MGCPQQ supplement touted as possible breakthrough in natural coronavirus defense

22 Jan 2024 --- Researchers in Japan conducted an in vitro study looking into Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ), a natural ingredient also known as the “longevity vitamin” found in plants such as kiwi, parsley and green peppers. The team found that the ingredient made the Feline Infectious Peritonitis Virus (a virus belonging to the coronavirus family) less infectious.

Similar to previous studies into the properties of PQQ, the researchers used a PQQ dietary supplement developed by Mitsubishi Gas Chemical (MGC) and sold under the brand name MGCPQQ.

“We’re encouraged by the research’s early findings showing PQQ can help protect cells against coronaviruses, particularly when used to treat infections in the early stages,” says Atsushi Sugimoto, assistant manager for MGC.

“While more testing is needed, the results from this in vitro study clearly suggest that PQQ has a strong antiviral effect and could one day help serve as a new option for managing symptoms caused by the coronavirus disease,” he adds. 

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties 
The study’s results published in the journal American Chemistry Society suggest that PQQ is an effective viral inhibitory treatment during the early stages of a coronavirus infection.

The antiviral properties of the ingredient are linked to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory qualities. The authors theorize that these effects are directly related to the instability of the virion — the complete infectious virus particle — preventing host cell viral entry and replication. 

According to the authors, these findings could pave the way for further research into the effectiveness of PQQ in preventing the spread of various coronavirus diseases, including COVID-19. 

The MGCPQQ supplement is the most studied and tested PQQ ingredient, with several in vitro and in vivo clinical studies and trials having been conducted in the past four decades.  

Previous studies into nutritional supplements suggest they can stimulate the mitochondria, which are vital to cell survival. It may also facilitate cognitive health by promoting nerve growth factors in the brain and it has also been shown to have health benefits for stress, sleep quality and energy. 

Natural sources of PQQ include fermented soybeans, green peppers, kiwi, parsley, tea, papaya, spinach and celery. It is also commonly found in human breast milk. 

Currently, MGCPQQ is the only PQQ supplement legally sold in the EU and the only one registered on its List of Novel Foods. It is also the only supplement of its kind with a New Dietary Ingredient notification from the US FDA, registered under the name BioPQQ. 

By Milana Nikolova