SYNTHESIS OF UBIQUINONE (Co-Q10) FROM NATURAL TOBACCO LEAVES

The present research work is aimed to develop a methodology for the synthesis of Ubiquinone (Co-Q10) from the natural tobacco leaves (Nicotiana tabacum L). Solanesol(C45H74O), a product isolated from the natural tobacco leaves and a valuable source for synthesizing metabolically active quinones and other drugs has been considered as the raw material for the synthesis of Ubiquinone. The characteristics of Ubiquinone as an antioxidant, essential for the human life and the critical role of Ubiquinone in slowing down the ageing process and its uses in the treatment of heart diseases, cancer and ulcers are also presented.