Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) + Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ)
(aka - PQQ) stimulates growth in bacteria and displays antioxidant and neuroprotective effects.
PQQ’s critical role in growth and development stems from its unique ability to activate cell signalling pathways directly involved in cellular energy metabolism, development and function.
PQQ is a neuroprotective compound that has been shown in preliminary studies to protect memory and cognitive functions. PQQ can reverse cognitive impairment caused by chronic oxidative stress and improve performance on memory tests. PQQ supplementation stimulates the production and release of nerve growth factors in cells that support brain neurons.
PQQ protects against the likelihood of severe stroke.
Pyrroloquinoline quinone also affects some of the brain’s neurotransmitter systems. It protects neurons by modulating the properties of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor, and so reducing excitotoxicity—the damaging consequence of long-term overstimulation of neurons that is associated with many neurodegenerative diseases and seizures.
PQQ also protects the brain against neurotoxicity induced by other powerful toxins, including mercury (a suspected factor in the development of Alzheimer's disease) and oxidopamine (a potent neurotoxin used by scientists to induce Parkinsonism in laboratory animals by destroying dopaminergic and noradrenergic neurons.)
PQQ prevents aggregation of alpha-synuclein, a protein associated with Parkinson's disease. PQQ also protects nerve cells from the toxic effects of the amyloid-beta protein linked with Alzheimer's disease, and reduces the formation of new amyloid beta aggregates.
A cofactor is a non-protein chemical compound or metallic ion that is required for a protein's biological activity to happen. These proteins are commonly enzymes, and cofactors can be considered "helper molecules" that assist in biochemical transformations.
Pyrroloquinoline quinone (henceforth Pyrroloquinoline quinone - PQQ) is a small quinone molecule which has the ability to be a REDOX agent, capable of reducing oxidants (an antioxidant effect) and then being recycled by glutathione back into an active form. It appears to be quite stable as it can undergo several thousand cycles before being used up, and it is novel since it associates with protein structures inside the cell (some antioxidants, mostly notably carotenoids like β-carotene and astaxanthin, are located at specific areas of a cell where they exert proportionally more antioxidant effects due to proximity; PQQ seems to do this near proteins like carotenoids do so at the cell membrane).
The aforementioned REDOX functions can alter protein function and signalling pathways, and while there is a lot of promising in vitro (outside of a living model) research on what it could do there are only a few promising results of PQQ supplementation, mostly related to either altering some signalling pathways or via its benefits to mitochondria (producing more of them and increasing their efficiency).
It is a coenzyme in bacteria (so, to bacteria, this would be something like a B-vitamin) but this role does not appear to extend to humans. Since this does not extend to humans, the designation of PQQ as a vitamin compound has fallen through and it is only considered 'vitamin-like' at best.
Pyrroloquinoline quinone - PQQ seems to modify oxidation in a cell after binding to some proteins, and this modulatory role it plays can alter the signalling processes that go on in a cell. Due to PQQ being a REDOX agent (capable of both reducing and oxidizing) it is not a pure antioxidant, but it is involved in a cyclical anti-oxidative cycle with an antioxidant enzyme known as glutathione.
Energy for your cells
PQQ helps mitochondria work more efficiently, there is an overall increase of energy within your cells. The unused cellular energy is transferred to other parts of your body.
Strong Antioxidant
PQQ is a natural compound found in a variety of foods. It acts as an antioxidant and supports healthy mitochondrial function.
Improves Heart Health
Brand new clinical research, published in the latest edition of Cardiovascular Diagnosis & Therapy, concludes that the essential nutrient Pyrroloquinoline Quinone (PQQ) can play a role in the prevention of chronic heart failure (CHF).
Improved Energy
Found to promote NGF production, with one study showing as much as a 40x increase. Increased levels of NGF help to maintain the health of the brain. This promotes more mental energy, greater focus, and better short-term memory.
Coenzyme Q10 - CoQ10
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a natural antioxidant. Coenzymes support enzymes in their various biochemical functions. CoQ10 is a vital participant in the chain of metabolic chemical reactions that generate energy within cells. It is found in every cell of the body (the name ubiquinone stems from its ubiquity), but is present in higher concentrations in organs with higher energy requirements such as the kidneys, liver, and heart.
Many medical studies demonstrate CoQ10 benefits when taken as a supplement, most of which stem from its vital role in oxygen utilization and energy production, particularly in heart muscle cells.
Coenzyme Q10 is beneficial for heart health in many ways. It assists in maintaining the normal oxidative state of LDL cholesterol, helps assure circulatory health, and supports optimal functioning of the heart muscle. CoQ10 may also help support the health of vessel walls. In addition, Coenzyme Q10 may play a role in reducing the number and severity of migraine headaches, and improving sperm motility in men. Some research has indicated therapeutic value in high doses to slow the progression of Parkinson’s disease, but a 2011 study by the National Institute for Neurological Disease and Stroke found no benefit in slowing symptoms or neural degeneration. A few small clinical trials have indicated CoQ10 supplementation may help prevent and treat inflamed gums, a condition known as gingivitis.
This fat-soluble substance, which resembles a vitamin, is present in most eukaryotic cells, primarily in the mitochondria. It is a component of the electron transport chain and participates in aerobic cellular respiration, which generates energy in the form of ATP. Ninety-five percent of the human body's energy is generated this way.[1][2] Therefore, those organs with the highest energy requirements—such as the heart, liver, and kidney—have the highest CoQ10 concentrations.
Healthy Blood Pressure Levels
Among antioxidants, co-enzyme Q10 (CoQ10) stands out for its ability to promote healthy blood pressure levels. Pooled data from 12 studies (362 participants) revealed as impressive drop of 16.6 mg Hg in systolic pressure, and an 8.2 mm drop in diastolic pressure with CoQ10 doses ranging from 30-360 mg per day.
Helps Improve Male Fertility
Research has found that dietary antioxidants — including CoQ10 — may help reduce oxidative stress and improve fertility in both men and women. Supplementing with 200–300 mg per day of CoQ10 has been shown to improve sperm concentration, density and motility in men with infertility
Helps Reduce Aging Effect
In what may be one of the most dramatic anti-aging discoveries to date, scientist have demonstrated that the Ubiquinol form of CoQ10 provides anti-aging effects that are far superior to those associated with the conventional ubiquinone from used by millions of people each day.
Boost Your Heart Health
CoQ10 has been shown to help improve heart health and blood sugar regulation, assist in the prevention and treatment of cancer and reduce the frequency of migraines. It could also reduce the oxidative damage that leads to muscle fatigue, skin damage and brain and lung diseases