PQQ, or Pyrroloquinoline quinone, is a crucial cofactor for a vitamin-like substance that the human body cannot synthesize. It is naturally present in soil, certain soil bacteria, and even interstellar dust. Plants acquire PQQ from soil and bacteria, passing it up the food chain. Humans and animals obtain PQQ through their diets, with newborns receiving a significant amount through breast milk.
PQQ plays a multifaceted role in promoting health and vitality. It aids in the generation of new mitochondria, enhances cellular energy production, promotes skin whitening, addresses age-related skin concerns, and provides anti-aging effects for the liver and heart. Its applications extend to dietary supplements, functional foods, medical foods, and beverages.
The Mechanism of PQQ in the Body
To understand how PQQ promotes our health, it's essential to first discuss the role of mitochondria. Known as the cell's powerhouse, mitochondria generate energy through cellular respiration and are crucial for the energy metabolism of nearly every cell in the body. They produce the majority of the energy required for optimal health and performance.
Additionally, mitochondria play a key role in maintaining a healthy mood balance. They are involved in the synthesis, storage, and trafficking of certain neurotransmitters, including serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, which are vital for regulating mood, emotions, and overall mental well-being.
In humans, supplementation with PQQ has been shown to enhance peak oxygen consumption and stimulate mitochondrial biogenesis by increasing the levels of PGC-1α protein. PQQ supports mitochondrial function, meaning it positively interacts with genes that are directly involved in maintaining mitochondrial health.
Exploring the Diverse Benefits of PQQ
Mitochondrial Energy Optimization: PQQ protects delicate mitochondrial DNA from oxidative stress and encouraging mitochondrial biogenesis, the creation of new mitochondria.
Brain Health: A study used logistic regression to examine cognitive changes between a placebo group and a group that received 20 mg of PQQ over a 12-week period. The results indicated significant improvements in cognitive abilities, such as memory, executive speed, and flexibility, with younger adults experiencing faster benefits.
Support for Sleep Quality: PQQ's capacity to mitigate DNA damage and oxidative stress during sleep deprivation is associated with its antioxidant properties. These properties may activate SIRT1 to eliminate excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS), thus contributing to neuronal protection and facilitating sleep recovery.
Improvement in Skin Conditions: The present study has demonstrated that orally ingested PQQ improves skin conditions because less water is lost from the skin’s surface, and the appearance of wrinkles and pigmentation is reduced in humans.
Protection for Liver Health: In a study investigating liver health, PQQ partly reversed damage from Bmi-1 deletion, offering therapeutic benefits like promoting proliferation, inhibiting senescence, and reducing oxidative stress.
Anti-Aging Potential: A growing body of research suggests that reducing cellular senescence may lead to increased healthspan and lifespan. A team of researchers from China and Italy found that when PQQ was applied to human cells in culture, it delayed cellular senescence.
Safety Profile of PQQ Supplements
Since the official acceptance of PQQ-containing dietary supplements by the FDA in 2009, no adverse effects have been reported. However, it's essential to note that PQQ supplements differ from dietary sources, with higher concentrations and specific production methods. The recommended daily dosage for adults is up to 20 mg, except for pregnant or breastfeeding women, to ensure safety and efficacy.
Reference：
[1] Jonscher, Karen R et al. “Pyrroloquinoline-Quinone Is More Than an Antioxidant: A Vitamin-like Accessory Factor Important in Health and Disease Prevention.” Biomolecules vol. 11,10 1441. 30 Sep. 2021
[2] Huang Y, Chen N, Miao D. “Biological effects of pyrroloquinoline quinone on liver damage in Bmi-1 knockout mice.” Exp Ther Med. 2015 Aug;10(2):451-458.
[3] Gao, Ying et al. “Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) protects mitochondrial function of HEI-OC1 cells under premature senescence.” npj aging vol. 8,1 3. 19 Apr. 2022
[4] Hao, Jingjing et al. “Pyrroloquinoline quinone delays inflammaging induced by TNF-α through the p16/p21 and Jagged1 signalling pathways.” Clinical and experimental pharmacology & physiology vol. 47,1 (2020): 102-110
