VCVITAMINS/CHART

The Bottom Line

Yes, you can take PQQ and chamomile together safely because these two supplements do not interact with each other.

VERDICT

PQQ (Pyrroloquinoline Quinone) and chamomile together are a neutral combination with no significant interactions. PQQ supports cellular energy production while chamomile is a calming herbal tea. For most people, taking PQQ and chamomile together is safe and unlikely to cause side effects.

Safe to combine Limited evidence
01 / MECHANISM

How They Interact

PQQ acts as a redox cofactor in the body, supporting mitochondrial biogenesis and protecting cells from oxidative stress. Chamomile contains apigenin and bisabolol, compounds that primarily modulate GABA receptors and dampen inflammation, but they do not share or compete with PQQ's intestinal absorption pathways. PQQ is water-soluble and crosses the intestinal lining via glucose transporters, while chamomile polyphenols are absorbed passively and conjugated in the liver by phase II enzymes like glucuronidation—these are distinct routes that do not interfere with each other. Neither compound is a significant substrate for cytochrome P450 enzymes, so there is no hepatic competition or enzyme induction to worry about. The only theoretical concern is mild stomach irritation if both are taken on an empty stomach, but this is not a true interaction.

02 / BEST PRACTICES

How To Take Them

Because there is no interaction, the timing is flexible. I suggest taking PQQ with breakfast to anchor it into your daily routine, then enjoying chamomile tea in the evening for its relaxing properties. If you prefer taking both together, you can swallow the PQQ capsule with water and follow it with a warm cup of chamomile tea any time of day. Should you miss a dose, just take your next scheduled dose at the regular time—do not double up. PQQ absorbs better when consumed with a little fat, while chamomile tea works fine on an empty stomach or with food, so you don't need to adjust anything.

03 / FORM MATTERS

Form & Quality Differences

Chamomile is typically brewed as a tea or taken as a standardized extract, and the form does not change how it interacts with PQQ—both contain the same active compounds, though tea has a gentler effect. PQQ is usually sold as a capsule or tablet, often as a potassium or magnesium salt, but these salts are inert and do not influence chamomile's absorption. If you prefer chamomile capsules, choose a product with a guaranteed apigenin content for consistency, though the tea is equally safe.

04 / COMMON STACKS

Where This Pair Shows Up

PQQ is commonly paired with CoQ10 and creatine in mitochondrial health stacks, while chamomile often appears in sleep and anxiety-relief formulas alongside magnesium and L-theanine. You'll rarely find them pre-mixed, but they are easy to add separately to a daily regimen because their timing schedules naturally complement each other.

Multivitamins Prenatals Performance Longevity
05

Practical Tips

06

Frequently Asked Questions

Who Should Be Careful If you are allergic to ragweed or other members of the daisy family, chamomile can cause a contact allergy, so it's wise to avoid it. People on anticoagulant medications should have their INR monitored if they start drinking chamomile tea daily, as coumarin compounds may theoretically affect bleeding risk. PQQ is generally well tolerated, but doses above 20 mg per day lack long-term safety data, so stick to the label. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult a healthcare provider before adding either supplement to their routine.
08

Sources & Further Reading

  1. NIH ODS NIH Office of Dietary Supplements — PQQ (Pyrroloquinoline Quinone) Fact Sheet
  2. NIH ODS NIH Office of Dietary Supplements — Chamomile Fact Sheet
  3. Examine.com Examine.com — PQQ interaction page
  4. Examine.com Examine.com — Chamomile interaction page

Reviewed by Caroline M. on April 14, 2025 for accuracy against the sources listed above. This page is educational and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.

WANT THE FULL PICTURE?

The matrix has 86 supplements and 7310 pairwise interactions. Click any cell to see the full breakdown.

Back To The Vitamins Chart All PQQ (Pyrroloquinoline Quinone) (cellular health) Interactions All Chamomile Interactions