Analysis of Coenzyme Q 10 By Taylor Sineath School of Pharmacy:

Purpose To test the qualities of Coenzyme Q10 dietary supplements using analytical methods.

What is Coenzyme Q 10? Naturally occurring compound found in organisms. Used for a variety of indications notably cardiovascular diseases.

Forms/Dosage GNC/FoodLion both 10 mg capsules GNC/FoodLion both 10 mg capsules GNC is in a capsule form GNC is in a capsule form FoodLion is in soft gel form FoodLion is in soft gel form

Testing Methods Weight variation Weight variation Disintegration Disintegration HPLC Assay HPLC Assay

Weight variation Tests the variation in weight of capsules Tests the variation in weight of capsules Tests the deviation from the average Tests the deviation from the average Tests the net fill of soft gel (FoodLion) Tests the net fill of soft gel (FoodLion) Tests the weight of the capsules (GNC) Tests the weight of the capsules (GNC)

Disintegration Tests the solubility in an environment supposed to imitate that of the stomach Tests the solubility in an environment supposed to imitate that of the stomach Used 6 capsules in sodium acetate buffer Used 6 capsules in sodium acetate buffer 37 o C + /- 2 o C 37 o C + /- 2 o C The limit was 45min The limit was 45min

HPLC Assay Determine concentration of analyte within a sample Determine concentration of analyte within a sample Measures it by light absorption Measures it by light absorption Analyzed 3 capsules per lot Analyzed 3 capsules per lot

HPLC Setup Used a wavelength of 275nm Used a wavelength of 275nm Flow Rate 1ml/min Flow Rate 1ml/min Column 150mm x 4.6mm Altima C18 3  Column 150mm x 4.6mm Altima C18 3  Mobile Phase (25:75) Hexanes:Methanol Mobile Phase (25:75) Hexanes:Methanol Injection volume of 20 ul Injection volume of 20 ul

Sample Chromatogram

Sample Preparation – Soft gels Cut open the shell using forceps and a scalpel over a funnel in a 100ml volumetric flask Cut open the shell using forceps and a scalpel over a funnel in a 100ml volumetric flask Wash the funnel,forceps and the scalpel into the 100ml flask with 20ml of hexanes Wash the funnel,forceps and the scalpel into the 100ml flask with 20ml of hexanes Sonicate for 5 min and diluted to volume with methanol Sonicate for 5 min and diluted to volume with methanol Then sonicate again for 5 min Then sonicate again for 5 min

Sample Prep. (cont.) Pipetted 2ml of the sample into a 50ml volumetric flask and diluted with methanol Pipetted 2ml of the sample into a 50ml volumetric flask and diluted with methanol Filled a HPLC vial 1 / 2 to 3 / 4 full Filled a HPLC vial 1 / 2 to 3 / 4 full

Data from FoodLion Weight Variation

Data From GNC Weight Variation

Disintegration of FoodLion Brand

Disintegration of GNC Brand

Assay of FoodLion Soft gels Lot # 9DN05728HL70196N0749 % found % +/ mg/cap mg/cap mg/cap+/- mg/cap+/

Assay of GNC capsules Lot # % found % +/ mg/cap mg/cap mg/cap+/- mg/cap+/

Conclusions Weight variations within brands consistent Weight variations within brands consistent Disintegrations within brands consistent Disintegrations within brands consistent Assay would indicate variability within the lot and from lot to lot Assay would indicate variability within the lot and from lot to lot Preliminary data suggests that FoodLion would be a better choice Preliminary data suggests that FoodLion would be a better choice  Costs less $10 vs. $17  100 capsules vs. 90 capsule in bottle  Less variability