Antioxidant
When your body breaks down food into energy, it also makes free radicals.Normally your body can get rid of free radicals, but if there are too many,they can cause damage, which can lead to chronic diseases. Antioxidants fight free radicals.
PQQ is an antioxidant and based on research, it shows to be more powerful at fighting free radicals than vitamin C. PQQ is capable of over 20,000 times catalytic reductions. Catalytic reduction refers to the case where antioxidants neutralize free radicals. In other words, PQQ is a very effective antioxidant. Taking vitamin C as an example for comparison, vitamin C can undergo 4 times catalytic reductions before being consumed.
Whitening Effect
In some studies, they assessed the effects of PQQ on melanogenic protein expression of murine B16 melanoma cells.
In the present study, PQQ inhibited melanin synthesis in cultured melanoma cells stimulated by either α-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH) or 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX). To elucidate the mechanism of the effect of PQQ on melanogenesis, we performed Western blotting for melanogenic proteins, such as tyrosinase, TRP-1, and TRP-2. PQQ inhibited tyrosinase expression, however, it did not inhibit TRP-2 expression. Used as the stimulant for melanogenesis, both α-MSH and IBMX gave the same results for melanogenic protein expression. Semi-quantitative RT-PCR analysis showed that the depigmentation effect of PQQ might be due to the inhibition of tyrosinase gene transcription but not the inhibition of microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (Mitf). In conclusion, This report indicates that PQQ is a possible anti-melanogenic agent and might be effective against hyperpigmentation disorders.
Supports mitochondrial function
Mitochondria are the power centers of your cells. Problems with your mitochondria can lead to heart problems, diabetes, and cancer. Animal data shows that PQQ helps to make more mitochondria. One study tested PQQ supplements in men who did aerobic exercise for 6 weeks. It increased mitochondria by affecting certain proteins during exercise. Another study showed that dietary PQQ raised mitochondria activity.
Anti-Inflammation
PQQ might lower inflammation by lowering the C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, and other markers in your blood.