Research History of Coenzyme Q and Related Compounds

Abstract

Several decades have passed since T. Moore (Liverpool, UK) discovered ubiquinone. The compound having maxium UV absorption at 275nm was isolated from beef heart mitochondria by F.L. Crane (Wisconsin, USA) and named as coenzyme Q (CoQ). Subsequently, the role of CoQ in the mitochondrial electron transport system became apparent. Effects of oral administration of CoQn were carried out initially by K. Folkers (USA) and Y. Yamamura (Japan) and later by many others. Clinical studies revealed some beneficial effects of CoQ on cardiovascular diseases. The present work reports the short history of pharmaceutical development of coenzyme Q and related compounds.