PQQ
Also known as: pyrroloquinoline quinone, pqq disodium salt, bioPQQ™, mnemoPQQ®
Multiple double‑blind RCTs of oral PQQ disodium (typically ~20 mg/day for 6–12 weeks) in healthy middle‑aged to elderly adults or those with mild cognitive impairment report improvements in composite memory, verbal memory, attention and some cognitive subdomains; one small trial also reported a reduction in LDL cholesterol in a high‑LDL subgroup. Trials generally report few adverse events.
Last reviewed: 2026-10-14 · 5 indexed studies
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Overview
Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) is a water‑soluble quinone found naturally in some foods and sold as a dietary supplement, most commonly as the disodium salt. Randomized trials in adults have tested roughly 20–21.5 mg/day for weeks to months and reported modest improvements in domains of cognition and some biomarker changes in older or mildly impaired populations. Safety signals in these trials were minimal.
Mechanism & Function
Mechanism of Action
PQQ is reported to act as an antioxidant and modulator of mitochondrial function, and in human trials changes in neurotrophic factors (BDNF) and cognitive test performance have been observed. Proposed mechanisms from human biomarker outcomes include upregulation of neurotrophic signalling and mitochondrial activation; these mechanisms are biologically plausible but primarily inferred from non‑clinical and biomarker data cited in the trials.
Physiological Role
Supports cellular redox balance and mitochondrial signalling; may influence neurotrophic factor levels and cerebral blood flow according to trial biomarkers.
Primary Pathways
Performance / Health Relevance
Evidence is strongest for modest cognitive benefits (memory, attention, processing speed) in middle‑aged and older adults at ~20 mg/day over several weeks. Effects on physical performance are not addressed in the supplied trials.
Evidence Review
No meta-analyses or systematic reviews indexed for this ingredient yet.
Dimensions marked N/A have no indexed evidence of that class. They are shown as unavailable rather than scored.
Practical Use & Dosage
- Minimum Effective Dose
- About 20 mg/day (studies used 20–21.5 mg/day)
- Optimal Range
- 20–21.5 mg/day (based on available RCTs)
- Upper / Caution Level
- Not established
- Timing
- Daily dosing; trials used once daily (or twice daily in a combined product) for 6–12 weeks
- Best Format
- Oral PQQ disodium salt powder/capsule
- Bioavailability
- PQQ is water‑soluble; clinical trials used disodium salt formulations.
- Absorption Considerations
- No specific absorption enhancers or cofactors were required in the trials provided.
Safety & Interactions
Side Effects
- •Trials reported few adverse events; no consistent specific adverse effects reported in provided abstracts.
Contraindications
- None reported in the provided trials
Drug Interactions
- •Not reported in the provided trials; interactions not well characterised
Who Should Avoid
- •Pregnant or breastfeeding women (insufficient data)
- •People with limited evidence for safety in specific clinical conditions—consult a clinician
Monitoring
No routine monitoring was required in the trials; clinicians may monitor lipids or cognitive measures if used for those purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Auto-generated from indexed evidence — dosage, safety, interactions, and more.
When is PQQ typically used or indicated?
PQQ is most commonly used for: Cognitive support (memory, attention), Mitochondrial support, General antioxidant support, Adjunct for healthy ageing. Supports cellular redox balance and mitochondrial signalling; may influence neurotrophic factor levels and cerebral blood flow according to trial biomarkers.
How does PQQ work?
PQQ is reported to act as an antioxidant and modulator of mitochondrial function, and in human trials changes in neurotrophic factors (BDNF) and cognitive test performance have been observed. Proposed mechanisms from human biomarker outcomes include upregulation of neurotrophic signalling and mitochondrial activation; these mechanisms are biologically plausible but primarily inferred from non‑clinical and biomarker data cited in the trials.
What is the recommended dose of PQQ?
The optimal range is 20–21.5 mg/day (based on available RCTs). with a minimum effective dose of About 20 mg/day (studies used 20–21.5 mg/day). Best taken: Daily dosing; trials used once daily (or twice daily in a combined product) for 6–12 weeks. Upper / caution level: Not established.
What are the side effects of PQQ?
Reported side effects include: Trials reported few adverse events; no consistent specific adverse effects reported in provided abstracts.. Monitoring: No routine monitoring was required in the trials; clinicians may monitor lipids or cognitive measures if used for those purposes.
Does PQQ interact with medications?
Known or theoretical interactions: Not reported in the provided trials; interactions not well characterised. Always check with a clinician before combining with prescription medication.
Who should avoid PQQ?
PQQ is generally not recommended for: Pregnant or breastfeeding women (insufficient data); People with limited evidence for safety in specific clinical conditions—consult a clinician; and None reported in the provided trials.
How strong is the evidence for PQQ?
Evidence level: Moderate (overall score 66/100), based on 5 indexed studies on SuppIndex.
Research & References (5)
Pyrroloquinoline quinone disodium salt improves brain function in both younger and older adults.
Double‑blind, placebo‑controlled RCT of PQQ disodium 20 mg/day for 12 weeks in adults aged 20–65; age‑stratified cognitive effects reported.
Effect of Dietary Pyrroloquinoline Quinone Disodium Salt on Cognitive Function in Healthy Volunteers: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Parallel-Group Study.
Randomized, double‑blind, placebo‑controlled parallel‑group study of PQQ disodium (mnemoPQQ®) 21.5 mg/day vs placebo for 12 weeks in healthy Japanese adults aged 40–<80.
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.
Randomized, placebo‑controlled double‑blind trial of a dihydrogen‑PQQ mixture given twice daily vs placebo for 6 weeks in elderly individuals with mild cognitive impairment; primary endpoint change in serum BDNF.
Effects of Pyrroloquinoline Quinone Disodium Salt Intake on the Serum Cholesterol Levels of Healthy Japanese Adults.
Randomized, placebo‑controlled double‑blind trial of PQQ disodium (BioPQQ™) 20 mg/day vs placebo for 6 and 12 weeks in healthy Japanese adults with normal to moderately high triglycerides.
Effect of the Antioxidant Supplement Pyrroloquinoline Quinone Disodium Salt (BioPQQ™) on Cognitive Functions.
Randomized, placebo‑controlled double‑blind study of BioPQQ™ 20 mg/day vs placebo for 12 weeks in 41 healthy elderly subjects assessing attention and visual‑spatial function.
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Research Overview
Moderate EvidenceCite this ingredient
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Stable URL
https://thesuppindex.com/ingredients/pqq
SuppIndex. (2026). PQQ: Evidence summary, dosage and clinical studies. Retrieved October 16, 2026, from https://thesuppindex.com/ingredients/pqq
Based on 5 indexed studies · Evidence level: Moderate.
Goal Ratings
Stack Compatibility
Often combined in practice with other mitochondrial or cognitive support ingredients, but additive effects and interactions have not been established in the provided trials.