SkQ1 is plastoquinone (from plant chloroplasts) conjugated to a triphenylphosphonium (TPP+) cation. TPP+ is positively charged and exploits the large negative mitochondrial membrane potential (−180mV) to accumulate inside the mitochondrial matrix at concentrations several hundredfold higher than plasma. The plastoquinone moiety then cycles between oxidized and reduced forms, quenching reactive oxygen species at the inner membrane — which is where the electron transport chain generates them, and where generic antioxidants that diffuse throughout the cell fail to reach in meaningful concentration.
The cognitive rationale is that high-output active seasons drive elevated neuronal ATP demand and sustained firing rates, both of which increase mitochondrial ROS production. Accumulated oxidative damage to the respiratory chain reduces its efficiency over subsequent cycles. SkQ1 short courses during the off-season clear that damage at the source. The EveryChem aliquot is 5mg in 0.5mL — highly concentrated and active at nanomolar concentrations. Requires careful dilution before use; don’t dose from the stock solution directly. Human oral dosing is not formally established (clinical use has been as Visomitin eye drops at far lower systemic exposure). Avoid chronic high dosing — excess TPP+ accumulation can itself depolarize the mitochondrial membrane.