PQQ the fourteenth vitamin in the world medical community

PQQ Production Processes and Market Choices 

PQQ can be produced through two main methods: natural fermentation and chemical synthesis. It is generally considered that PQQ produced through natural fermentation is more natural and may hold a higher value in the eyes of some consumers. PQQ produced by the fermentation method typically does not involve the use of chemical solvents, hence there is no issue with solvent residue. Synthetic PQQ, on the other hand, is produced through a chemical process that may involve the use of some solvents. Although the levels of these solvent residues may be very low, they could be a consideration for brands and consumers who pursue the highest levels of safety and purity. Regardless of whether it is produced through fermentation or synthesis, the chemical structure of PQQ is the same, so theoretically, their efficacy is similar. However, the actual efficacy may be influenced by factors such as the product's purity, dosage, formulation, and other elements. The level of solvent residue in synthetic PQQ is low, but for brands and consumers with strict requirements for food safety, this could be a concern. Additionally, there is the choice of cost. PQQ produced by the fermentation method may be more expensive but is considered safer. Synthetic PQQ is less costly and therefore cheaper in price. Consumers and brands will make choices based on their own needs and budgets. Some brands may opt for PQQ produced by the fermentation method to ensure the naturalness and safety of their products, even though the cost is higher, which can serve as a selling point for their products.

Which form is better, regular PQQ or PQQ sodium salt?

What type of PQQ does NutriPQQ® provide?

NutriPQQ® Compared to other PQQ Powder

NutriPQQ® is more soluble and easily absorbed than other PQQ products on the market.The dissolution profile (Figure 1) shows a sustained release from the NutriPQQ®. By 12hrs, ~95% of the dose was in solution in a micronized form, less than 10μ particle size. With the other PQQ powder, 100% of the dose was in solution by 4hrs. The NutriPQQ® may enhance the beneficial effects in vivo by enabling the serum levels to be maintained for a longer time. This was shown in a bioavailability clinical study in two healthy subjects using NutriPQQ® and other PQQ powder with doses equivalent to 40 mg of PQQ.

Figure 1. A comparison of the Dissolution Profile of NutriPQQ® and other PQQ Powder 

Essential Nutrient Status

Based on the observation that animal diets deficient in PQ

Q resulted in poor growth, low energy, and unsuccessful reproductive performance, it is thought PQQ has an essential nutrient role in the human body (Stites, 2000). Additional signs of deficiency observed in intentionally depleted diets were friable skin, hemorrhages, diverticulitis, a reduction in general fitness, reduced fertility, and defective immunity (Steinberg, 2003). In animal studies, severely affected mice had functional defects in connective tissues, decreased levels of the collagen-producing enzyme lysyl oxidase, and weakened skin collagen (Kumazawa, 1995). When PQQ is added to an artificial-nutrient-based diet, it improves growth- related variables in young mice.

Vitaminlike Effects and Potency

The biochemical properties of PQQ are similar to vitamin C in its oxidation- reductive potential, to riboflavin in its redox effects, and to vitamin B6 as a coenzyme for carbonyl group chemistry. PQQ is at least 100 times more efficient than ascorbic acid, vitamin K, isoflavonoids, and polyphenols tested in various assays related to oxidation reduction recycling reactions (Stites, 2006). PQQ can generate redox cycling on a much smaller scale than normal vitamins or well-known antioxidants (Fluckiger, et al., 1993, 1995).

Energizing Effects

Energy production may be dependent on adequate levels of PQQ since the number and size of mitochondria are affected by a deficiency. In mice deficient in PQQ, there was a 30–40% reduction in the numbers of mitochondria compared with supplemented mice. The mitochondrial area in the cell was reduced by 30% in deficient mice compared with supplemented mice (Stites, 1996). Increased synthesis of mitochondria by PQQ is caused by the activation of gene response through a pathway that controls mitochondrial biogenesis (Chowanadisai, 2009).

Neurological Health

Research has shown that PQQ facilitates nerve regeneration and enhances nerve growth factor through its function as an ultrapotent antioxidant (Murase, He). By increasing the number and efficiency of mitochondria, PQQ helps brain cells function more efficiently.

Human Studies

— Improvement of Cerebral Function and Metabolism

The effect of PQQ on cerebral function and anti-stress activity was tested in 71 human subjects over a 12-week period (Nakano, 2009). The double-blind, placebo-controlled study used 20 mg of PQQ and 20 mg of PQQ with 100 mg of CoQ10 in the form of a test food. PQQ exerted an improvement in cerebral function, and improvements were found in high-level cerebral functions, including attention and information- discriminating and processing abilities, more so than of memory. PQQ and PQQ with CoQ10 improved high-level cerebral functions in healthy middle-aged and older adults.

The metabolic effects of PQQ were investigated with dosages ranging from 0 to 40 mg per day (Harris, 2013). Decreases in levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) of 10–40% on average occurred, though the pretreatment values were considered normal. CRP was dramatically lowered in male subjects by almost 90% on average. Plasma mDNA levels were elevated following treatment, indicating increases in mitochondria synthesis. The physiological responses from PQQ were with doses that were on average 30 mg per day or lower.

A placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel study was undertaken to see how PQQ could improve memory and other measures of cognitive function in subjects ages 50 to 70 experiencing forgetfulness. Subjects took PQQ alone, PQQ with CoQ10, or placebo for 24 weeks (Koikeda, 2011). They were evaluated using a test assessment of neuropsychological status. The study found that PQQ taken either alone or with CoQ10 had the potential to prevent or even reverse cognitive decline. PQQ improved not only immediate memory but also other higher brain functions such as spatial awareness.

Seventeen adult male and female subjects participated in a clinical trial to evaluate the effectiveness of a 20-mg dose of PQQ on stress, fatigue, quality of life, and sleep. They ingested 20 mg of PQQ daily for 8 weeks. All six measures of vigor, fatigue, tension-anxiety, depression, anger-hostility, and confusion were significantly improved following PQQ administration compared with before use. Measures for quality of life, appetite, sleep, obsession, and pain also improved significantly. Significant improvement in sleepiness at awakening, sleep onset and maintenance, and sleep duration was found. The changes in these global scores were correlated with decreases in cortisol (Nakano, 2012).

Safety Studies

  Ames/Reverse Mutation Assay 5000μg/plate, negative.

  Chromosomal aberration test in cultured mammalian cells(In vitro)3750μg/mL, negative.

  Chromosomal aberration test in human peripheral blood lymphocytes(In vitro) 3750μg/mL, negative.

  Micronucleus test in mice (In vivo ) 1000~2000mg/kg, no toxicity

  Subchronic oral toxicity study 400mg/kg /day, NOAEL in rats

  Acute Oral Toxicity Study 1000~2000mg/kg, no toxicity

  14-Day dose-range 768mg/kg/day, no toxicity.

Packing

Inside: Aluminum bags or tins, 500g/bag, 1kg/bag Outside: Carton

Package size can also be offered according to customer requirement.

Storage and Stability

The product should be stored in an airtight container, protected from light.

The shelf life is 24 months for unopened stored in recommended condition.

References:
• Chowanadisai W, M. Nakano. Potential physiological importance of pyrroloquinoline quinone. Altern Med Rev. 2009; 14(3): 268–77.

• Chowanadisai W, K.A. Bauerly, E. Tchaparian, A. Wong, G.A. Cortopassi, R.B. Rucker. Pyrroloquinoline quinone stimulates mitochondrial biogenesis through cAMP response element-binding protein phosphorylation and increased PGC-1 alpha expression. J Biol Chem. 2010; 1285(1): 142–52.
• Harris C, et al., Dietary pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) alters indicators of inflammation and mitochondrial-related metabolism in human subjects. Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry. 2013; 24: 2076–2084.
• He K, H. Nukada, T. Urakami, M.P. Murphy. Antioxidant and pro-oxidant properties of pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ): implications for its function in biological systems. Biochem Pharmacol. 2003; 65: 67–74.
• Koikeda T, M. Nereno, and K. Masuda. Pyrroloquinoline quinone disodium salt improves higher brain function. Medical Consultation & New Remedies. 2011; 48(5): 59-67.
• Kumazawa T, K. Sato, H. Seno, A. Ishii, O. Suzuki. Levels of pyrroloquinoline quinone in various foods. Biochem J. 1995; 15(307 Pt 2): 331–3.
• Nakano M, K. Ubukata, T. Yamamoto, H. Yamaguchi. Effect of pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) on mental status of middle-aged and elderly persons. FOOD Style 21. 2009; 13(7): 50–3.
• Nakano M, et al. Effects of Oral Supplementation with Pyrroloquinoline Quinone on Stress, Fatigue, and Sleep. Functional Foods in Health and Disease. 2012; 2(8): 307–24.
• Rucker R, A. Ouchi, I. Nakano, S. Nagaoka, K. Mukai. Kinetic study of the antioxidant activity of pyrroloquinoline quinol (PQQH2, a reduced form of pyrroloquinoline quinone) in micellar solution. J Agric Food Chem. 2009; 57: 450–56.
• Stites TE, A.E. Mitchell, R.B. Rucker. Physiological importance of qu