PQQ
Pyrroloquinoline quinone is a redox cofactor that is the only known compound that can stimulate the growth of new mitochondria (mitochondrial biogenesis) in existing cells. Since mitochondrial density and function decline with age, PQQ addresses a root cause of age-related cognitive decline. It also provides potent antioxidant protection — estimated to be 5,000x more efficient at redox cycling than vitamin C.
Dosage
Standard: 10-20 mg daily. Often combined with CoQ10 (100-300 mg) for synergistic mitochondrial support. Higher doses (40 mg) are used in some research settings.
Dosages shown are for research reference only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.
Half-Life
3-5 hours (plasma), but effects on mitochondrial biogenesis persist
Administration
Oral (capsules, softgels). Best absorbed on an empty stomach. BioPQQ is the most studied branded form.
Shop PQQ
99%+ purity · third-party lab tested
Mechanism of Action
PQQ activates PGC-1alpha (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha), the master transcriptional regulator of mitochondrial biogenesis. PGC-1alpha coactivates NRF-1 and NRF-2, which drive expression of mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) and nuclear-encoded mitochondrial genes—the process of creating new mitochondria in existing cells. This is unique among commercially available supplements. PQQ also provides antioxidant protection through extremely efficient redox cycling at the N5 position; it can undergo thousands of oxidation-reduction cycles before being exhausted, estimated at 5,000x the efficiency of vitamin C. PQQ activates the CREB (cAMP response element-binding protein) signaling pathway and may enhance NGF signaling, supporting BDNF expression, synaptic plasticity, and neuronal survival.
Regulatory Status
Dietary supplement. GRAS ingredient (self-affirmed). Not FDA-approved for any medical condition.
Risks & Safety
Common
Very few — PQQ has an excellent safety profile at standard doses. Mild headache, fatigue initially.
Serious
No serious adverse effects documented.
Rare
Insomnia, irritability.
Compare PQQ With
Research Papers
10Published: October 21, 2024
AI Summary
Pyrroloquinoline Quinone (PQQ) is a redox-active quinone molecule with significant implications for human health. Future research directions should focus on determining the optimal dosages of PQQ for specific health outcomes and assessing its long-term effectiveness and safety.
Published: May 18, 2021
AI Summary
Among the several alcohol dehydrogenases, PQQ-dependent enzymes are mainly found in the α, β, and γ-proteobacteria. Type I and type II ADHs are located in the periplasm, while type III ADHs are in the cytoplasmic membrane.
Published: December 30, 2013
AI Summary
However, dietary PQQ exposure (Study 1) resulted in apparent changes in antioxidant potential based on malonaldehyde-related TBAR assessments. In Study 2, PQQ supplementation resulted in significant decreases in the levels of plasma C-reactive protein, IL-6 and urinary methylated amines such as trimethylamine N-oxide, and changes in urinary meta...
Published: July 31, 1989
AI Summary
The recently discovered redox coenzyme, PQQ (methoxatin), is widely distributed. Quantitation of protein-bound PQQ has been difficult, but unique redox cycling reactions, which reflect its striking biological properties, reveal trace amounts.
Published: April 14, 2025
AI Summary
Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) is a naturally occurring redox-active compound with potent antioxidant, mitochondrial-enhancing, and neuroprotective properties. Further we reviewed the significant signaling pathways that involved PQQ neuroprotective mechanisms, positioning it as a novel candidate for future therapeutic strategies targeting these ...
Published: May 12, 2014
AI Summary
Genomic analyses indicated the existence of another MDH distantly related to the MxaFI-MDHs. Moreover, sequence analyses suggest that XoxF-MDHs represent only a small part of putative REE-containing quinoproteins, together covering an unexploited potential of metabolic functions.
Published: March 7, 2022
AI Summary
However, there is no evidence yet for this opportunity in the literature. Cellular and animal model results are missing.
Published: March 6, 2022
AI Summary
Results showed that PQQ treatment increased the ovarian weight and size, partially normalized the disrupted estrous cycle period and prevented the loss of follicles of mice treated with AAs. More importantly, we found that PQQ treatment significantly increased the pregnancy rate and litter size per delivery of mice treated with AAs.
Published: May 29, 2025
AI Summary
We show that these conformational changes preclude the binding of a bacteriophage, which targets PqqU as a cell surface receptor. Guided by the PqqU-PQQ structure, we identify amino acids essential for PQQ import and leverage this information to map the presence of PqqU across Gram-negative bacteria.
Published: August 23, 2024
AI Summary
The decline in muscle mass is associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality in individuals with this disease. The European Food Safety Authority approved pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ), a natural compound, as a dietary supplement in 2018.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is PQQ used for?
Pyrroloquinoline quinone is a redox cofactor that is the only known compound that can stimulate the growth of new mitochondria (mitochondrial biogenesis) in existing cells. Since mitochondrial density and function decline with age, PQQ addresses a root cause of age-related cognitive decline. It also provides potent antioxidant protection — estimated to be 5,000x more efficient at redox cycling than vitamin C.
What are the side effects of PQQ?
Common: Very few — PQQ has an excellent safety profile at standard doses. Mild headache, fatigue initially. Serious: No serious adverse effects documented. Rare: Insomnia, irritability.
How is PQQ administered?
PQQ is administered via oral (capsules, softgels). best absorbed on an empty stomach. biopqq is the most studied branded form..
What is the half-life of PQQ?
The half-life of PQQ is 3-5 hours (plasma), but effects on mitochondrial biogenesis persist.
Related Nootropics
Agmatine Sulfate
A metabolite of L-arginine produced by decarboxylation. Agmatine is an endogenous neuromodulator that acts on multiple receptor systems — it blocks NMDA receptors, activates imidazoline receptors, inhibits nitric oxide synthase, and modulates opioid signaling. This makes it useful for neuropathic pain, mood, stress resilience, and as a complement to other nootropics. Also enhances insulin sensitivity and nitric oxide production.
ALCAR
Acetyl-L-Carnitine is an acetylated form of L-Carnitine that crosses the blood-brain barrier more effectively than regular L-Carnitine. In the brain, it donates its acetyl group for acetylcholine synthesis and supports mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation for energy. Used clinically for age-related cognitive decline, depression, and diabetic neuropathy.
B-Complex
The B vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B9, B12) are essential coenzymes in brain energy metabolism, neurotransmitter synthesis, and methylation reactions. Deficiency in any B vitamin impairs cognitive function. B12 and folate deficiency specifically cause irreversible neurological damage if untreated. A high-quality B-complex is foundational for any nootropic regimen, particularly for vegetarians, older adults, and those under chronic stress.
Bacopa Monnieri
An Ayurvedic herb used for thousands of years as a memory enhancer. Modern research confirms it — Bacopa reliably improves memory formation, recall speed, and information retention. The catch is that benefits require 8-12 weeks of daily use to manifest; it is not an acute cognitive enhancer. The bacosides (active compounds) are also mildly sedating, making evening dosing common.
Black Seed Oil
Extracted from Nigella sativa seeds, black seed oil contains thymoquinone — a compound with potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective properties. Used in traditional Middle Eastern medicine for over 2,000 years, modern research supports cognitive benefits through anti-neuroinflammation, acetylcholinesterase inhibition, and GABA modulation. Also supports metabolic health and immune function.
CDP-Choline
Also known as Citicoline, this is a naturally occurring compound that provides both choline and cytidine (which converts to uridine in the body). This dual action supports both acetylcholine synthesis and cell membrane repair, making it both a cognitive enhancer and a neuroprotectant. Prescribed in many countries for stroke recovery and cognitive decline.