Pyrroloquinoline quinone, also known as PQQ, is a novel factor found in a variety of different foods. In humans, the benefits reported from taking a PQQ supplement range from improvements in cognitive function to an overall reduction in internal inflammation. Recent published research also suggests that taking a PQQ supplement has the potential to stimulate mitochondrial function (the primary energy source in cells) and protects from excessive oxidative damage, a major cause of rapid cell aging.
Like many vitamins and regulatory factors, PQQ was first recognized as a cofactor (a component essential to enzyme action) in bacteria. It has also been examined as a potent plant growth factor. In humans and animals, PQQ acts in a similar fashion to resveratrol or quercetin (so-called food biofactors) in that it serves as a mimic-signaling molecule important to sustaining cellular functions and mitochondrial action.
For animals and humans, there has been a constant exposure to PQQ. For example, soil bacteria that have a symbiotic or mutually favorable relationship with plants make it. PQQ-like substances have even been identified as components of stellar dust. This is important because unlike many other healthful biofactors, that lends proof that each of us has had exposure to PQQ. Accordingly, it is not surprising that when fed diets devoid of PQQ, a broad range of biological functions with apparent survival benefits (optimal growth, development, and reproductive performance) are diminished and compromised. As a supplement, PQQ has many of the same benefits as the beneficial flavonoids found in chocolate and green tea.
What foods contain PQQ for those of us interested in getting it through food?
Pyrroloquinoline quinone is available in almost everything but certain foods definitely have higher concentrations. These include, but are not limited to, green peppers, parsley, kiwi fruit and papaya. Drinking green tea is also a good way to supplement PQQ naturally.
For athletes, is pyrroloquinoline quinine a good anti-inflammatory agent?
It has been shown in scientific research to have anti-inflammatory actions. Victor Davidson states in the Principles and Applications of Quinoprotiens, “The use of PQQ to remove superoxide by oxidation coupled with the recovery of electrons may be very important and could explain some of the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions of PQQ…”.
I am 70 years old and am interested in all anti-aging vitamins. I take all the basic vitamins, a homeopathic HGH spray 3 times a day and Resveratrol. Do you think I would benefit from taking a PQQ supplement? What do you think it would do for me? Thanks, Joan
The research about PQQ points to enhanced mitochondriogenesis, here are just a few of the studies that highlight this:
– Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) stimulates mitochondrial biogenesis
– Pyrroloquinoline quinone nutritional status and parameters important to mitochondrial function
– Potential physiological importance of pyrroloquinoline quinone
Mitochondriogenesis degradation has been linked to aging, so adding a PQQ supplement to your overall nutritional regimen could be beneficial.
A physician (MD dealing with anti-aging) just recommended that my daughter, age 20, take PQQ. She has been diagnosed with a variety of “developmental delay” related labels: (PDD NOS) bi-polar, depression, Aspergers, sensory integration deficit, auditory processing deficit, and most recent OCD. She talks out loud continuously about things she is remembering and reads everything she sees and sometimes writes down everything she thinks, but if you ask her to do something, she doesn’t do it even though she can tell you what you said. We have to spoon feed her because she will sit at the table and talk… Read more »
Diane, I teared up when I read your post. I can tell that you’re trying your best to deal with a difficult problem and approaching the situation with love. I wish I had a way to help you. The best I can do is answer your question honestly, and please realize this is just my opinion based on the science that is available. There is no evidence to support that PQQ can help your daughter. It is extremely doubtful that a signaling molecule that influences a few, albeit important, mitochondrial functions and genesis pathways would be the silver bullet for… Read more »
I certainly feel that despite difficult issues you are dealing with these in a kind and loving way. It is in that spirit I suggest the following. Have her intestinal tract checked for proper function it may be key enzymes are missing, also, intestinal flora can be disrupted, and as alpha-hydroxy-butyric acid is the one and only intermediate between serotonin and dopamine equilibrium in the gut as well as major factor for balanced brain function. This problem is now treatable with the magnesium salt. The other suggestion is check her fat metabolism many neurological problems can be traced to an… Read more »
Yoga may help Diane. Does she breath through the right nostril? Google Chandra Bhedi Pranayama which might be beneficial, hope this helps you.
Hi, I would check out Serotonin and possibly amino acid supplementation. There is a product called 5HTP or even Tryptophan. Serotonin is crucial to calm and can be involved in so much… I know the Brain Bio Centre does testing for this and other tests… (but they are expensive unfortunately… consults, etc… way too much IMO!) There is something called Taurine… Google this for OCD and calming. Also check out B-Complex for OCD and specifically Inositol… (they give this in fairly large amounts for OCD, but do your research or get tests). Also check out Klinghardt’s work on Autism –… Read more »
I’ve personally played with taurine and inositol at high doses hoping to gain higher levels of focus, and ended up feeling more manic than focused. If you’re going to experiment with these supplements I suggest doing it along side an expert/doctor. Messing with brain chemistry solo is risky business.
Thanks for the info! I have a few questions. I was disabled, tendon and CNS issues from Cipro. Cipro is a quinolone antibiotic. Does Cipro have any relation to PQQ?
Also I tried BioPQQ in the past at 4-5mq a day and had trouble sleeping, racing mind and racing thoughts. I would love to try PQQ again as I have horrible CFS. Thanks for your help!
Hi Michael, I do not believe there is a relation.