Evidence supporting the use of: Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
For the health condition: Rheumatoid Arthritis

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is used to support the management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), primarily based on emerging scientific evidence rather than longstanding traditional use. CoQ10 is a lipid-soluble antioxidant and a key component of the mitochondrial electron transport chain, playing a crucial role in cellular energy production and reducing oxidative stress. In the context of RA, which is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease, oxidative stress is known to contribute to joint damage and inflammation.

A limited number of clinical studies have investigated the role of CoQ10 in RA. For example, a 2015 randomized controlled trial published in the journal Clinical and Experimental Rheumatology found that RA patients who supplemented with CoQ10 (100 mg/day for 2 months) showed significant reductions in inflammatory markers such as TNF-α and IL-6, as well as improvements in disease activity scores, compared to placebo. Another small study reported improvements in oxidative stress parameters among RA patients who took CoQ10.

However, the overall body of evidence remains modest, with relatively few high-quality clinical trials and small sample sizes. Systematic reviews note that while CoQ10’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties are promising, more robust, large-scale studies are needed to confirm its efficacy and establish dosing guidelines. In summary, scientific rationale exists for CoQ10 use in RA, but evidence strength is currently low to moderate (rated 2/5).

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