Supplementation with coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), when given within 24 hours after stroke onset, may improve certain biomarkers that relate to neuroprotection, according to a study published in Neurological Research.¹

For this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 50 people hospitalized for acute ischemic stroke were given either 600 mg per day of CoQ10 or a placebo. Treatment started within 24 hours of the stroke onset and lasted for 30 days.

In the CoQ10 group, there were significant reductions in malondialdehyde (a marker of oxidative stress) and in IL-6 (a marker of inflammation).

The CoQ10 group also had beneficial increases in superoxide dismutase (an enzyme that defends against oxidative stress), and brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which is an important protein involved in learning and memory. 

Editor’s Note: "CoQ10 may be considered a therapeutic option for enhancing neuroprotection and rehabilitation in stroke patients," the authors concluded.

Note that CoQ10 beneficially accumulates in a healthy body at a dose of 100 mg/day of an absorbable form of CoQ10 when taken with a meal containing some fat. In individuals with underlying conditions, supplemental doses in the range of 200–400 mg/day² have been used to raise CoQ10 blood levels to approximately 4.0–7.0 μg/mL, a range considered supraphysiological (greater than normally found in the body), yet beneficial.³ This explains why a much higher dose was used in the acute stroke study, as patients likely began with low CoQ10 levels.

Taurine Lowers Blood Pressure, Enhances Vascular Function in Type 2 Diabetics

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial demonstrated that taurine reduced systolic blood pressure and improved endothelial function in individuals with type 2 diabetes.*

The study involved 144 adults aged 18-75 with type 2 diabetes. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either 2.4 grams of taurine or a placebo daily for 12 weeks.

At the end of the trial, those who received taurine experienced an average reduction of 7 mmHg in systolic blood pressure, along with a significant decline in serum uric acid levels compared to baseline.

The placebo group had no significant improvements.

Editor’s Note: Taurine was additionally found to increase plasma hydrogen sulfide, which helps relax the blood vessels, and inhibit platelet calcium influx.

* iScience. 2025 May 21;28(6):112719.

French Maritime Pine Bark Reduces Cellulite in Women

Cellulite is a condition characterized by denting and dimpling of the skin, that most often occurs in the legs, buttocks and abdomens of women.*

In a randomized, double-blind, three-month study, 30 women with moderate cellulite were given 150 mg French maritime pine bark extract per day. Another group of 30 women with moderate cellulite received a placebo daily for three months.

The Hexsel Cellulite Severity Score, thigh circumference, and other factors were evaluated at the beginning of the study and at 28, 56, and 84 days.

The authors reported a significant improvement in the treated group’s clinical cellulite score after two and three months by 12% and 13.6% respectively. This was associated with clinical remediation shown by photographs, and a significant decrease in the upper thighs’ circumference after three months.

Editor’s Note: In addition, there were significant improvements in skin roughness and skin smoothness in the group that received French maritime pine bark. No significant improvements were observed in the placebo group.

* Phytomed Plus. 2025 Aug;5(3)100821.

Metabolic Syndrome Increases Early-Onset Dementia Risk

The risk of early onset dementia (diagnosed before age 66), is increased in people who have metabolic syndrome, according to a study in Neurology.* 

Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions—including high blood pressure, high blood sugar, belly fat, and high lipid levels—that increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. 

Previous research has also tied metabolic syndrome to an increased risk of late-onset dementia.

To determine its impact on young-onset dementia researchers studied 1,979,509 people from 40-60 years old who underwent health checkups in 2009 and were followed for an average of 7.75 years.

Results showed that metabolic syndrome was associated with 24% higher risk of young-onset dementia and 21% increased risk of vascular dementia.

Editor’s note: While these findings indicate association as opposed to cause and effect, the researchers concluded, "These findings suggest that interventions targeting metabolic syndrome may help mitigate young-onset dementia risk."  

* Neurology. 2025 May 27;104(10):e213599.