Idebenone

Tier 2 — promising · Mitochondrial · Cognition · Vision

A synthetic short-chain analogue of CoQ10 with smaller molecular size and higher water-solubility, enabling it to cross the blood-brain barrier and reach mitochondria that ubiquinone cannot penetrate efficiently. Approved in Europe (Raxone) for Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy at 900 mg/day. Used off-label for mitochondrial disorders, cognitive support, and oxidative stress. Unlike CoQ10, idebenone can bypass a partially blocked electron transport chain by directly shuttling electrons to Complex III.

Dose: 150–300 mg/day (research/cognitive use); 900 mg/day (LHON, physician-supervised)