Oral coenzyme Q10 supplementation in patients with migraine: Effects on clinical features and inflammatory markers

Abstract

<b>Backgrounds and aims:</b> Migraine and inflammation are correlated. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) as an anti-inflammatory agent has shown useful effects in other diseases. The present study aimed to assess the effect of CoQ10 supplementation on inflammation and clinical features of migraine. <b>Methods:</b> This randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted among 45 non-menopausal women aged 18-50 years, diagnosed for episodic migraine according to the International Headache Society. After one month run-in period, subjects received CoQ10 (400 mg/day CoQ10, <i>n</i> = 23) or placebo (wheat starch, <i>n</i> = 22) for three months. All the patients got prophylactic medication too. Serum CoQ10 concentration, Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10 and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were measured at the beginning and end of the study. <b>Results:</b> CoQ10 supplementation reduced CGRP and TNF-α significantly (<i>p</i> = 0.011 and <i>p</i> = 0.044, respectively), but there were no significant differences in serum IL-6 and IL-10 between the two groups. Significant increase in serum CoQ10 levels was evident with CoQ10 therapy (<i>P</i> < 0.001). A significant improvement was found in frequency (<i>p</i> = 0.018), severity (<i>p</i> = 0.001) and duration (<i>p</i> = 0.012) of migraine attacks in CoQ10 group compared to placebo. <b>Conclusion:</b> CoQ10 supplementation may decrease CGRP and TNF-α with no favorable effects on IL-6 and IL-10 in patients with migraine.