Mitoquinone mesylate, commonly known as MitoQ, is a mitochondria-targeted antioxidant derived from coenzyme Q10 (ubiquinone). Its use to support the mitochondria is primarily supported by scientific research rather than tradition. MitoQ is specifically designed to accumulate within mitochondria due to its lipophilic triphenylphosphonium cation, allowing it to effectively reduce oxidative damage at the mitochondrial level.

Several preclinical studies in animal models and cell cultures demonstrate that MitoQ can reduce mitochondrial oxidative stress, improve mitochondrial function, and protect against cell damage in conditions such as neurodegeneration, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic syndrome. Some early human trials and pilot studies suggest potential benefits for vascular function and liver health, but robust clinical data are still limited. No major traditional systems of medicine (e.g., Chinese or Ayurvedic medicine) have used MitoQ, as it is a modern, synthetic compound.

While there is promising mechanistic and preclinical evidence, large-scale, long-term human clinical trials are lacking. Therefore, the scientific support for using Mitoquinone mesylate to support mitochondrial health is moderate, warranting a rating of 3 out of 5. More rigorous human studies are needed to confirm its efficacy and safety for this purpose.