THE
herbal supplement coenzyme Q10,
may offer effective prophylaxis
for migraine according to new research.
When taken on a long-term basis,
the supplement significantly reduced
the frequency of migraine attacks
and nausea symptoms in total number
of headache days and headache severity,
a study found (Neurology2005; 64:713-5).
THE effects were seen after one
month of use and peaked after three
months of using the supplement,
the randomized trial found.
Coenzyme Q10 was thought to act
on mitochondrial dysfunction and
the impaired oxygen metabolism that
played a role in migraine pathogenesis,
the study authors said.
Commenting on the findings, Associate
Professor Paul Spira, a clinical
neurologist from The University
of NSW, said that while the magnitude
of response was modest, Coenzyme
Q10 was well tolerated and appeared
to have some prophylactic effect
in migraine.
"It is maybe another option
for some patients," he said.
The study, sponsored by a manufacturer
of the supplement, included 42 patients
who were randomized to Coenzyme
Q10 (300 mg/day) or placebo.
Nearly half of all patients using
Coenzyme Q10 experienced a 48% reduction
in headache frequency compared to
only one in seven patients using
placebo.
Postage
in Australia
AU $5.95
International Postage
AU $24.95