disorders related primarily to suboptimal cellular energy metabolism and oxidative injury. Studies supporting the efficacy of Co-Q(10) appear most promising for a variety of diseases, including ulcerative colitis (UC). The present investigation aims to elucidate the possible protective effects of Co-Q(10) against UC, as induced by the administration of iodoacetamide to adult male albino rats. In our study, Co-Q(10) showed potent anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activities through a significant increase in catalase activity and glutathione content. In addition, it significantly decreased myeloperoxidase activity, malondialdehyde content and nitrate/nitrite production. These results suggest that Co-Q(10) protects against UC in rats via anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory potentials, and therefore seems promising for use in further clinical trials.