Regulatory bodies globally, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA), play a pivotal role in overseeing the production and distribution of APIs. They establish guidelines to ensure that APIs meet the necessary safety and efficacy standards before they can be included in pharmaceutical products. These regulations also help combat issues such as adulteration and counterfeiting, which pose significant risks to public health.
On the other hand, PQQ, a relatively newer player in the supplement arena, is known for its unique ability to promote mitochondrial biogenesis—the process through which new mitochondria are formed within cells. PQQ has been shown to have neuroprotective effects, improve cognitive function, and promote heart health by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation.
Within these two broad categories, APIs can also be further classified based on their chemical nature. There are natural APIs, which are derived from plants, animals, or minerals. Examples include morphine from opium poppy and digoxin from foxglove plants. Semi-synthetic APIs, which are chemically modified derivatives of natural substances, also play a crucial role. An example is the antibiotic amoxicillin, a derivative of penicillin that is more effective against a range of bacteria.