Title:Novel Carriers for Coenzyme Q10 Delivery
Volume: 13
Issue: 8
Author(s): Sunil Kumar, Rekha Rao, Anil Kumar, Sheefali Mahant and Sanju Nanda
Affiliation:
Keywords:
Coenzyme Q10, Drug delivery, Nanoformulations, Novel carriers, Nutraceuticals, Pharmacokinetics.
Abstract: Background: Coenzyme Q10, a natural yellow benzoquinone, is a vitamin-like substance
commonly found in blood and inner mitochondrial and cellular membranes. It is a natural antioxidant
principle which plays an essential role in maintaining several biochemical pathways of body. It has exhibited
many pharmacological activities in chronic heart failure, cardiofaciocutaneous syndrome, diabetes
mellitus, carcinomas, autoimmune disease, cataract, asthma, periodontal disease and thyroid disorders.
Moreover, it has demonstrated efficacy as nutritional supplement, in addition to its relevance in
cosmetics.
Objective: Coenzyme Q10 is a potent molecule but its high molecular weight and low aqueous solubility
hamper its use as a therapeutic agent. Therefore, various novel drug delivery systems have been explored
and developed to overcome these limitations in literature. Hence, objective of this review is to
summarize the recent works on design and development of novel drug delivery systems for CoQ10,
which include liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, polymeric micelles, solid lipid nanoparticles, nanostructured
lipid carriers, self-emulsifying drug delivery systems, nanoemulsions, solid and aqueous dispersions.
Further, an account of pharmaceutical studies has also been given.
Results & Conclusion: The reported studies indicate the promise of nanotechnology in enhancing the
therapeutic value of CoQ10, promoting its usage as first line therapeutic agent, thus, revolutionizing its
role in current medical therapy. The application of CoQ10 in pharmaceutical industry has grown tremendously
in the past decade, due to its versatile nature. The successful application of this molecule in
medicine, cosmetics and nutraceuticals points the way for its future development.
