Influence of gel and powdered formulations of coenzyme Q10 on metabolic parameters in rats.

The healthful benefits of two commercially available formulations of coenzyme Q10 (Co Q10), one in gel and the other in a powdered form, on a variety of metabolic parameters in Sprague-Dawley rats (SD) were compared to control. The principal metabolic parameters examined were systolic blood pressure (SBP), DNA fragmentation, and free radical formation in hepatic and renal tissues. Compared to control, the powdered formulation significantly decreased SBP in the normotensive SD, whereas both commercial formulations lowered hepatic and renal DNA fragmentation and free radical formation. The gel-formulation lowered hepatic DNA fragmentation more than the powdered-formulation. In conclusion, both gel- and powdered-formulations of Co Q10 significantly influenced the metabolic parameters assessed in a favorable fashion, with the powdered-formulation more effective on SBP and the gel-formulation more effective on overcoming hepatic DNA fragmentation. From the data, we conclude that the choice of the formulation containing Co Q10 to be used should be based on the desired healthful benefits.