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PQQ

Aliases: Pyrroloquinoline quinone

Last verified: 2026-09-23

Approved drugModerate evidenceSmall moleculesMedium interest

The short version

A redox cofactor — stimulates mitochondrial biogenesis (PGC-1α) preclinically; an energy/cognition supplement, often paired with CoQ10.

Identity & type

Molecular type
mali molekul
Origin
A redox cofactor — stimulates mitochondrial biogenesis (PGC-1α) preclinically; an energy/cognition supplement, often paired with CoQ10.

Mechanism of action

PGC-1α/CREB signaling → new mitochondria; antioxidant.

Dosing & routes

Official / clinical context

Approved drug — indications, dosing and warnings are defined by the official label. 10–20 mg/day.

Regulator-approved labeling and published study designs — never a recommendation.

Community-reported practice

10–20 mg/day. With CoQ10: users report steadier energy and less "afternoon dip"; effects subtle but frequently reported.

Unverified self-reports. Not medical advice. Not endorsement.

Expected effects (community)

With CoQ10: users report steadier energy and less "afternoon dip"; effects subtle but frequently reported.

Protocol — official vs community

Official / label

No official protocol exists — this compound has no approved product.

Community (anecdotal)

10–20 mg oral daily with breakfast; commercial products span 10–40 mg, and it is frequently paired with CoQ10.

Cycle:
Continuous — supplements are not cycled.
Break:
None; late-day dosing is the only thing users report avoiding (insomnia).

This is ordinary supplement use, not a protocol: a legal dietary supplement with modest human data for fatigue and cognition. Effects reported are subtle — steadier energy, less afternoon dip — and the mitochondrial-biogenesis mechanism is preclinical.

Human evidence

Small human studies (fatigue, cognition); strong preclinical mitochondrial data.

Preclinical evidence

The preclinical phase was completed and submitted to regulators as part of registration; pharmacology and toxicology details are part of the official label.

Known risks

  • Rare: headache, insomnia if taken late.characterized

Teal: characterized in clinical/labeling contexts. Amber: theoretical or reported outside controlled settings.

Unknowns & evidence gaps

  • Long-term safety in off-label use

Frequently asked questions

References