FIELD OF INVENTION
[001] The present disclosure is directed to the field of bio-active compositions, and in particular relates to compositions useful for imparting muscle strength. The present disclosure is further directed to a process of preparation of said composition.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] Maintaining muscle mass while minimizing the accumulation of fat has long been an issue of concern to athletes. However, development of suitable muscle mass and healthy muscle growth are critical areas not only for athletes by also for any normal healthy individual. While exercise is one of the main mechanisms for achieving that goal, food and/or vitamin supplements, are necessary for muscle growth. Conventional approaches to improve muscle performance and mass are based on using steroids which are associated with a variety of serious health problems including cardiovascular disease and liver cancer.
[003] Further, certain other chemical compounds have also been found to be important, not for their direct influence on muscle growth, but rather as complements for other compounds which stimulate muscle growth. For example, boron, which is an essential mineral, is believed to play an important role in the retention of calcium. Likewise, chromium has been noted to be a beneficial supplement for athletes. WO2017038991A1 discloses a composition comprising citrulline or a salt thereof and a branched amino acid or salt thereof as active ingredients, for imparting muscle strength.
[004] US8491943B2 discloses a composition comprising at least one peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR) agonist, at least one peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC)-1alpha agonist, and at least one creatine derivative for promoting anabolism and improving or enhancing physical performance. US6608109B2 discloses a composition comprising an effective amount of L-arginine or a salt thereof, a pH control agent for controlling the pH at less than 7, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, for stimulating muscle growth. In spite of the extensive studies and research to date, there remains a long-felt need in the art for a safe and effective method of stimulating muscle growth that can replace steroids, especially for athletes.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[005] In an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a bio-active composition comprising: a) coenzyme Q10; and b) niacin, wherein coenzyme Q10 to niacin weight ratio is in a range of 0.08:1 to 0.15:1.

[006] In an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a process for preparing the bio-active composition comprising: a) coenzyme Q10; and b) niacin, wherein coenzyme Q10 to niacin weight ratio is in a range of 0.08:1 to 0.15:1, said process comprising the steps of: a) obtaining coenzyme Q10; b) obtaining niacin; and c) contacting coenzyme Q10 and niacin to obtain the composition.
[007] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present subject matter will be better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[008] The following drawings form part of the present specification and are included to further illustrate aspects of the present disclosure. The disclosure may be better be understood by reference to the drawings in combination with the detailed description of the specific embodiments presented herein.
[009] Figure 1 depicts dose dependent effect of CoQ10 and niacin on mRNA expression of PGC-1α in skeletal muscle cells, in accordance with an embodiment of present disclosure. [0010] Figure 2 depicts the effect of combination of CoQ10 and niacin on PGC-1α mRNA expression in skeletal muscle cells, in accordance with an embodiment of present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0011] Those skilled in the art will be aware that the present disclosure is subject to variations and modifications other than those specifically described. It is to be understood that the present disclosure includes all such variations and modifications. The disclosure also includes all such steps, features, compositions, and compounds referred to or indicated in this specification, individually or collectively, and any and all combinations of any or more of such steps or features.
Definitions
[0012] For convenience, before further description of the present disclosure, certain terms employed in the specification, and examples are collected here. These definitions should be read in the light of the remainder of the disclosure and understood as by a person of skill in the art. The terms used herein have the meanings recognized and known to those of skill in

the art, however, for convenience and completeness, particular terms and their meanings are
set forth below.
[0013] The articles “a”, “an” and “the” are used to refer to one or to more than one (i.e., to at
least one) of the grammatical object of the article.
[0014] The terms “comprise” and “comprising” are used in the inclusive, open sense,
meaning that additional elements may be included. It is not intended to be construed as
“consists of only”.
[0015] The term “bioactive” refers to compositions having a biological effect.
[0016] Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise the word
“comprise”, and variations such as “comprises” and “comprising”, will be understood to
imply the inclusion of a stated element or step or group of element or steps but not the
exclusion of any other element or step or group of element or steps.
[0017] The term “including” is used to mean “including but not limited to”. “Including” and
“including but not limited to” are used interchangeably.
[0018] The term “at least one” is used to mean one or more and thus includes individual
components as well as mixtures/combinations.
[0019] Ratios, concentrations, amounts, and other numerical data may be presented herein in
a range format. It is to be understood that such range format is used merely for convenience
and brevity and should be interpreted flexibly to include not only the numerical values
explicitly recited as the limits of the range, but also to include all the individual numerical
values or sub-ranges encompassed within that range as if each numerical value and sub-range
is explicitly recited. For example, a temperature ranges of about 25-35 ℃ should be
interpreted to include not only the explicitly recited limits of about 25 ℃ to about 35 ℃, but
also to include sub-ranges, such as 25-30 ℃, 28-35 ℃, and so forth, as well as individual
amounts, including fractional amounts, within the specified ranges, such as 25.2 ℃, and 32.5
℃, for example.
[0020] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same
meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure
belongs. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein
can be used in the practice or testing of the disclosure, the preferred methods, and materials
are now described. All publications mentioned herein are incorporated herein by reference.
[0021] The term “at least one” is used to mean one or more and thus includes individual
components as well as mixtures/combinations.

[0022] The term ‘excipient’ refers to an inactive substance that serves as the vehicle or medium for a drug or other active substance.
[0023] The term ‘diluent’ refers to substances that are used to dilute the composition. [0024] The present disclosure is not to be limited in scope by the specific implementations described herein, which are intended for the purposes of exemplification only. Functionally-equivalent products, compositions, and methods are clearly within the scope of the disclosure, as described herein.
[0025] A composition comprising “synergistic activity” or a “synergistic composition” is a combination of compounds which exhibits increased biological or functional activity as a non-linear multiple of the biological or functional activity of the individual compounds. In other words, the combined biological or functional activity of two or more compounds being tested is significantly greater than the expected result based on independent effects of the compounds when tested separately. Synergy may be apparent only at some ranges or weight percentages.
[0026] Conventional approaches to improve muscle strength are based on using steroids which are associated with severe side-effects. Although recent literature suggests a trend towards use of alternative compositions that overcome the drawbacks associated with the use of steroidal drugs, there still exists a need to develop novel compositions which can be used for imparting muscle strength, with minimal/ no side-effects. The present disclosure provides a composition comprising coenzyme Q10 and niacin that is able to provide surprisingly high efficiency in terms of muscle growth and development.
[0027] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a bio-active composition comprising: a) coenzyme Q10; and b) niacin, wherein coenzyme Q10 to niacin weight ratio is in a range of 0.08:1 to 0.15:1. In another embodiment, coenzyme Q10 to niacin weight ratio is in a range of 0.09:1 to 0.13:1
[0028] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a bio-active composition comprising: a) coenzyme Q10; and b) niacin, wherein coenzyme Q10 to niacin weight ratio is 0.094:1.
[0029] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a bio-active composition as described herein, wherein the composition further comprises at least one diluent selected from a group consisting of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), water, and combinations thereof. In an embodiment, the diluent is DMSO.
[0030] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a bio-active composition comprising: a) coenzyme Q10; and b) niacin, wherein coenzyme Q10 to niacin

weight ratio is in a range of 0.08:1 to 0.15:1, and wherein the composition further comprises at least one diluent selected from a group consisting of dimethyl sulfoxide, water, and combinations thereof.
[0031] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a bio-active composition as described herein, wherein the composition comprises: a) coenzyme Q10 having a concentration in a range of 10 to 35 µg/ml; and b) niacin having a concentration in a range of 180 to 280 µg/ml. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the composition comprises: a) coenzyme Q10 having a concentration in a range of 20 to 25 µg/ml; and b) niacin having a concentration in a range of 220 to 240 µg/ml. In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the composition comprises: a) coenzyme Q10 having a concentration of 21.6 µg/ml; and b) niacin having a concentration of 230.6 µg/ml.
[0032] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a bio-active composition comprising: a) coenzyme Q10; and b) niacin, wherein coenzyme Q10 to niacin weight ratio is in a range of 0.08:1 to 0.15:1, and wherein the coenzyme Q10 having a concentration in a range of 10 to 35 µg/ml; and niacin having a concentration in a range of 180 to 280 µg/ml.
[0033] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a bio-active composition comprising: a) coenzyme Q10; and b) niacin, wherein coenzyme Q10 to niacin weight ratio is 0.094:1, and wherein the coenzyme Q10 having a concentration in a range of 10 to 35 µg/ml; and niacin having a concentration in a range of 180 to 280 µg/ml, and wherein the composition further comprises at least one diluent selected from a group consisting of dimethyl sulfoxide, water, and combinations thereof.
[0034] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a bio-active composition comprising: a) coenzyme Q10; and b) niacin, wherein coenzyme Q10 to niacin weight ratio is 0.094:1, and wherein the coenzyme Q10 having a concentration in a range of 10 to 35 µg/ml; and niacin having a concentration in a range of 180 to 280 µg/ml, and wherein the composition further comprises at least one diluent selected from a group consisting of dimethyl sulfoxide, water, and combinations thereof.
[0035] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a bio-active composition as described herein, wherein the composition optionally comprises at least one excipient selected from fillers, preservatives, coloring agent, flavoring agent, chelating agent, carriers, and combinations thereof. In an embodiment, the at least one excipient is maltodextrin.

[0036] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a bio-active
composition comprising: a) coenzyme Q10; and b) niacin, wherein coenzyme Q10 to niacin
weight ratio is in a range of 0.08:1 to 0.15:1, and wherein the composition optionally
comprises at least one excipient selected from fillers, preservatives, coloring agent, flavoring
agent, chelating agent, carriers, and combinations thereof.
[0037] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a bio-active
composition comprising: a) coenzyme Q10; and b) niacin, wherein coenzyme Q10 to niacin
weight ratio is 0.094:1, and wherein the composition optionally comprises at least one
excipient selected from fillers, preservatives, coloring agent, flavoring agent, chelating agent,
carriers, and combinations thereof.
[0038] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a bio-active
composition comprising: a) coenzyme Q10; and b) niacin, wherein coenzyme Q10 to niacin
weight ratio is in a range of 0.08:1 to 0.15:1, and wherein the composition further comprises
at least one diluent selected from a group consisting of dimethyl sulfoxide, water, and
combinations thereof, and wherein the composition optionally comprises at least one
excipient selected from fillers, preservatives, coloring agent, flavoring agent, chelating agent,
carriers, and combinations thereof.
[0039] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a bio-active
composition comprising: a) coenzyme Q10; and b) niacin, wherein coenzyme Q10 to niacin
weight ratio is 0.094:1, and wherein the coenzyme Q10 having a concentration in a range of
10 to 35 µg/ml; and niacin having a concentration in a range of 180 to 280 µg/ml, and
wherein the composition further comprises at least one diluent selected from a group
consisting of dimethyl sulfoxide, water, and combinations thereof, and wherein the
composition optionally comprises at least one excipient selected from fillers, preservatives,
coloring agent, flavoring agent, chelating agent, carriers, and combinations thereof.
[0040] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a bio-active
composition as described herein, wherein the composition is found to synergistically
upregulate the expression of PGC-la.
[0041] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a bio-active
composition comprising: a) coenzyme Q10; and b) niacin, wherein coenzyme Q10 to niacin
weight ratio is in a range of 0.08:1 to 0.15:1, and wherein the composition is found to
synergistically upregulate the expression of PGC-la.
[0042] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a bio-active
composition comprising: a) coenzyme Q10; and b) niacin, wherein coenzyme Q10 to niacin

weight ratio is 0.094:1, and wherein the composition is found to synergistically upregulate the expression of PGC-la.
[0043] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a bio-active composition comprising: a) coenzyme Q10; and b) niacin, wherein coenzyme Q10 to niacin weight ratio is in a range of 0.08:1 to 0.15:1, and wherein the composition further comprises at least one diluent selected from a group consisting of dimethyl sulfoxide, water, and combinations thereof, and wherein the composition optionally comprises at least one excipient selected from fillers, preservatives, coloring agent, flavoring agent, chelating agent, carriers, and combinations thereof, and wherein the composition is found to synergistically upregulate the expression of PGC-la.
[0044] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a bio-active composition comprising: a) coenzyme Q10; and b) niacin, wherein coenzyme Q10 to niacin weight ratio is in a range of 0.08:1 to 0.15:1, and wherein the coenzyme Q10 having a concentration in a range of 10 to 35 µg/ml; and niacin having a concentration in a range of 180 to 280 µg/ml, and wherein the composition optionally comprises at least one excipient selected from fillers, preservatives, coloring agent, flavoring agent, chelating agent, carriers, and combinations thereof, and wherein the composition is found to synergistically upregulate the expression of PGC-la.
[0045] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a bio-active composition comprising: a) coenzyme Q10; and b) niacin, wherein coenzyme Q10 to niacin weight ratio is in a range of 0.08:1 to 0.15:1, and wherein the coenzyme Q10 having a concentration in a range of 10 to 35 µg/ml; and niacin having a concentration in a range of 180 to 280 µg/ml, and wherein the composition further comprises at least one diluent selected from a group consisting of dimethyl sulfoxide, water, and combinations thereof, and wherein the composition optionally comprises at least one excipient selected from chelating agent, carriers, preservatives, coloring agent, flavoring agent, filler, and combinations thereof, and wherein the composition is found to synergistically upregulate the expression of PGC-la. [0046] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a bio-active composition as described herein, wherein the composition promotes muscle strength. [0047] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a bio-active composition comprising: a) coenzyme Q10; and b) niacin, wherein coenzyme Q10 to niacin weight ratio is in a range of 0.08:1 to 0.15:1, and wherein the composition promotes muscle strength.

[0048] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a bio-active composition comprising: a) coenzyme Q10; and b) niacin, wherein coenzyme Q10 to niacin weight ratio is 0.094:1, and wherein the composition promotes muscle strength. [0049] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a bio-active composition comprising: a) coenzyme Q10; and b) niacin, wherein coenzyme Q10 to niacin weight ratio is in a range of 0.08:1 to 0.15:1, and wherein the coenzyme Q10 having a concentration in a range of 10 to 35 µg/ml; and niacin having a concentration in a range of 180 to 280 µg/ml, and wherein the composition further comprises at least one diluent selected from a group consisting of dimethyl sulfoxide, water, and combinations thereof, and wherein the composition optionally comprises at least one excipient selected from fillers, preservatives, coloring agent, flavoring agent, chelating agent, carriers, and combinations thereof, and wherein the composition promotes muscle strength.
[0050] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a bio-active composition comprising: a) coenzyme Q10; and b) niacin, wherein coenzyme Q10 to niacin weight ratio is in a range of 0.08:1 to 0.15:1, and wherein the coenzyme Q10 having a concentration in a range of 10 to 35 µg/ml; and niacin having a concentration in a range of 180 to 280 µg/ml, and wherein the composition further comprises at least one diluent selected from a group consisting of dimethyl sulfoxide, water, and combinations thereof, and wherein the composition optionally comprises at least one excipient selected from fillers, preservatives, coloring agent, flavoring agent, chelating agent, carriers, and combinations thereof, and wherein the composition is found to synergistically upregulate the expression of PGC-1α, and wherein the composition promotes muscle strength.
[0051] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a bio-active composition as described herein, wherein the composition is dispensed in the form of a dietary supplement selected from the group consisting of powdered beverage mix, nutrition bar, capsule, and health drink. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the composition is dispensed in the form of a powdered beverage. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the composition is dispensed in the form of a nutrition bar. In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the composition is dispensed in the form of a topical application.
[0052] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a bio-active composition comprising: a) coenzyme Q10; and b) niacin, wherein coenzyme Q10 to niacin weight ratio is in a range of 0.08:1 to 0.15:1, and wherein the composition is dispensed in the

form of a dietary supplement selected from the group consisting of powdered beverage mix, nutrition bar, capsule, and health drink.
[0053] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a bio-active composition comprising: a) coenzyme Q10; and b) niacin, wherein coenzyme Q10 to niacin weight ratio is 0.094:1, and wherein the composition is dispensed in the form of a dietary supplement selected from the group consisting of powdered beverage mix, nutrition bar, capsule, and health drink.
[0054] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a bio-active composition comprising: a) coenzyme Q10; and b) niacin, wherein coenzyme Q10 to niacin weight ratio is in a range of 0.08:1 to 0.15:1, and wherein the coenzyme Q10 having a concentration in a range of 10 to 35 µg/ml; and niacin having a concentration in a range of 180 to 280 µg/ml, and wherein the composition further comprises at least one diluent selected from a group consisting of dimethyl sulfoxide, water, and combinations thereof, and wherein the composition optionally comprises at least one excipient selected from fillers, preservatives, coloring agent, flavoring agent, carriers, chelating agent, and combinations thereof, and wherein the composition is dispensed in the form of a dietary supplement selected from the group consisting of powdered beverage mix, nutrition bar, capsule, and health drink.
[0055] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a bio-active composition comprising: a) coenzyme Q10; and b) niacin, wherein coenzyme Q10 to niacin weight ratio is in a range of 0.08:1 to 0.15:1, and wherein the coenzyme Q10 having a concentration in a range of 10 to 35 µg/ml; and niacin having a concentration in a range of 180 to 280 µg/ml, and wherein the composition further comprises at least one diluent selected from a group consisting of dimethyl sulfoxide, water, and combinations thereof, and wherein the composition optionally comprises at least one excipient selected from fillers, preservatives, coloring agent, flavoring agent, chelating agent, carriers, and combinations thereof, and wherein the composition is dispensed in the form of a dietary supplement selected from the group consisting of powdered beverage mix, nutrition bar, capsule, and health drink, and wherein the composition is found to synergistically upregulate the expression of PGC-1α, and wherein the composition promotes muscle strength. [0056] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a process for preparing the bio-active composition comprising a) coenzyme Q10; and b) niacin, wherein coenzyme Q10 to niacin weight ratio is in a range of 0.08:1 to 0.15:1, said process comprising the steps

of a) obtaining coenzyme Q10; b) obtaining niacin; and c) contacting coenzyme Q10 and niacin to obtain the composition.
[0057] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a process for preparing the bio-active composition comprising a) coenzyme Q10; and b) niacin, wherein coenzyme Q10 to niacin weight ratio is 0.094:1, said process comprising the steps of a) obtaining coenzyme Q10; b) obtaining niacin; and c) contacting coenzyme Q10 and niacin to obtain the composition.
[0058] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a process for preparing the bio-active composition comprising: a) coenzyme Q10; and b) niacin, wherein coenzyme Q10 to niacin weight ratio is in a range of 0.08:1 to 0.15:1, and wherein the coenzyme Q10 having a concentration in a range of 10 to 35 µg/ml; and niacin having a concentration in a range of 180 to 280 µg/ml, and wherein the composition further comprises at least one diluent selected from a group consisting of dimethyl sulfoxide, water, and combinations thereof, and wherein the composition optionally comprises at least one excipient selected from fillers, preservatives, coloring agent, flavoring agent, chelating agent, carriers and combinations thereof, said process comprising the steps of a) obtaining coenzyme Q10; b) obtaining niacin; and c) contacting coenzyme Q10 and niacin to obtain the composition. [0059] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a composition as described herein, wherein the composition is dispensed as part of or in combination with food supplements, nutraceuticals and food products. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein food products may be selected from tea, juices, smoothies, chewing gums, fermented products like yogurt, bars, candies, gummies, etc.
[0060] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a composition as described herein, wherein the composition is a powder.
[0061] Although the subject matter has been described with reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternate embodiments of the subject matter, will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the subject matter. It is therefore contemplated that such modifications can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the present subject matter as defined.
EXAMPLES
[0062] The disclosure will now be illustrated with working examples, which is intended to illustrate the working of disclosure and not intended to take restrictively to imply any

limitations on the scope of the present disclosure. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice of the disclosed methods and compositions, the exemplary methods, devices and materials are described herein. It is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to methods, and experimental conditions described, as such methods and conditions may apply.
[0063] The working examples described herein clearly depict the w/w ratios of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and niacin that can show synergistic effect on upregulating the markers responsible for improving the muscle function and integrity. The present disclosure discloses a composition comprising CoQ10 and niacin, which when used in combination at w/w ratio in the range of 0.08:1 to 0.15:1 was found to show an increased mRNA expression of PGC-1α in skeletal muscle cells. Said marker (PGC-1α) is known to play a pivotal role in the maintenance of muscle function and integrity.
MATERIALS AND METHODS Example 1
[0064] CoQ10 was purchased from Sigma-Aldrich (cat no.07386). A 50 mM stock solution was prepared by dissolving 10 mg in 0.232 ml in solvent, preferably DMSO (100 %). 21.6 -86.4 µg/ml (25 - 100 µM) of CoQ10 was prepared by dissolving 0.5 - 2.0 µl of stock in 1mL of the DMEM (Gibco, NY, USA).
[0065] Niacin was purchased from Sigma-Aldrich (cat no. PHR1276). A 5 M stock solution was prepared by dissolving 1 gm in 1.6 ml in solvent, preferably water (100 %). 76.875 -307.5 µg/ml (625 - 2500µM) of Niacin was prepared by dissolving 0.125 - 0.5 µl of stock in 1mL of the DMEM (Gibco, NY, USA).
Example 2
Cell cultures and Culture media
[0066] The cell culture media for C2C12 were prepared by adding 445 ml DMEM
(Dulbecco’s modified Eagle’s medium) obtained from Gibco, N.Y. with 50 ml of Fetal Bovine Serum (FBS) from Invitrogen, NZ and 5ml of 100 U/ml penicillin / 0.1 mg/ml streptomycin (Sigma USA) and filtered with 0.2-micron filter unit. C2C12 murine skeletal muscle precursor cells (myoblasts) were obtained from American Type culture collection (Manassas, VA.) and maintained in proliferation media, consisting of DMEM supplemented with 10% FBS.

Example 3
PGC-1α mRNA expression in C2C12 cells by Real Time PCR.
[0067] The C2C12 cells were allowed to get 70% confluent and differentiation was initiated. The C2C12 cells were treated with DMEM supplemented with 2 % (v/v) horse serum (HS). The cells were subsequently re-fed every 48 hours with DMEM supplemented with 2% HS and 1% penicillin/streptomycin. After differentiation, the culture media were removed and replaced with DMEM supplemented with 2% HS and 1% penicillin/streptomycin with and without ingredient and incubated at 37 °C with 5% CO2. After 24 hours the total RNA was isolated from cultured C2C12 cells by using tri reagent according to the protocol supplied by the manufacturer. The first strand of cDNA was reverse-transcribed from total RNA using the high capacity cDNA RT Kit (Applied Biosystems, Carlsbad, California). PCR was performed in 25μl reactions containing SYBR green master mix (Applied Biosystems, Carlsbad, California), Briefly, 1 µl of cDNA was added to 25µl reaction mixture, containing 1× Universal Master Mix (Applied Biosystems, Carlsbad, California) and 5pM PCR primers for PGC-1α (forward and reverse). The PCR conditions: 2 minutes at 50 ℃, 10 minutes at 95 ℃, 40 cycles of 15 seconds at 95 ℃ and 60 seconds at 60 ℃. All reactions contained the 18s rRNA primer set as an internal standard.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
[0068] Figure 1 depicts dose dependent effect of CoQ10 and niacin on mRNA expression of PGC-1α in skeletal muscle cells. The various w/w ratios and the concentrations used to study the effect of CoQ10 and niacin in isolation, and in combination, of PGC-1α mRNA expression in C2C12 cells, are herewith presented in Table 1.

[0069] From Figure 1, it can be observed that C2C12 cells upon treatment with CoQ10 showed an increased fold change of PGC-1α mRNA expression at a concentration of 86.4 µg/ml, in comparison to that of the control. The control is C2C12 cells without treatment. Similarly, an increased fold change of PGC-1α mRNA expression in C2C12 cells on treatment with niacin was observed at maximum concentration at 307 µg/ml, in comparison to the control.
[0070] Figure 2, shows the effect of combination of CoQ10 and Niacin on PGC-1α mRNA expression in C2C12 cells by real time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). From a combined reading of Table 1, Figure 1, and Figure 2 it can be observed that CoQ10 and niacin in defined w/w ratios (0.094:1) exhibits a synergistic increase in the fold change of PGC-1α mRNA expression in C2C12 cells, when compared to individual ingredient alone. The fold change of PGC-1α mRNA expression in C2C12 cells upon treatment by CoQ10, alone, at maximum concentration (86.4 µg/ml) is 2.2 to 3.5, in comparison to the control. Likewise, the fold change of PGC-1α mRNA expression in C2C12 cells upon exposure to niacin, alone, at maximum concentration of 307.5 µg/ml is 2.0 to 3.7, in comparison to that of the control. A synergistic increase in the fold change of PGC-1α mRNA expression in C2C12 cells was observed at a specific combination of CoQ10 and niacin at a w/w ratio of 0.094:1 (21.6 µg/ml of CoQ10 and 230.625 µg/ml of niacin), where the fold change was 7.2, in comparison to that of the control.
[0071] It can be observed from Table 1, Figure 1 and Figure 2 that not all w/w ratios of a combination of CoQ10 and niacin are able to show synergistic effect in terms of upregulation of the respective markers responsible for improving the muscle function and integrity. The combination of CoQ10 and niacin having w/w ratios of 0.843:1 and 0.281:1 were not able to exhibit any synergistic effect towards PGC-1α upregulation. Therefore, the composition of the present disclosure displays the synergistic effect only in the disclosed w/w ratio range and the same has been established experimentally as described herein.

[0072] Overall, the disclosed data collectively show that a combination of CoQ10 and niacin in a defined w/w ratio range can show synergistic effect on upregulating the markers responsible for improving the muscle function and integrity. Thus, identifying its potential in a likely muscle-growth promoting formulation. Further, the compositions of the present disclosure can impart antioxidant properties and can be an excellent source of vitamins, in addition to imparting muscle strength. The compositions can be conveniently dispensed as part of food products, personal care products and/or cosmetics.

1. A bio-active composition comprising:
a) coenzyme Q10; and
b) niacin,
wherein coenzyme Q10 to niacin weight ratio is in a range of 0.08:1 to 0.15:1.
2. The bio-active composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein coenzyme Q10 to niacin weight ratio is 0.094:1.
3. The bio-active composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the composition further comprises at least one diluent selected from a group consisting of dimethyl sulfoxide, water, and combinations thereof.
4. The bio-active composition as claimed in claim 3, the composition comprising:

a) coenzyme Q10 having a concentration in a range of 10 to 35 µg/ml; and
b) niacin having a concentration in a range of 180 to 280 µg/ml.

5. The bio-active composition as claimed in any one of the claims 1-4, wherein the composition optionally comprises at least one excipient selected from fillers, preservatives, coloring agent, flavoring agent, chelating agent, carriers, and combinations thereof.
6. The bio-active composition as claimed in any one of the claims 1-5, wherein the composition is found to synergistically upregulate the expression of PGC-la.
7. The bio-active composition as claimed in claim 6, wherein the composition promotes muscle strength.
8. The bio-active composition as claimed in any one of the claims 1-7, wherein the composition is dispensed in the form of a dietary supplement selected from the group consisting of powdered beverage mix, nutrition bar, capsule, and health drink.
9. A process for preparing the bio-active composition as claimed in claim 1, said process comprising the steps of: a) obtaining coenzyme Q10; b) obtaining niacin; and c) contacting coenzyme Q10 and niacin to obtain the composition.