SkQ1 – (934826-68-3)

SkQ1, also known as Visomitin, is a potent mitochondria-targeted antioxidant developed by Professor Vladimir Skulachev and his team. This compound, a derivative of plastoquinone, is designed to effectively penetrate cell membranes and accumulate in the mitochondria, the primary source of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cells. SkQ1’s unique structure, consisting of a lipophilic cation linked to an antioxidant via a hydrocarbon chain, allows it to neutralize ROS directly at their site of formation and reduce mitochondrial membrane potential, thereby preventing oxidative stress.

The development of SkQ1 began in the early 2000s, building on previous research with similar compounds like MitoQ. SkQ1 has demonstrated superior antioxidant properties in both in vitro and in vivo studies, showing efficacy in protecting cells from oxidative stress and treating age-related diseases in various organisms, including mice, drosophila, and yeast.

In 2012, the Russian Ministry of Health approved the use of SkQ1-based eye drops, “Visomitin,” for treating dry eye syndrome and the early stages of cataracts. Clinical studies have also shown promising results for SkQ1 in managing age-related macular degeneration. Beyond ophthalmology, SkQ1 has been investigated for its antibacterial properties and its ability to inhibit multidrug-resistant enzymes in bacteria.

Research has further highlighted SkQ1’s potential in preventing rapid animal death caused by diverse shocks, such as bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) shock, mitochondrial injection, cold shock, and toxic shock induced by penetrating cations. SkQ1’s protective effects are attributed to its ability to suppress the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, suggesting a role in mitigating the cytokine storm associated with severe stress responses.

In addition to its medical applications, SkQ1 has shown unexpected benefits in agriculture, stimulating seed germination and increasing crop yields. Its versatility and efficacy make SkQ1 a promising candidate for a wide range of therapeutic and preventive applications, from managing inflammatory diseases to enhancing overall health and longevity.

The above information is displayed for information purpose only, and has not been reviewed by EON nor does EON attests or validates the accuracy nor does it constitutes a recommendation or validation.

Sources:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SkQ
https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Visomitin
https://www.medchemexpress.com/Visomitin.html
https://www.medkoo.com/products/4508
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9659222/
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-023-31281-9