Nootropic profile
PQQ (Pyrroloquinoline Quinone)
PQQ is a powerful redox cofactor that uniquely stimulates mitochondrial biogenesis (the creation of new mitochondria), supports brain energy metabolism, and provides potent antioxidant neuroprotection for enhanced cognitive function and longevity.
Best for
Educational only: this is not medical advice. Always check with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplement.
What is PQQ (Pyrroloquinoline Quinone)?
Pyrroloquinoline Quinone (PQQ) is a small quinone molecule that acts as a redox cofactor, facilitating electron transfer reactions in cells similar to how B vitamins function.
What it does for you
Community and editorial ratings, out of 5:
How to take it
- Typical dose: 10-20 mg per day.
- Clinical dose: 20 mg per day is the most studied dose and is considered the standard effective dose for cognitive benefits.
- Forms: PQQ disodium salt in capsule form is the most common. BioPQQ is a well-known branded ingredient. Often combined with CoQ10 for synergistic...
- Timing: Can be taken morning or with a meal. Some users prefer taking it alongside CoQ10 for enhanced mitochondrial benefits.
- Upper limit: 20 mg per day is the maximum proposed daily intake. Doses above this have not been extensively studied in humans.
Watch out for
- Side effects: Very well tolerated at recommended doses. Mild side effects are rare but may include headache or insomnia if taken in excess or late in the day.
- Drug interactions: No significant drug interactions have been identified to date. However, due to limited long-term research, exercise caution when...
- Pregnancy/breastfeeding: Insufficient safety data for supplemental doses during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Notably, PQQ is naturally present in human...
- Toxicity: Animal toxicology studies show no adverse effects at doses far exceeding typical human supplementation. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA)...
The science, if you're curious.
- Activates PGC-1alpha through NAD+-dependent sirtuin pathways, stimulating the expression of transcription factors that drive the creation of new...
- Increases blood flow to the prefrontal cortex, the brain region responsible for attention, executive function, working memory, and decision-making.
- Functions as a highly efficient redox cycling agent, capable of performing thousands of electron transfer cycles before being degraded, making it far more...
- Acts as an accessory factor for NAD+-dependent dehydrogenases, supporting optimal NAD+/NADH ratios critical for cellular energy metabolism and anti-ageing...
Where to find it
- Natural food sources: Found in trace amounts in many foods. Richest sources include natto (fermented soybeans), parsley, green peppers, kiwi fruit, papaya, spinach, celery, green tea, and human breast milk. However, dietary intake from food is extremely low, making supplementation necessary for any meaningful dose.
- Supplement forms: PQQ disodium salt capsules (10 mg and 20 mg are standard). BioPQQ is the most widely used branded form. Often sold in combination with CoQ10 for synergistic mitochondrial support.
The research
Pyrroloquinoline quinone stimulates mitochondrial biogenesis through cAMP response element-binding protein phosphorylation and increased PGC-1alpha expression
Chowanadisai W, Bauerly KA, Tchaparian E, Wong A, Cortopassi GA, Rucker RB - Journal of Biological Chemistry
PQQ stimulates the creation of new mitochondria and improves cellular energy production.
PQQ (pyrroloquinoline quinone) stimulates nerve growth factor synthesis and supports neuronal survival
Yamaguchi K, Sasano A, Urakami T, Tsuji T, Kondo K - Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications
PQQ stimulated nerve growth factor synthesis and enhanced mitochondrial biogenesis in neuronal cells.
Frequently asked
PQQ is a powerful redox cofactor that uniquely stimulates mitochondrial biogenesis (the creation of new mitochondria), supports brain energy metabolism, and provides potent antioxidant neuroprotection for enhanced cognitive function and longevity.
The main benefits people report from PQQ (Pyrroloquinoline Quinone) are: Cognitive Enhancement, Creativity, Energy, Focus, Longevity, Memory, Mood, Stress Relief.
Typical dose: 10-20 mg per day.Clinical dose: 20 mg per day is the most studied dose and is considered the standard effective dose for cognitive benefits.Forms: PQQ disodium salt in capsule form is the most common. BioPQQ is a well-known branded ingredient. Often combined with CoQ10 for synergistic....
Side effects: Very well tolerated at recommended doses. Mild side effects are rare but may include headache or insomnia if taken in excess or late in the day.Drug interactions: No significant drug interactions have been identified to date. However, due to limited long-term research, exercise caution...
Activates PGC-1alpha through NAD+-dependent sirtuin pathways, stimulating the expression of transcription factors that drive the creation of new...Increases blood flow to the prefrontal cortex, the brain region responsible for attention, executive function, working memory, and decision-making.Functi...
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