Solubilized coq-10

Abstract

The present invention is directed to compositions and methods of delivery of CoQ-10 solubilized in monoterpenes. Use of monoterpenes as dissolving agents, greatly effects the ability to incorporate greater amounts of bioactive CoQ-10 in formulations, such as soft gel capsules.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A composition comprising:
 coenzyme Q-10 or an analog thereof;   a sufficient quantity of a monoterpene suitable to solubilize said coenzyme Q-10; and   an acceptable carrier.   
     
     
         2 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein said coenzyme Q-10 or an analog thereof is selected from the group consisting of coenzyme Q-10, reduced coenzyme Q-10 and semi-reduced coenzyme Q-10. 
     
     
         3 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein said monoterpene is limonene or a derivative thereof. 
     
     
         4 . The composition of  claim 3 , wherein said limonene derivatives are selected from the group consisting of perillyl alcohol, perillic acid, cis-dihydroperillic acid, trans-dihydroperillic acid, methyl esters of perillic acid, methyl esters of dihydroperillic acid, limonene-2-diol, uroterpenol, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         5 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein said composition is in the form of a solution, an elixir, a suspension, or a caplet. 
     
     
         6 . The composition of  claim 5 , wherein said caplet is a soft gelatin tablet. 
     
     
         7 . The composition of  claim 6 , wherein said soft gelatin tablet further comprises rice bran oil or beeswax. 
     
     
         8 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein said coenzyme Q-10 or analog thereof is solubilized in said monoterpene in an amount of at least about 0.1% by weight to about 45% by weight at room temperature. 
     
     
         9 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein said coenzyme Q-10 or analog thereof is solubilized in said monoterpene in an amount of least about 5% to about 40% by weight at room temperature. 
     
     
         10 . The composition of  claim 1 , further comprising vitamin E. 
     
     
         11 . The composition of  claim 1 , further comprising a seed oil. 
     
     
         12 . The composition of  claim 1 , further comprising a fish oil 
     
     
         13 . The composition of  claim 1 , further comprising an antioxidant. 
     
     
         14 . A soft gelatin capsule, comprising
 at least 5% by weight of coenzyme Q-10 or an analog thereof solubilized in a monoterpene.   
     
     
         15 . The soft gelatin capsule of  claim 14 , wherein said coenzyme Q-10 or analog thereof is selected from the group consisting of coenzyme Q-10, reduced coenzyme Q-10 and semi-reduced coenzyme Q-10. 
     
     
         16 . The soft gelatin capsule of  claim 14 , wherein said monoterpene is limonene or a derivative thereof. 
     
     
         17 . The soft gelatin capsule of  claim 16 , wherein said limonene derivative is selected from the group consisting of perillyl alcohol, perillic acid, cis-dihydroperillic acid, trans-dihydroperillic acid, methyl esters of perillic acid, methyl esters of dihydroperillic acid, limonene-2-diol, uroterpenol, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         18 . The soft gelatin capsule of  claim 14 , wherein said coenzyme Q-10 is solubilized in said monoterpene in an amount of about 10 percent to about 40 percent by weight. 
     
     
         19 . The composition of  claim 14 , wherein said soft gelatin tablet further comprises rice bran oil or beeswax. 
     
     
         20 . The composition of  claim 14 , wherein said soft gelatin tablet further comprises an antioxidant. 
     
     
         21 . A method for the delivery of an effective amount of bioavailable coenzyme Q-10 to an individual in need thereof, comprising the steps of
 providing coenzyme Q-10 solubilized in a monoterpene and an acceptable carrier, such that an effective amount of coenzyme Q-10 is provided to an individual.   
     
     
         22 . A packaged nutraceutical formulation comprising:
 coenzyme Q-10 or an analog thereof, and a sufficient quantity of a monoterpene suitable to solubilize said coenzyme Q-10, wherein said formulation is encapsulated in a gelatin capsule; and   instructions for use thereof.   
     
     
         23 . The packaged nutraceutical formulation of  claim 22 , wherein said coenzyme Q-10 or an analog thereof is selected from the group consisting of coenzyme Q-10, reduced coenzyme Q-10 and semi-reduced coenzyme Q-10. 
     
     
         24 . The packaged nutraceutical formulation of  claim 22 , wherein said monoterpene is limonene or a derivative thereof.