Research

PQQ (Pyrroloquinoline Quinone)

33 peer-reviewed studies curated from PubMed and Semantic Scholar.

0
Meta-analyses
0
Systematic reviews
8
RCTs
25
Other studies
RCTs (24%)

Studies

Sorted by quality and recency

2023·Food & function·Masanori Tamakoshi, Tomomi Suzuki, Eiichiro Nishihara, et al

Pyrroloquinoline quinone disodium salt improves brain function in both younger and older adults.

RCTBrain Health Mental Clarity

Double-blind, placebo-controlled study investigating the effects of pyrroloquinoline quinone disodium salt (PQQ) on cognitive function in adults aged 20-65 years. PQQ (20 mg per day) improved composite memory and verbal memory after 12 weeks, with younger adults showing improvements in cognitive flexibility, processing speed, and execution speed after 8 weeks.

PubMedRead on PubMed
2021·Journal of the American Nutrition Association·Yoshiaki Shiojima, Megumi Takahashi, Ryohei Takahashi, et al

Effect of Dietary Pyrroloquinoline Quinone Disodium Salt on Cognitive Function in Healthy Volunteers: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Parallel-Group Study.

RCTn = 64Brain Health Mental Clarity

RCT of 64 healthy Japanese adults aged 40-80 evaluating the effects of PQQ disodium salt supplementation on cognitive function over 12 weeks. Significant improvements were observed in cognitive performance measures such as memory, attention, and cognitive flexibility in the PQQ group compared to placebo. No adverse events were reported.

PubMedRead on PubMed
2014·Animal : an international journal of animal bioscience·K G Samuel, H J Zhang, J Wang, et al

Effects of dietary pyrroloquinoline quinone disodium on growth performance, carcass yield and antioxidant status of broiler chicks.

RCTn = 784Physical Performance Immunity Nutrition

RCT evaluating the effects of dietary pyrroloquinoline quinone disodium (PQQ.Na2) on growth performance, carcass yield, and antioxidant status in 784 broiler chicks. Chicks fed 0.2 mg PQQ.Na2/kg diet showed improved growth performance, enhanced feed efficiency, increased carcass yield, and improved antioxidant status compared to controls.

PubMedRead on PubMed
2024·The journal of nutrition, health & aging·Sonja Baltic, David Nedeljkovic, Nikola Todorovic, et al

The impact of six-week dihydrogen-pyrroloquinoline quinone supplementation on mitochondrial biomarkers, brain metabolism, and cognition in elderly individuals with mild cognitive impairment: a randomized controlled trial.

RCTn = 34Brain Health Mental Clarity

RCT assessing the impact of dihydrogen-PQQ supplementation on mitochondrial biomarkers, brain metabolism, and cognition in 34 elderly individuals with mild cognitive impairment. The study found significant elevation in serum BDNF levels, improved ADAS-Cog scores in the orientation domain, and increased cerebral oxygenation saturation and brain N-acetyl aspartate levels in the treatment group.

PubMedRead on PubMed
2022·bioRxiv·K. Hantke, Simon Friz

The TonB dependent uptake of pyrroloquinoline-quinone (PQQ) and secretion of gluconate by Escherichia coli K-12

Study

The study investigates the role of pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) in Escherichia coli K-12, particularly its uptake through the TonB-ExbBD dependent transporter PqqU and its role as a redox cofactor for glucose dehydrogenase Gcd. PQQ is required for the oxidation of glucose to gluconolactone, and its uptake allows E. coli to activate Gcd even at low concentrations. The study also notes PQQ's role in protecting cells from phage by competing for receptor proteins.

Semantic ScholarRead on Semantic Scholar
2019·Journal of the American College of Nutrition·Paul S Hwang, Steven B Machek, Thomas D Cardaci, et al

Effects of Pyrroloquinoline Quinone (PQQ) Supplementation on Aerobic Exercise Performance and Indices of Mitochondrial Biogenesis in Untrained Men.

RCTn = 23Physical Performance -Energy

RCT examining the effects of 20mg/day PQQ supplementation on aerobic exercise performance and mitochondrial biogenesis in 23 untrained men over six weeks. No significant differences in aerobic performance were observed between groups, but the PQQ group showed increased PGC-1α protein levels, indicating enhanced mitochondrial biogenesis.

PubMedRead on PubMed
2016·Advances in experimental medicine and biology·Yuji Itoh, Kyoko Hine, Hiroshi Miura, et al

Effect of the Antioxidant Supplement Pyrroloquinoline Quinone Disodium Salt (BioPQQ™) on Cognitive Functions.

RCTn = 41Brain Health Mental Clarity

RCT with 41 elderly healthy subjects examining the effect of 20 mg/day BioPQQ on cognitive functions over 12 weeks. The PQQ group showed improved Stroop interference ratios and increased scores in visual-spatial cognitive function tests, particularly in subjects with lower initial scores. No adverse events were reported, and increased cerebral blood flow was suggested by preliminary NIRS experiments.

PubMedRead on PubMed
2016·Advances in experimental medicine and biology·Masahiko Nakano, Yuta Murayama, Lizhen Hu, et al

Effects of Antioxidant Supplements (BioPQQ™) on Cerebral Blood Flow and Oxygen Metabolism in the Prefrontal Cortex.

RCTn = 20Brain Health

RCT of 20 healthy subjects aged 50-70 administered BioPQQ (20 mg) or placebo daily for 12 weeks. PQQ increased hemoglobin concentrations and total hemoglobin in the right prefrontal cortex, suggesting enhanced cerebral blood flow and oxygen metabolism, which may improve cognitive function.

PubMedRead on PubMed
2015·Journal of nutritional science and vitaminology·Masahiko Nakano, Yuuki Kawasaki, Naoko Suzuki, et al

Effects of Pyrroloquinoline Quinone Disodium Salt Intake on the Serum Cholesterol Levels of Healthy Japanese Adults.

RCTn = 29Heart Health

RCT examining the effects of PQQ disodium salt on serum triglyceride and cholesterol levels in 29 healthy Japanese adults over 12 weeks. The study found a marginally significant decrease in LDL cholesterol levels in the PQQ group, particularly in those with high baseline LDL cholesterol.

PubMedRead on PubMed
2025·Journal of chromatography. B, Analytical technologies in the biomedical and life sciences·Mai Mostafa, Reham M. Abdel-Kader, R. Hanafi

Novel GC MS/MS method for bioanalysis of pyrroloquinoline quinone, a potential cognitive enhancer in mice brains.

Animal studyBrain Health

The study developed a novel GC-MS/MS method for bioanalysis of pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) in mice brains to investigate its blood-brain barrier permeability and pharmacokinetics. PQQ was detected in brains of mice, suggesting its potential as a cognitive enhancer and its involvement in active transport across the BBB.

Semantic ScholarRead on Semantic Scholar
2024·Biomolecules·Mai M. Labib, Alaa M. Alqahtani, Hebatallah H. Abo Nahas, et al

Novel Insights into the Antimicrobial and Antibiofilm Activity of Pyrroloquinoline Quinone (PQQ); In Vitro, In Silico, and Shotgun Proteomic Studies

In vitro

The study explores the antimicrobial activity of pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) against 29 pathogenic microbes, including fungi and bacteria. PQQ showed potent antifungal and antibacterial properties, particularly against certain strains, and demonstrated biofilm inhibition. Structural damage and disrupted cell metabolism were observed in bacterial cells treated with PQQ, supported by proteomic analysis and molecular modeling.

Semantic ScholarRead on Semantic Scholar
2023·Journal of Developmental Origins of Health and Disease·J. Mattern, A. Gemmell, Paige E. Allen, et al

Oral pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) during pregnancy increases cardiomyocyte endowment in spontaneous IUGR guinea pigs

Animal studyHeart Health

The study investigated the effects of pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) supplementation during pregnancy on cardiomyocyte development in guinea pigs with spontaneous intrauterine growth restriction (spIUGR). PQQ increased cardiomyocyte number and reduced apoptosis and collagen deposition in spIUGR fetal hearts, suggesting a positive impact on heart health.

Semantic ScholarRead on Semantic Scholar
2023·Aesthetic surgery journal·Xiaoyu Zhang, Tianyi Gu, Yue Liu, et al

Pyrroloquinoline Quinone (PQQ) Improves Long-term Survival of Fat Grafts by Alleviating Oxidative Stress and Promoting Angiogenesis During the Early Phase After Transplantation.

Animal study

The study investigated the effects of pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) on fat graft survival in nude mice. PQQ improved long-term volume retention, quality, and viability of adipose tissue by reducing oxidative stress, promoting angiogenesis, and alleviating apoptosis. The most effective concentration was 100 μM.

Semantic ScholarRead on Semantic Scholar
2022·npj Aging·Ying Gao, Teru Kamogashira, C. Fujimoto, et al

Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) protects mitochondrial function of HEI-OC1 cells under premature senescence

In vitroLongevity

In vitro study investigating the effects of pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) on H2O2-induced premature senescence in HEI-OC1 auditory cells. PQQ pretreatment restored mitochondrial respiratory capacity, promoted mitochondrial fusion, and increased SIRT1 and PGC-1α protein expression, suggesting a protective effect on mitochondrial function.

Semantic ScholarRead on Semantic Scholar
2022·Frontiers in Endocrinology·Xiuliang Dai, Xiangjiao Yi, Yufeng Wang, et al

PQQ Dietary Supplementation Prevents Alkylating Agent-Induced Ovarian Dysfunction in Mice

Animal studyWomens Health

The study investigated the protective role of pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) dietary supplementation against alkylating agent-induced ovarian dysfunction in mice. PQQ treatment increased ovarian weight and size, normalized estrous cycle periods, prevented follicle loss, and improved pregnancy rates and litter sizes. The protective effects were attributed to promoting cell proliferation, inhibiting cell apoptosis and senescence, and reducing oxidative stress and inflammation.

Semantic ScholarRead on Semantic Scholar
2022·Journal of oleo science·Chikara Kato, I. S. Parida, S. Maeda, et al

Cellular Uptake of Pyrroloquinoline Quinone in Its Intact and Derivatized Forms from the Cell Culture Medium of 3T3-L1.

In vitro

The study used LC-MS/MS to evaluate the uptake of pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) and its derivatives into mouse 3T3-L1 cells. Most PQQ was taken up in its unchanged form, while some reacted with amino acids and was taken up as derivatives, suggesting potential physiological effects.

Semantic ScholarRead on Semantic Scholar
2022·Pulmonary pharmacology & therapeutics·Mohammad Shafiq, Zahid Rasool Lone, Pragya Bharati, et al

Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) improves pulmonary hypertension by regulating mitochondrial and metabolic functions.

Animal studyHeart Health Inflammation

The study investigates the effect of pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) on pulmonary hypertension (PH) using human pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells and Sprague Dawley rats. PQQ treatment attenuated cellular proliferation, improved mitochondrial bioenergetics, reduced insulin resistance, and prevented cardiac fibrosis and inflammation in MCT-treated rats, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic agent for PH.

Semantic ScholarRead on Semantic Scholar
2022·Frontiers in Pharmacology·Jiabin Zhou, Tao Yu, Gujie Wu, et al

Pyrroloquinoline quinone modulates YAP-related anti-ferroptotic activity to protect against myocardial hypertrophy

Animal studyHeart Health

The study investigates the effects of pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) on myocardial hypertrophy using a transverse aortic constriction model in mice and an in vitro model with neonatal murine cardiomyocytes. PQQ treatment significantly suppressed myocardial hypertrophy and fibrosis, inhibited ferroptotic cell death, and modulated YAP-related anti-ferroptotic activity.

Semantic ScholarRead on Semantic Scholar
2022·NPJ Aging·Ying Gao, Teru Kamogashira, C. Fujimoto, et al

Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) protects mitochondrial function of HEI-OC1 cells under premature senescence

In vitroLongevity

In vitro study investigating the effects of pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) on H2O2-induced premature senescence in HEI-OC1 auditory cells. PQQ pretreatment restored mitochondrial respiratory capacity, promoted mitochondrial fusion, and increased SIRT1 and PGC-1α protein expression, suggesting a protective effect on mitochondrial function.

Semantic ScholarRead on Semantic Scholar
2022·ACS chemical neuroscience·Shaopei Li, Aruna Raja, M. Noroozifar, et al

Understanding the Inhibitory and Antioxidant Effects of Pyrroloquinoline Quinone (PQQ) on Copper(II)-Induced α-Synuclein-119 Aggregation.

In vitroBrain Health

The study investigates the antioxidant effects of pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) on copper(II)-induced α-synuclein-119 aggregation, relevant to Parkinson's disease. PQQ effectively prevented ROS formation and fibrillation of α-syn-119 in SH-SY5Y human differentiated neuronal cells, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic agent for PD.

Semantic ScholarRead on Semantic Scholar
2022·Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & pharmacotherapie·Xuefeng Qu, Bing-zhong Zhai, Yifeng Liu, et al

Pyrroloquinoline quinone ameliorates renal fibrosis in diabetic nephropathy by inhibiting the pyroptosis pathway in C57BL/6 mice and human kidney 2 cells.

Animal studyInflammation

The study investigates the effects of pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) on renal fibrosis in diabetic nephropathy using C57BL/6 mice and human kidney 2 cells. PQQ treatment was found to reverse renal fibrosis and injury markers in diabetic mice and reduce oxidative stress and pyroptosis pathway activation in HK-2 cells under high glucose conditions.

Semantic ScholarRead on Semantic Scholar
2021·Bioengineered·Yanhong Wu, Meiling Zhao, Zhaoheng Lin

Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) alleviated sepsis-induced acute liver injury, inflammation, oxidative stress and cell apoptosis by downregulating CUL3 expression

Animal studyInflammation

The study investigates the effects of pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) on sepsis-induced acute liver injury in rats. PQQ treatment alleviated liver injury, inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis in sepsis models by downregulating CUL3 expression.

Semantic ScholarRead on Semantic Scholar
2021·Analytical chemistry·M. Komkova, Alexei K Orlov, Andrei A. Galushin, et al

Anchoring PQQ-Glucose Dehydrogenase with Electropolymerized Azines for the Most Efficient Bioelectrocatalysis.

Study

The study investigates the bioelectrocatalytic efficiency of pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ)-glucose dehydrogenase (PQQ-GDH) immobilized over electropolymerized methylene green (MG). The catalytic current is significantly increased, indicating potential for biosensing applications, including glucose detection in human sweat.

Semantic ScholarRead on Semantic Scholar
2020·Free radical biology & medicine·S. Hoque, T. Umehara, T. Kawai, et al

Adverse effect of superoxide-induced mitochondrial damage in granulosa cells on follicular development in mouse ovaries.

Animal studyWomens Health

The study investigated the effects of pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) on ROS-induced mitochondrial damage in FSH-stimulated granulosa cells during follicular development in mice. PQQ treatment reduced oxidative stress, improved mitochondrial function, and increased the number of ovulated oocytes and offspring per delivery.

Semantic ScholarRead on Semantic Scholar
2020·Nanoscale Advances·S. Ibrahim, Marwan Y Rezk, M. Ismail, et al

Coaxial nanofibers outperform uniaxial nanofibers for the loading and release of pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) for biomedical applications

In vitroBrain Health Immunity

The study investigates the loading and release of pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) using coaxial and uniaxial nanofibers. Coaxial nanofibers demonstrated superior sustained release and reduced initial burst of PQQ compared to uniaxial nanofibers, enhancing cell viability and proliferation.

Semantic ScholarRead on Semantic Scholar
2020·Heliyon·Yasue Yamada, Kazuya Nishii, Koji Kuwata, et al

Effects of pyrroloquinoline quinone and imidazole pyrroloquinoline on biological activities and neural functions.

In vitroBrain Health Longevity

Comparative study of pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) and imidazole pyrroloquinoline (IPQ) on neuroprotective, growth-promoting, antioxidative, and mitochondriogenesis effects using human neuroblastoma and hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines. PQQ and IPQ improve memory learning ability in aged mice and brain function in humans.

PubMedRead on PubMed
2024·Current Research in Food Science·Tingdong Yan, M. Nisar, Xiaomeng Hu, et al

Pyrroloquinoline Quinone (PQQ): Its impact on human health and potential benefits

ReviewBrain Health Heart Health Longevity

Narrative review discussing the potential health benefits of Pyrroloquinoline Quinone (PQQ), including its antioxidant properties, impact on mitochondrial function, and potential therapeutic roles in cognitive health, cardiovascular health, and metabolic disorders. PQQ is considered a safe nutritional supplement with no reported toxicity.

Semantic ScholarRead on Semantic Scholar
2020·BMC Psychiatry·Xing-qin Zhou, Gangming Cai, S. Mao, et al

Modulating NMDA receptors to treat MK-801-induced schizophrenic cognition deficit: effects of clozapine combining with PQQ treatment and possible mechanisms of action

Animal studyn = 20Brain Health

Animal study investigating the effects of PQQ combined with clozapine on NMDA receptor function and cognitive ability in schizophrenia. The combination therapy improved MK801-induced schizophrenia behaviors, including stereotyped behavior, locomotor hyperactivity, and cognitive impairment, by modulating NMDA receptors and related signaling pathways.

Semantic ScholarRead on Semantic Scholar
2019·Annals of translational medicine·Wenjing Ma, Ru Zhang, Ziwei Huang, et al

PQQ ameliorates skeletal muscle atrophy, mitophagy and fiber type transition induced by denervation via inhibition of the inflammatory signaling pathways.

Animal studyPhysical Performance Inflammation

The study investigated the effects of pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) on skeletal muscle atrophy in mice after denervation. PQQ significantly reduced proinflammatory cytokines and attenuated signaling pathways associated with muscle atrophy, mitophagy, and muscle fiber type transition.

Semantic ScholarRead on Semantic Scholar
2016·Scientific Reports·M. Akagawa, Kenji Minematsu, T. Shibata, et al

Identification of lactate dehydrogenase as a mammalian pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ)-binding protein

In vitroEnergy

The study identifies lactate dehydrogenase as a mammalian pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ)-binding protein. PQQ modulates LDH activity, inhibiting lactate formation and enhancing pyruvate conversion, which may enhance energy production via mitochondrial TCA cycle and oxidative phosphorylation.

Semantic ScholarRead on Semantic Scholar
2013·The Journal of nutritional biochemistry·C. Harris, Winyoo Chowanadisai, Darya O Mishchuk, et al

Dietary pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) alters indicators of inflammation and mitochondrial-related metabolism in human subjects.

Studyn = 10Inflammation Energy

Crossover study with 10 subjects examining the effects of dietary pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) on inflammation and mitochondrial-related metabolism. PQQ supplementation resulted in changes in antioxidant potential and significant decreases in plasma C-reactive protein, IL-6, and urinary metabolites, indicating enhanced mitochondrial functions.

Semantic ScholarRead on Semantic Scholar
2018·Current stem cell research & therapy·Hao Wen, Yuan He, Ke Zhang, et al

Mini-review:Functions and Action Mechanisms of PQQ in Osteoporosis and Neuro Injury.

Review

This mini-review discusses the functions and action mechanisms of pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) in osteoporosis and neuro injury. It covers the derivatives, distribution, and in vitro models related to PQQ, highlighting its role as an antioxidant and redox modulator.

Semantic ScholarRead on Semantic Scholar
1994·Environmental Health Perspectives·M. L. Karnovsky, A. Bishop, V. C. Camerero, et al

Aspects of the release of superoxide by leukocytes, and a means by which this is switched off.

Study

The paper investigates the role of methoxatin (PQQ) in the production of superoxide by leukocytes. It suggests that PQQ might be involved in O2- production, as inhibitors of O2- production were shown to sequester PQQ in leukocytes. The study also identifies a factor released by old macrophages that can block O2- release in stimulated neutrophils or macrophages.

Semantic ScholarRead on Semantic Scholar