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CoQ10 Has Antidepressant Effects
Researchers administered CoQ10 supplements to laboratory-stressed rats for three weeks, resulting in significant antidepressant effects. Additionally, it was found that CoQ10 supplementation protected the hippocampus from oxidation and DNA damage. The researchers concluded that CoQ10 has antidepressant activity and can protect the hippocampus from DNA damage.
What Is the Hippocampus?
The hippocampus is a part of the brain that plays a central role in learning and memory. It is part of the limbic system, a complex of structures in the brain involved in emotions, motivation, pleasure, and memory formation.
The hippocampus, shaped like a seahorse (hence the name, as "hippocampus" is Latin for seahorse), is located in both hemispheres of the brain. It is particularly involved in forming long-term memories and providing a spatial context to memories, which helps us navigate our environment.
Damage to the hippocampus can lead to problems with memory formation and orientation. Alzheimer's disease, an age-related condition that causes memory loss, is associated with damage and the loss of neurons in the hippocampus.
Author
Scientific references and sources
Show reference<p>Pharmacol Biochem Behav. 2013 Jan 11. Coenzyme Q10 displays antidepressant-like activity with reduction of hippocampal oxidative/nitrosative DNA damage in chronically stressed rats. Aboul-Fotouh S. Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt; Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.</p>
