Coenzyme Q10 (2,3, dimethoxy-5-methyl-6 decaprenyl-1,4-benzoquinone) was isolated from cardiac mitochondria by Dr. Frederick L. Crane and colleagues at the University of Wisconsin in 1957, and its chemical structure was determined by Dr. Karl Folkers et al. of the University of Texas in 1958. Coenzyme Q10 is also known as “ubiquinone”, a name derived from the words ‘ubiquitous’, meaning ‘everywhere’, and ‘quinone’.

The biological function common to quinone compounds such as ubiquinone, vitamin K and plastoquinone is to act as redox components of transmembrane electron transport system. Ubiquinol, vitamin K hydroquinone and plastoquinol are the two-electro reduction products of ubiquinone, vitamin K and plastoquinone, respectively. In other words, ubiquinone is the oxidized form and ubiquinol is the reduced form of Coenzyme Q10. Ubiquinol is unstable in air and easily oxidized back to ubiquinone. The first report on antioxidative activity of ubiquinol was by Drs. Mellors and Tappel in 1966.

In the plasma of healthy human, more than 90% of Coenzyme Q10 exists in the reduced form, ubiquinol. It is reported that ratio of ubiquinol to Coenzyme Q10 in the plasma is a bio-marker for oxidative stress, indicating that people suffering from strong oxidative stress have lower levels of ubiquinol in their plasma . Ubiquinol supplementation will help these people to maintain healthy condition*.

Kaneka Corporation developed the method to supply ubiquinol commercially and the FDA accepted KanekaQH™ (Ubiquinol) as a New Dietary Ingredient in 2005.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.