Last verified: 17 days ago
Pyrroloquinoline Quinone (PQQ)
Also known as: PQQ, BioPQQ, mnemoPQQ, pyrroloquinoline quinone disodium salt, methoxatin
Evidence under review. — Not yet rated
Natural antioxidant that may support memory and brain blood flow in older adults at 20 mg/day.
-
What it does
PQQ is a naturally occurring antioxidant compound found in small amounts in foods. In clinical trials, 20 mg daily for 12 weeks showed improvements in attention, working memory, and cognitive...
-
Evidence quality
Evidence base hasn't been formally rated yet. See research below.
-
Clinical dose
20 mg daily based on study doses
-
Found in
What the Science Says
PQQ is a naturally occurring antioxidant compound found in small amounts in foods. In clinical trials, 20 mg daily for 12 weeks showed improvements in attention, working memory, and cognitive processing speed in middle-aged to elderly adults. It appears to work by increasing blood flow and oxygen metabolism in the prefrontal cortex — the brain region responsible for focus and decision-making.
What It Doesn't Do
Not proven to reverse dementia or Alzheimer's disease. No solid evidence it boosts athletic performance or builds muscle. Most exciting findings come from small studies — don't expect dramatic results. No evidence it works in young, healthy adults. The anti-cancer claims are purely pre-clinical with zero human trial data.
Evidence-Based Benefits
Improves attention and working memory in middle-aged to elderly adults after 12 weeks at 20 mg/day.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: 20 mg daily
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
Increases blood flow and oxygen use in the prefrontal cortex in adults aged 50–70.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: 20 mg daily
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
May improve mental orientation and brain metabolism in elderly adults with mild cognitive decline.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: 20 mg daily (combined with dihydrogen minerals)
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
Absorption & Bioavailability
Unknown — no pharmacokinetic data provided in the available studies. Oral dosing at 20 mg/day appears to produce measurable physiological effects in brain blood flow studies, suggesting reasonable absorption.
Red Flags to Watch For
- Most clinical trials are small (20–64 participants) and several were conducted by researchers with potential industry ties to branded PQQ products (BioPQQ, mnemoPQQ)
- The 6-week MCI study used a combination product (dihydrogen + PQQ), making it impossible to isolate PQQ's individual contribution
- No long-term safety data beyond 12 weeks from the provided studies
- Anti-cancer and bone health claims circulating online are based entirely on animal and cell studies — no human evidence exists
- 257 registered supplement products on NIH DSLD suggests heavy commercial interest that may outpace the actual evidence base
Products Containing Pyrroloquinoline Quinone (PQQ)
See how Pyrroloquinoline Quinone (PQQ) is used in these analyzed products:
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Pyrroloquinoline Quinone (PQQ) do?
Natural antioxidant that may support memory and brain blood flow in older adults at 20 mg/day.
What is the effective dose of Pyrroloquinoline Quinone (PQQ)?
20 mg daily based on study doses
Is Pyrroloquinoline Quinone (PQQ) safe?
Most clinical trials are small (20–64 participants) and several were conducted by researchers with potential industry ties to branded PQQ products (BioPQQ, mnemoPQQ)
What doesn't Pyrroloquinoline Quinone (PQQ) do?
Not proven to reverse dementia or Alzheimer's disease.
Research Sources
- PubMed
- NIH DSLD
This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen. Last updated: 2026-05-25