The effect of coenzyme Q10 supplementation on depressive symptoms and anxiety: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#humans #anxiety #depression #dietary-supplements #randomized-controlled-trials-as-topic

The effect of coenzyme Q10 supplementation on depressive symptoms and anxiety: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Akwan et al., 2025 | Eur J Clin Pharmacol | Meta Analysis

Citation

Akwan Rami, Elsharkawy Muhammad M, ... Eldesouki Mohamed. The effect of coenzyme Q10 supplementation on depressive symptoms and anxiety: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Eur J Clin Pharmacol. 2025-Nov;81(11):1555-1568. doi:10.1007/s00228-025-03904-9

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Anxiety and depression are major global health concerns that can manifest as primary disorders or as comorbid symptoms alongside other medical conditions. Due to the troubling side effects and treatment resistance associated with conventional pharmacological interventions, therapeutic agents that target oxidative stress and inflammation, such as CoQ10, have been considered. OBJECTIVE: To quantitatively evaluate the effect of CoQ10 on symptoms of depression and anxiety across different clinical populations. METHODS: We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines and comprehensively searched relevant databases up to March 2025. The primary outcomes were depression and anxiety symptoms measured by different validated scales. We estimated pooled effect estimates using standardized mean differences (SMDs) and applying random-effects models. RESULTS: We identified seven small trials with up to 400 patients meeting the eligibility criteria, of which six studies were included in the meta-analysis. CoQ10 demonstrated significant improvement in depression severity compared to placebo in trials using the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) 6-8 weeks after treatment initiation (3 trials, 158 patients, std. mean difference [95% CI] -0.97 [-1.49, -0.45]), and at low daily doses (3 trials, 193 patients, -0.84 [-1.54, -0.14]). No significant effects were observed in trials using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) (3 trials, 146 patients, -0.12 [-0.68, 0.43]). Regarding anxiety severity, only two small studies were analyzed, and no statistically significant reduction was observed with CoQ10 (101 patients, -0.28 [-0.70, 0.13]). CONCLUSION: Our analysis provided limited evidence that CoQ10 may improve depressive symptoms when administered in low doses (100-200 mg/day) and for short durations (6-8 weeks). More data is needed for a reliable assessment of the effects of Coenzyme Q10 on both depression and anxiety.

Key Findings

We identified seven small trials with up to 400 patients meeting the eligibility criteria, of which six studies were included in the meta-analysis. CoQ10 demonstrated significant improvement in depression severity compared to placebo in trials using the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) 6-8 weeks after treatment initiation (3 trials, 158 patients, std. mean difference [95% CI] -0.97 [-1.49, -0.45]), and at low daily doses (3 trials, 193 patients, -0.84 [-1.54, -0.14]). No signifi

Outcomes Measured

  • anxiety
  • depression

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 400
Age Range See abstract
Condition anxiety

MeSH Terms

  • Humans
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Ubiquinone

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: coq10

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09