American researchers conclude that coenzyme Q10 supplementation may protect against neurological damage from stroke in humans if taken as a regular supplement (100 mg/day or more) or if given within six hours of the occurrence of the stroke. Extensive research has shown coenzyme Q10 to be useful in the prevention and treatment of various forms of heart disease and numerous other disorders including AIDS. There is also substantial evidence from animal experiments that supplementation with CoQ10 may retard aging. CoQ10 is essential in providing energy and stability to the cells' mitochondria and is a strong antioxidant which protects LDL (low-density lipoprotein) against oxidation. Unfortunately, dietary intake and internal synthesis of CoQ10 is often low and low levels in the blood have been associated with an increased risk of heart disease, cancer, and other disorders. Human brain concentrations of Q10 decline with age and at age 80 years are only half the value as at age 40 years. Animal experiments (using gerbils) have shown that coenzyme Q10 markedly improves survival after artificially-induced ischemic stroke. Researchers at the University of Washington report a case where a 69-year-old woman suffered a severe stroke (cerebral hemorrhage) due to a fall on pavement. The researchers were astounded at the quick and complete recovery of the patient. They ascribe it to the fact that she had been taking 400 mg/day of coenzyme Q10 for about four weeks prior to her fall to help alleviate unrelated disorders. The Q10 was taken with five grams of fat (peanut butter) to improve absorption. The researchers point out that the neuroprotective effect of Q10 given both before and after a stroke has been well established in animal experiments. They urge large scale clinical trials to validate their hypothesis and point out that numerous clinical trials have shown Q10 to be entirely safe.
Ely, John T.A., et al. Hemorrhagic stroke in human pretreated with coenzyme Q10: exceptional recovery as seen in animal models. Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine, Vol. 13, No. 2, Second Quarter 1998, pp. 105-09