neuroprotectiveEVIDENCEBUSOTC

Idebenone

aka Hydroxydecyl ubiquinone · Raxone

Synthetic analog of CoQ10. Crosses the BBB more efficiently than CoQ10 itself. Approved in Europe and Japan for some neurological conditions.

Dose range90–270mg

Half-life—h

Onset—min

Safety4/5medium evidence base

Mechanism of action

Structural analog of CoQ10 with shorter side chain, producing better water solubility and BBB crossing. Acts as electron carrier in mitochondrial electron transport chain, similar to CoQ10. Strong antioxidant activity. The shorter half-life vs CoQ10 means more frequent dosing.

History

Idebenone was developed in Japan by Takeda in the 1980s. It's approved in Europe (as Raxone) for Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy and was previously approved for Alzheimer's disease. The Alzheimer's evidence base proved smaller than initially hoped, leading to delisting in many markets for that indication. It remains used for mitochondrial diseases. Available as a supplement in some jurisdictions.

Benefits

Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy
EVIDENCEA
Klopstock 2011 (RHODOS trial).
Friedrich's ataxia (mixed evidence)
EVIDENCEB
Multiple trials.
Cognitive function in cognitive impairment (modest)
EVIDENCEC
Older RCTs.

Side effects

GI upsetuncommonmild
Headacheuncommonmild

Cited research

Idebenone for Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy (Klopstock RHODOS)2011
PMID 21810890 ↗
Idebenone for Friedrich's ataxia (Lynch)2010
PMID 20354075 ↗
Idebenone pharmacology review (Gillis)1994
PMID 7894866 ↗

Where to buy

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Vendor	Product	Size	Price	Per unit
Nootropics DepotFeatured 4.8	Idebenone — Nootropics Depot	—	See vendor	—	Shop Ad
Life Extension 4.3	Idebenone — Life Extension	—	See vendor	—	Shop Ad
Double Wood Supplements 4.4	Idebenone — Double Wood	—	See vendor	—	Shop Ad
Amazon Marketplace 3.5	Idebenone — Amazon	—	See vendor	—	Shop Ad

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