Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) is a redox cofactor and antioxidant found in certain foods and often marketed as a dietary supplement. Its use as an athletic and exercise aid is primarily supported by preliminary scientific research, not by traditional medicine or longstanding folk use.

Several animal studies have shown that PQQ may improve mitochondrial biogenesis—the process by which cells increase their mitochondrial number and function. Enhanced mitochondrial function is theoretically beneficial for exercise performance, as mitochondria are critical for energy production in muscle cells. Additionally, PQQ’s antioxidant properties may help reduce exercise-induced oxidative stress, which is linked to fatigue and muscle damage.

However, direct evidence in humans is limited. A small number of human studies suggest PQQ supplementation may reduce markers of inflammation and oxidative stress and modestly improve subjective measures of fatigue. For example, a 2016 randomized controlled trial found that PQQ supplementation reduced perceived fatigue and improved sleep quality in healthy adults, but did not directly assess athletic performance or recovery. There are currently no large, well-controlled trials demonstrating clear benefits of PQQ supplementation for exercise performance, endurance, or muscle recovery in athletes or regular exercisers.

In summary, while there is some mechanistic rationale and limited preliminary evidence for PQQ as an exercise aid, robust clinical validation in humans is lacking. The current evidence base is best characterized as early-stage and not yet sufficient to strongly endorse its use for athletic or exercise enhancement.