Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Based on 1 of 2 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Mito-PQQ Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Designs for Health

Capsule Category: Other Combinations
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Mito-PQQ is a dietary supplement by Designs for Health with 2 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for fatigue and low energy, stress and coping (adaptogen), mental performance and focus.Based on those ingredients, 1,271 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Rhodiola. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Mito-PQQ by Designs for Health

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 2 of its 2 active ingredients.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

Mito-PQQ contains 2 active ingredients: rhodiola and pyrroloquinoline quinone disodium salt. Rhodiola is an herbal extract traditionally used to support energy and stress response.

Pyrroloquinoline quinone is a compound found naturally in foods that may play a role in cellular energy production and mitochondrial function. The capsule also contains microcrystalline cellulose (a bulking agent) and vegetable stearate (a flow agent) as inactive ingredients.

Does it work?

Not established
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Not established

The graded evidence we hold for these ingredients covers different conditions than the ones this product is marketed for, so there's no established rating for its stated use — see Rhodiola's own graded uses on its monograph.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: supports mitochondrial biogenesis.
  • We looked for evidence on: Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), Fatigue, mitochondrial dysfunction, cellular energy production.
  • The closest evidence on file: Rhodiola is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Rhodiola is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Fatigue.

The evidence supporting rhodiola for the conditions listed in our data — including altitude sickness, generalized anxiety disorder, arrhythmia, athletic performance, and bladder cancer — is insufficient to establish how well it works. You won't find reliable proof one way or the other in the scientific literature we hold.

For pyrroloquinoline quinone, we have no effectiveness ratings on file. If you're considering this product for a specific health goal, it's worth discussing with your doctor or pharmacist what the evidence actually shows.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Rhodiola

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 1 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Rhodiola is generally well tolerated for short-term use, though long-term safety hasn't been thoroughly studied. The most common side effects are dizziness and changes in saliva production — either dry mouth or excessive salivation — and these tend to be mild.

During pregnancy, safety data is insufficient, so it's best avoided. The same goes for breastfeeding.

If you're pregnant or nursing and considering this product, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking it.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Rhodiola

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — Rhodiola.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: immunosuppressants / transplant drugs; diabetes medications.
  • For scale: 1,272 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Before taking Mito-PQQ, double-check with your doctor or pharmacist if you're on blood pressure medications (antihypertensives) — rhodiola may lower your pressure further. Also flag any diabetes medications, drugs that suppress your immune system, or medications metabolized by your liver's CYP2C9 system, including losartan (Cozaar).

Altogether, these interactions span 1,272 individual medications.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no established evidence rating for its marketed use. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Mito-PQQ may appeal to people looking to support energy and cellular function, but its effectiveness isn't well established in our data. Because rhodiola interacts with blood pressure, diabetes, and immunosuppressant medications — and potentially affects how your liver processes many other drugs — you'll want to check your specific medications before starting it.

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist to see if it's right for your situation.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 1 of 2 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Jun 25, 2013.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Mito-PQQ, straight from the product label.

Brand Designs for Health
Barcode (UPC) 879452003590
Net contents 60 Vegetarian Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jun 25, 2013
DSLD ID 22784
Product type Other Combinations
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Mito-PQQ by Designs for Health, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
2 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
2 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
30
UPC/BARCODE
879452003590
IngredientAmount% DV
Rhodiola300 mg--
Pyrroloquinoline quinone disodium salt20 mg--

Other ingredients: Microcrystalline Cellulose, Vegetable Stearate

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
General Statements

Supports Mitochondrial Biogenesis

Notice: Color, size or shape may appear different between lots.

For Professional Use Only

Manufactured in an NSF GMP Registered Facility

Seals/Symbols

BioPQQ

Guaranteed GMP COMPLIANT Products

Brand IP Statement(s)

Bio-PQQ(TM) is a trademark of MGC (Japan).

FDA Disclaimer Statement

This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Formulation

Does not contain gluten.

General

MIT060

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Recommended Use: As a dietary supplement, take two capsules per day, or as directed by your health care practitioner.

Storage

STORE IN A COOL, DRY PLACE.

Precautions

KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.

See for yourself

Mito-PQQ by Designs for Health label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Mito-PQQ by Designs for Health

These are the 2 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size2 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container30 Amounts shown are per serving.

Most supplement products combine several ingredients, and a medication can interact with the product through any one of them. Each ingredient below shows whether it has known drug interactions.

Rhodiola

Interacts with
1,271 drugs
300 mg per serving Form: Rosavins, Salidroside

Rhodiola is an herb traditionally used to fight fatigue and help the body cope with stress. Some small studies suggest it may modestly reduce fatigue...

Rhodiola monograph & interactions

Pyrroloquinoline quinone disodium salt

20 mg per serving Form: Bio-PQQ(TM)

Other (inactive) ingredients: Microcrystalline Cellulose, Vegetable Stearate. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Mito-PQQ by Designs for Health Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Mito-PQQ?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

Go to the checker
1,271Drugs
624 Moderate 647 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Rhodiola 1,271

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Mito-PQQ with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Rhodiola10 drug types · 1,271 drugs

Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking rhodiola with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
In vitro and animal research shows that rhodiola extract can decrease blood glucose due to alpha-glucosidase activity.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, taking rhodiola with antihypertensive drugs might increase the risk of hypotension.
In vitro and animal research shows that rhodiola extract inhibits angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and might lower blood pressure.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 2C9 (Cyp2C9) Substrates

Theoretically, rhodiola might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2C9.
In vitro research shows that rhodiola inhibits CYP2C9. This effect is highly variable and appears to be dependent on the rhodiola product studied. Also, a clinical study in healthy young males found that taking rhodiola extract 290 mg daily for 14 days reduces the metabolism of losartan, a CYP2C9 substrate, by 21% after 4 hours.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Immunosuppressants

Theoretically, rhodiola use might interfere with immunosuppressive therapy.
In vitro and animal research show that rhodiola has immunostimulatory effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Losartan (Cozaar)

Rhodiola might increase the levels and adverse effects of losartan.
A clinical study in healthy young males found that taking rhodiola extract 290 mg daily for 14 days reduces the metabolism of losartan, a CYP2C9 substrate, by 21% after 4 hours.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
P-Glycoprotein Substrates

Theoretically, rhodiola might increase levels of P-glycoprotein substrates.
In vitro research shows that rhodiola inhibits P-glycoprotein. Theoretically, using rhodiola with P-glycoprotein substrates might increase drug levels and potentially increase the risk of adverse effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antidepressant Drugs

Theoretically, rhodiola might increase the risk of adverse effects when taken with antidepressants.
A review of adverse event reports in Poland identified cases of tachyarrhythmias, myalgia, arthralgia, gum pain, restless leg syndrome, swallowing disorders, and changes in consciousness when rhodiola was taken in combination with paroxetine, escitalopram, fluoxetine, sertraline, trazodone, and/or duloxetine.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cns Depressants

Theoretically, rhodiola might increase the risk of adverse effects when taken with CNS depressants.
A review of adverse event reports in Poland identified cases of excessive sedation, myoclonus, hypotension, and hallucinations when rhodiola was taken with haloperidol, diazepam, or alprazolam.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 1A2 (Cyp1A2) Substrates

Theoretically, rhodiola might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP1A2.
In vitro research shows that rhodiola inhibits CYP1A2. This effect is highly variable and appears to be dependent on the rhodiola product studied. However, a clinical study in healthy young males found that taking rhodiola extract 290 mg daily for 14 days does not inhibit the metabolism of caffeine, a CYP1A2 substrate.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates

Theoretically, rhodiola might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
In vitro research shows that rhodiola inhibits CYP3A4. This effect is highly variable and appears to be dependent on the rhodiola product studied. However, a clinical study in healthy young males found that taking rhodiola extract 290 mg daily for 14 days does not inhibit the metabolism of midazolam, a CYP3A4 substrate.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Mito-PQQ, from the product label.

Designs for Health

See all Designs for Health products
Name
Designs for Health, Inc.
Street Address
980 South Street
City
Suffield
State
CT
ZipCode
06078
Web Address
www.designsforhealth.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Mito-PQQ by Designs for Health: Common Questions

Does Mito-PQQ by Designs for Health interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Mito-PQQ has a known interaction with 1,271 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Mito-PQQ contains 2 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Is rhodiola safe to take while pregnant?
No — there isn't enough safety data, so it's best avoided during pregnancy. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking this product if you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
Can I take this while breastfeeding?
No — safety data is insufficient, so it's best avoided while breastfeeding. Your pharmacist or doctor can discuss whether it's appropriate for your situation.
What side effects might rhodiola cause?
Dizziness and changes in saliva production are the most common — either dry mouth or excessive salivation. These tend to be mild, and rhodiola is generally well tolerated for short-term use.
What does pyrroloquinoline quinone do?
It's a naturally occurring compound that may support cellular energy production and mitochondrial function — the 'power plants' of your cells. We don't hold effectiveness data to tell you how well it works for that purpose.
How long have people used rhodiola safely?
Rhodiola is generally well tolerated for short-term use, but long-term safety hasn't been well studied. If you're considering taking it for weeks or months, that's worth discussing with your doctor or pharmacist.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Not sure if Mito-PQQ is safe with your meds?

Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.

Ask a pharmacist

Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Mito-PQQ label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Mito-PQQ's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 13 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Rhodiola 13 references
  1. Kim SH, Hyun SH, Choung SY. Antioxidative effects of Cinnamomi cassiae and Rhodiola rosea extracts in liver of diabetic mice. Biofactors 2006;26:209-19.
  2. Kwon YI, Jang HD, Shetty K. Evaluation of Rhodiola crenulata and Rhodiola rosea for management of type II diabetes and hypertension. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr 2006;15:425-32.
  3. Bystritsky A, Kerwin L, Feusner JD. A pilot study of Rhodiola rosea (Rhodax) for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). J Altern Complement Med 2008;14:175-80.
  4. Shevtsov VA, Zholus BI, Shervarly VI, et al. A randomized trial of two different doses of a SHR-5 Rhodiola rosea extract versus placebo and control of capacity for mental work. Phytomedicine 2003;10:95-105. PubMed
  5. Apostolidis E, Kwon YI, Shetty K. Potential of cranberry-based herbal synergies for diabetes and hypertension management. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr 2006;15:433-41.
  6. Hellum BH, Tosse A, Hoybakk K, et al. Potent in vitro inhibition of CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein by Rhodiola rosea. Planta Med 2010;76:331-8.
  7. Skopriska-Rozewska E, Wojcik R, Siwicki AK, et al. The effect of Rhodiola quadrifida extracts on cellular immunity in mice and rats. Pol J Vet Sci 2008;11:105-11.
  8. Mishra KP, Chanda S, Shukla K, Ganju L. Adjuvant effect of aqueous extract of Rhodiola imbricate rhizome on the immune responses to tetanus toxoid and ovalbumin in rats. Immunopharmacol Immunotoxicol 2010;32:141-6.
  9. Li HX, Sze SC, Tong Y, Ng TB. Production of Th1- and Th2-dependent cytokines induced by the Chinese medicine herb, Rhodiola algida, on human peripheral blood monocytes. J Ethnopharmacol 2009;123:257-66. PubMed
  10. Mishra KP, Ganju L, Chanda S, et al. Aqueous extract of Rhodiola imbricate rhizome stimulates Toll-like receptor 4, granzyme-B and Th1 cytokines in vitro. Immunobiology 2009;214:27-31.
  11. Thu OK, Nilsen OG, Hellum B. In vitro inhibition of cytochrome P-450 activities and quantification of constituents in a selection of commercial Rhodiola rosea products. Pharm Bio. 2016 Dec;54(12):3249-3256.
  12. Thu OK, Spigset O, Nilsen OG, Hellum B. Effect of commercial Rhodiola rosea on CYP enzyme activity in humans. Eur J Clin Pharmacol. 2016 Mar;72(3):295-300. PubMed
  13. Woron J, Siwek M. Unwanted effects of psychotropic drug interactions with medicinal products and diet supplements containing plant extracts. Psychiatr Pol 2018;52(6):983-96. PubMed

See these in context on the Rhodiola monograph →

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

Keep exploring