Complementary Alternative Cardiovascular Medicine

Chapter 7 / Nutrachemicals and CVD 107
There are limited data regarding the role of taurine in atherosclerosis
prevention. A proposed role is based on a recent report by Nonaka et al.
(23), who demonstrated that taurine ingestion restored the secretion and
expression of extracellular-superoxide dismutase (EC-SOD). It has been
reported that homocysteine reduces the secretion and expression of EC-
SOD in vascular SMCs, causing premature atherosclerosis. This effect
at the cellular level may play an important role in preventing atherosclerosis.
Yamori et al. (24) reported an inverse relationship between taurine
intake and the incidence of coronary heart disease (CHD).
Trade name: Mega Taurine (Twin Lab)
Adverse reactions: None reported
Contraindications: Hypersensitivity
Usual study dosage: 500 mg–3 g/d
COENZYME Q 10 (COQ 10)
Since its identification in 1957, CoQ 10 has been widely used in
patients in Japan, Russia, and Europe as part of their CVD treatment.
CoQ 10 belongs to a family of substances called ubiquinones, which are
lipophilic, water-insoluble substances involved in electron transport and
energy production in the mitochondria. It is an essential cofactor in many
of the metabolic pathways, particularly in the production of adenosine
triphosphate (ATP) in oxidative respiration. The supplemental form is
typically derived from tobacco leaf extracts, fermented sugarcane, and beets.
Role in CVD
Supplemental CoQ 10 has been reported in diverse studies to have
cardioprotective, cytoprotective, and neuroprotective activities. CoQ 10 has
been studied in patients with systolic and/or diastolic dysfunction CHF.
Langsjoen et al. (25) evaluated the effect of daily 100 mg of CoQ 10 for
5 yr in a noncontrolled study of 126 patients with mean ejection fraction
of 41%. The authors reported an overall improvement of EF in 87% of
patients, 71% of whom achieved a significant improvement after 3 mo
of therapy and 16% in 6 mo. Furhtermore, this study also demonstrated
the absence of any adverse effects of CoQ 10 supplementation for 6 yr.
The same authors (26) also reported the beneficial effects of CoQ 10 in
109 patients with hypertension and isolated diastolic dysfunction. CoQ 10
supplementation resulted in improved diastolic function, clinical improvement,
and lowering of blood pressure, with resultant regression of left
ventricular hypertrophy. Another controlled study by Hoffman-Bang
et al. (27) showed significant improvement in terms of exercise capacity
and quality of life (QOL) in patients with heart failure with additional