New miracle compound from outer space improves memory and lowers LDL cholesterol levels
(NaturalHealth365) Scientists have discovered a compound – found in interstellar dust – that also acts to generate the spark of life in every living cell in our body with nearly unlimited potential to improve human health. This compound, PQQ (short for pyrroloquinoline quinone) acts as a necessary active factor in the functioning of mitochondria, the energy producing compartments within living cells. PQQ is especially powerful in its ability to boost brain function, including memory, but it also increases general energy production throughout the body.
In addition, a new study with BioPQQ – a safe form of PQQ produced through a natural fermentation process – indicates that it can lower LDL cholesterol levels in subjects with initial levels greater than 140 mg/dl. PQQ is known to activate the enzyme AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPk) that helps to regulate blood cholesterol levels (discussed below). This new study confirms that effect.
What exactly is PQQ?
Interstellar or cosmic dust refers to the tiny pieces of solid particles or dust that exists in space. This dust is mainly composed of carbon, silicon and oxygen, but it also contains PQQ. Many scientists believe that PQQ may be a seed for producing life as it is not only found in human cells, but also microbial and plant cells as well.
PQQ has been found in all plant foods analyzed to date. PPQ-rich foods include parsley, green peppers, kiwi fruit, papaya and tofu – which contain about 2-3 mcg per 100 grams. Studies with PQQ generally use dosage levels of 10 to 20 mg, – which are levels much higher than the typical dietary intake of about 100 mcg.
What does PQQ do in our cells?
PQQ is beyond a vitamin, though it may be classified as such in the future. In human cells, PQQ serves a vital role in a special class of enzymes involved in cellular function including energy production, growth, and survival. The bottom line is that without PQQ, our cells would cease to function properly and would die.
Much of the research focus with PQQ has involved looking at its direct action on major enzymes involved in energy production and seeing what effects that has on human health. Here are just some of the effects noted from these investigations:
- PQQ reverses cognitive impairment caused by chronic oxidative stress and improve performance on memory tests in animal models.
- PQQ prevents the development of osteoarthritis in an animal model.
- PQQ protects nerve cells from the damaging effects of the beta-amyloid-protein linked with Alzheimer’s disease.
- The combination of PQQ and CoQ10 (respectively, 20 mg and 300 mg) improved mental function in a human double-blind study.
- PQQ (0.2 mg PQQ/kg body weight) increased the antioxidant potential and energy metabolism while decreasing inflammation in another double-blind study.
- PQQ at a dosage of 20 mg daily lowers LDL cholesterol levels.
PQQ works synergistically with CoQ10
When PQQ is combined with coenzyme Q10 it produces better results in boosting brain power. This effect was first seen in animal studies and further demonstrated in a human double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial conducted in Japan back in 2007. The study compared the effects of BioPQQ or CoQ10 alone (20 mg and 300 mg daily, respectively) or in combination by having subjects perform a Stroop test at the beginning of the study and after four and eight weeks of supplementation.
In the Stroop test, subjects are asked to quickly identify the color of ink of written words. It doesn’t sound too tough, but it is because the words are actually non-matching colors. For example, the word “red” is printed in green ink.
It’s a standard test used to measure mental processing. In the study, after eight weeks of supplementation, PQQ produced a 4.2 second improvement, COQ10 a 1.8 second improvement and the combined PQQ/CoQ10 a 6.3 second improvement. Researchers learned from this study that PQQ is much more powerful than CoQ10 in promoting brain function, but when the two are combined even better results are seen.
New study shows BioPQQ lowers LDL levels
The effects of BioPQQ on serum triglyceride and cholesterol levels were examined in humans after 6 and 12 weeks of supplementation at an oral dosage of 20 mg per day. A total of 29 healthy adults, ranging from 40 to 57 years old, were included in the study.
In those subjects with LDL cholesterol levels ≥140 mg/dl PQQ supplementation produced a statistically significant decrease in total cholesterol (from an average of 247 to 216 mg/dl) and LDL cholesterol (from an average of 156 to 132 mg/dl) after only 6 weeks.
PQQ activates AMPk: Could this be a lifesaving discovery?
AMPk is an enzyme that is found inside living cells that serves as a “master regulating switch” in energy metabolism. Low levels of AMPk activity is associated with:
- Accelerated aging
- Chronic inflammation
- High blood cholesterol and triglycerides
- Increased visceral “belly” fat
- Insulin resistance
- Mitochondrial insufficiency and dysfunction
- Poor blood sugar control
Since PQQ activates AMPk, researchers believe that it is only a matter of time before clinical data is produced showing PQQ is helpful for a long list of health challenges.
Warning: Not all PQQ is created equal
Consumers need to be aware of different forms of PQQ on the marketplace. BioPQQ™ is the only available form that is produced naturally. Other forms are produced through a chemical synthesis and involve the use of fairly toxic compounds.
Read labels closely. The dosage recommendation for PQQ is 10 to 20 mg daily.
About the author: Michael T. Murray, N.D., is widely regarded as one of world’s leading authorities on natural medicine and is the author of over 30 books including the best-selling Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine. For more information and to receive his free guide 7 Keys to Wellness go to: DoctorMurray.com
Nakano M, Kawasaki Y, Suzuki N, Takara T. Effects of Pyrroloquinoline Quinone Disodium Salt Intake on the Serum Cholesterol Levels of Healthy Japanese Adults. J Nutr Sci Vitaminol. 2015;61(3):233-40.
Food & Nutrition
Natural Health 365
Natural Health 365 is a premium source of trending and popular health-related news, science, testimony & research articles on the most up to date and relevant natural health information. The Food & Nutrition articles found herein are meant to inform and advise our site visitors on eating healthy, nutritious foods and safely using supplements and vitamins to achieve optimal health.
Join thousands of daily visitors staying informed and involved on Natural Health 365! We seek out scientific solutions with proven results and it is our mission to keep you informed! Articles range in topic from the cancer fighting qualities of Olive Oil, to the remarkably high concentration of anti-oxidants found in blueberries, to how to make your own almond milk, to a nutritional comparison of organic vs conventional produce, to an analysis of the health benefits of tree nuts. You can find all of the Food News Articles here
Read Some of Our Most Popular Articles
Artichokes, Olive Oil, Almond Milk, Blueberries
More Food & Nutrition Articles
Fresh Organic Produce Fights Cancer, Susan G. Komen on Organic Foods, Hemp Seeds for Inflammation, Pau D’Arco For Improved Immunity
In addition to exploring health benefits of certain foods, vitamins and supplements, we also aim to connect healthy eating and balanced consumption of dietary supplements to long-lasting health and adding healthy, happy years to your life. For example, did you know that eating Granny Smith Apples on a regular basis can reduce your chance of building up unhealthy gut yeast? Or that ingesting ground hemp seeds can significantly reduce inflammation throughout the body? Perhaps you didn’t know that Fresh Organic Produce has been found to have higher concentrations of key, cancer-fighting anti-oxidants and vitamins than conventional produce? You can find all of that information and more right here on Natural Health 365.
We’d love to know what you’re thinking! Please join the conversation on Facebook, post comments here on the website and feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions.
Please use and share the articles you find here with your friends, family and peers.