PQQ (Pyrroloquinoline Quinone)
Also known as: pyrroloquinoline quinone, BioPQQ, PQQ disodium salt, methoxatin, mnemoPQQ
Pyrroloquinoline quinone is a redox cofactor found in trace amounts in foods such as natto, kiwi, and green tea. It is studied for mitochondrial biogenesis signaling and as a stable, recyclable antioxidant. Small human RCTs at about 20 mg per day have examined cognitive function in middle-aged and older adults and LDL cholesterol in adults with borderline lipids. It is sold as the disodium salt, usually 10–20 mg, and is common in mitochondrial, energy, and nootropic stacks alongside CoQ10.
Research summary
Redox-cycling cofactor that activates PGC-1α and CREB signaling associated with mitochondrial biogenesis; protects nerve growth factor pathways in vitro.
Dosage
Daily amounts, of compound.
| Lowest studied | Typical range | Highest studied | Upper limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 mg | 10–20 mg | 21.5 mg | — |
10–20 mg daily as PQQ disodium salt. Trials used 20 mg (BioPQQ) for 12 weeks on lipids and 21.5 mg disodium salt (mnemoPQQ) for 12 weeks on cognition. No timing requirement; often paired with CoQ10.
Standardization: ≥99% PQQ disodium salt
Source material: bacterial fermentation (Hyphomicrobium), disodium salt
Format suitability
- Capsule
- Powder
- Tablet
- Softgel
- Gummy
- Liquid
Fine reddish-brown powder, water-soluble. Small dose blends easily; stable in capsules and tablets. Gummies are uncommon.
Formulation notes
Frequently formulated with CoQ10; no notable conflicts.
Sources
- Effects of Pyrroloquinoline Quinone Disodium Salt Intake on the Serum Cholesterol Levels of Healthy Japanese Adults. (Nakano, 2015)PubMed
- Effect of Dietary Pyrroloquinoline Quinone Disodium Salt on Cognitive Function in Healthy Volunteers: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Parallel-Group Study. (Shiojima, 2022)PubMed
- Examine — Pyrroloquinoline QuinoneExamine
Related ingredients
CoQ10 (Ubiquinone)
AntioxidantCoenzyme Q10 in its oxidized form, ubiquinone, is the standard, most-studied CoQ10 ingredient.
Typical: 100–300 mg
CoQ10 (Ubiquinol)
AntioxidantUbiquinol is the reduced, active antioxidant form of coenzyme Q10 and the form that predominates in blood.
Typical: 100–200 mg
Pterostilbene
AntioxidantPterostilbene is a methylated analog of resveratrol found in blueberries and Pterocarpus wood.
Typical: 50–250 mg
Creatine Monohydrate
Sports performanceThe most researched sports supplement in existence.
Typical: 3–5 g
Green Tea Extract (50% EGCG)
BotanicalA leaf extract of Camellia sinensis concentrated for catechins, especially EGCG, with a small amount of naturally occurring caffeine.
Typical: 300–500 mg