What is quinone?

Quinone is a lipid-soluble hydrogen (i.e., proton plus electron) carrier that mediates electron transfer between respiratory chain components. By definition, a quinone is a cyclohexadienedione. Those with carbonyl groups ortho to each other are called o-quinones; those with carbonyl groups para to each other are called p-quinones.

Quinones can also be obtained by oxidation of 1,2-benzenediol or 1,4-benzenediol.

Perhaps the most important chemical property of quinones is that they are readily reduced to benzenediols. For example, p-quinone is readily reduced to hydroquinone by sodium dithionote in neutral or alkaline solution.

In structure, the coenzyme Q group closely resembles the members of the vitamin K group and the tocopherylquinones, which are derived from tocopherols (vitamin E), in that they all possess a quinone ring attached to a long hydrocarbon tail.

The quinone pigments, of which there are at least 1200 structures range in color from yellow to almost black, but most are yellow, orange or red. Although they are widely, albeit sporadically, distribute in higher plants, they contribute little to plant color.
What is quinone?

B-complex vitamins function as co-enzyme

Water soluble vitamins include the B-complex vitamins (thiamine, niacin, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, biotin, vitamin B6 folate, vitamin B12) and vitamin C.

All the vitamins of the B-complex are known to function as co-enzymes. Co-enzyme functions, however, have not been defined for the fat-soluble vitamins or for ascorbic acid.

Co-enzymes are substances found in food that are necessary for an enzyme to function. They are organic compounds, often B-vitamin derivatives that combine with an inactive enzyme to form and active one. Since human bodies cannot manufacture co-enzymes, it must be obtained from the diet.

Vitamin B12, vitamin B6 and folate function as con-enzymes involved in one-carbon metabolism. Vitamin B12 is a cofactor for two enzymes, methionine synthase and 1-methylmalonyl-CoA. These enzymes are essential for blood formation and neurologic function.

Other B-complex vitamins are:
Thiamin (B1) – co-enzyme functions in metabolism chain of carbohydrates and branched amino acids
Riboflavin (B2) – co-enzyme functions in oxidation and reduction reaction
Niacin – Co-substrate/co-enzyme for hydrogen transfer with numerous dehydrogenases
Pantothenic acid - constituent of co-enzyme A and phosphopantetheine involved in fatty acid metabolism
Biotin –con-enzyme functions in bicarbonate-dependent
B-complex vitamins function as co-enzyme

Coenzyme Q10

Coenzyme Q10
Coenzyme Q10 is a vitamin substance found in all parts of the body the action of which resembles that of vitamin E.

It may be an even more powerful antioxidant. It is also called ubiquinone.

There are ten common substances designated coenzyme Qs, but coenzyme Q10 is the only one found in human tissue.

This substance plays a critical role in the production of energy in every cell of the body.

It aids circulation, stimulates the immune system, increases tissue oxygenation, and has vital anti-aging effects.

Deficiencies of coenzymes Q10 have been linked to periodontal disease, diabetes and muscular dystrophy.

Supplemental has ability to counter histamine and therefore beneficial for people with allergies, asthma or respiratory disease.

Coenzyme Q10 is used by many health care professional. To treat anomalies of mental function, such as those associated with schizophrenia and Alzheimer’s disease.

It is also benefiting in fighting obesity, candidiasis, multiple sclerosis and diabetes.
Coenzyme Q10