Nootropic profile

Idebenone

A synthetic analogue of CoQ10 engineered to cross the blood-brain barrier more effectively - provides superior mitochondrial support and neuroprotection compared to its parent compound.

Educational only: this is not medical advice. Always check with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplement.

What is Idebenone?

Idebenone (2-(10-hydroxydecyl)-5,6-dimethoxy-3-methyl-cyclohexa-2,5-diene-1,4-dione) is a synthetic short-chain benzoquinone structurally related to Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) but specifically engineered with a shorter lipophilic tail that dramatically improves its.

What it does for you

Community and editorial ratings, out of 5:

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Cognitive Enhancement

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Energy

3.5 editorial

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Focus

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Longevity

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💾

Memory

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☀️

Mood

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How to take it

  • Nootropic dosage: 150-300 mg per day, divided into 2-3 doses taken with meals containing fat
  • Clinical dosage (LHON): 900 mg per day (prescription Raxone)
  • Alzheimer's trial dosage: 270-360 mg per day in divided doses
  • Bioavailability: Fat-soluble. Always take with a meal containing dietary fat for optimal absorption
  • Onset: Mitochondrial effects begin acutely. Cognitive benefits typically noticed after 2-4 weeks of consistent supplementation

Watch out for

  • Generally well tolerated: Clinical trials at doses up to 900 mg/day report a favourable safety profile with mild and transient side effects
  • GI effects: Nausea, diarrhoea, and mild stomach discomfort are the most common side effects, usually dose-dependent and transient
  • Prooxidant potential: Unlike CoQ10, idebenone may act as a prooxidant under certain conditions (when fully reduced in the presence of Complex I inhibition)....
  • Drug interactions: May interact with anticoagulant medications (warfarin) as it shares structural similarity with vitamin K. Monitor INR if combining
  • Pregnancy: Insufficient safety data for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding

The science, if you're curious.

  • Shuttles electrons in the electron transport chain, bypassing Complex I dysfunction to maintain ATP production in compromised mitochondria
  • Its shorter lipophilic tail (compared to CoQ10) allows efficient crossing of the blood-brain barrier, concentrating in neural tissue
  • Scavenges lipid peroxyl radicals, protecting mitochondrial and neuronal membranes from oxidative chain reactions
  • Stimulates NGF production, supporting neuronal survival, growth, and synaptic maintenance

Where to find it

  • Capsules: Available from nootropic retailers in 45 mg, 100 mg, and 150 mg capsules
  • Prescription (Raxone): 150 mg tablets prescribed for LHON in Europe
  • Powder: Bulk powder available from research chemical suppliers for precise dosing

Frequently asked

A synthetic analogue of CoQ10 engineered to cross the blood-brain barrier more effectively - provides superior mitochondrial support and neuroprotection compared to its parent compound.

The main benefits people report from Idebenone are: Cognitive Enhancement, Energy, Focus, Longevity, Memory, Mood.

Nootropic dosage: 150-300 mg per day, divided into 2-3 doses taken with meals containing fatClinical dosage (LHON): 900 mg per day (prescription Raxone)Alzheimer's trial dosage: 270-360 mg per day in divided dosesBioavailability: Fat-soluble. Always take with a meal containing dietary fat for o...

Generally well tolerated: Clinical trials at doses up to 900 mg/day report a favourable safety profile with mild and transient side effectsGI effects: Nausea, diarrhoea, and mild stomach discomfort are the most common side effects, usually dose-dependent and transientProoxidant potential: Unlike CoQ...

Shuttles electrons in the electron transport chain, bypassing Complex I dysfunction to maintain ATP production in compromised mitochondriaIts shorter lipophilic tail (compared to CoQ10) allows efficient crossing of the blood-brain barrier, concentrating in neural tissueScavenges lipid peroxyl radica...

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