Photosynthetic plants convert light energy into chemical energy. Using their photosynthetic products (ATP, NAD(P)H, and carbon skeleton), plants have unique ability to assimilate soil and atmospheric elements into compounds usable by human and animals. Photosynthesis provides carbon precursors and cofactors for many of the essential plant biosynthetic pathways, of which coenzyme A (CoA) is one of their products.

Function of Coenzyme A in Plants

Coenzyme A is a cofactor for 4% of the enzymes in plants. Coenzyme-a is converted into acyl-coenzyme-A (CoA), mainly acetyl-coenzyme-A (CoA), upon reaction with carbohydrate catabolites. Acetyl-coenzyme-A (CoA) is a key substrate in important metabolisms such as citric acid cycle (TCA cycle), fatty acid, some amino acids, flavonoid, wax, isoprenoid, lignin synthesis and storage lipid degradation. These biochemical pathways generate intermediate metabolites that play a role in the adaptation of the plant to changing environmental conditions, defense against pests, nutritional value, pigment and structural component synthesis. Acetyl-coenzyme-a (CoA) also mediates synthesis of secondary metabolites (natural products) of pharmaceutical and industrial significance.

Coenzyme-A Health Benefits

Human body synthesizes coenzyme-a from pantotheic acid (vitamin B5). Coenzyme-a health benefit is a result of its role in metabolic process that generates energy our body uses for a proper function. Coenzyme-a benefits the body probably as equally as coenzyme-q10. Side effects of coenzyme-a deficiency include stiff and sore muscles.