Can pterostilbene replace resveratrol?

Does pterostilbene's antioxidant power truly surpass that of resveratrol?

1. ORAC Value Comparison—A Laboratory Test
In the classic ORAC (oxygen radical absorbance capacity) test, pterostilbene scored approximately 64 μmol Trolox equivalents/g, while resveratrol only scored approximately 28 μmol Trolox equivalents/g, making the former 2.3 times higher.

2. Electrochemical Indicator—Peak Current Directly Reflects Activity
Domestic electrochemical experiments showed that at physiological pH 7.4, pterostilbene's first oxidation peak current was 3.57 μA, while resveratrol's was only 2.64 μA. The peak potential was lower (0.39 V vs. 0.44 V), indicating a lower threshold for free radical scavenging and a faster rate.

3. Intracellular ROS Scavenging—Only Real Biological Models Can Reveal the Truth
A recent study in 2025, using a H₂O₂-induced intestinal epithelial cell model, demonstrated that pterostilbene reduced intracellular ROS levels by 40% while significantly increasing SOD activity. In contrast, a comparable dose of resveratrol only reduced levels by approximately 20%.

"Antioxidant" isn't a single-point numerical game, but rather a multi-dimensional cascade of biological responses. At least from the in vitro to the cellular level, pterostilbene demonstrates superior overall antioxidant efficacy.

With a broader scope of efficacy, what exclusive applications does pterostilbene have?

1. Whitening and Spot Lightening – Tyrosinase Inhibition and Antioxidant Dual Pathways
In an 8-week trial of a clinical-grade 3% pterostilbene cream, subjects' ITA° (skin brightness index) increased by 13.7% and dark spot area decreased by 18.4%, outperforming the resveratrol group at the same concentration (brightness +6.9%, dark spots -9.2%).

2. Photoaging Protection – Fighting the "three killers" of UVB: erythema, roughness, and wrinkles
A 2025 animal study: Applying 0.5% pterostilbene to the backs of mice exposed to UVB for four weeks resulted in only an 11% increase in skin thickness, compared to a 21% increase in the resveratrol group and a 38% increase in the control group. MMP-9 expression decreased by 45% in the pterostilbene group, while collagen fiber preservation increased by 1.7 times.

3. Comprehensive Metabolic Intervention – Double Lowering of Blood Glucose and Lipids
In a spontaneously diabetic rat model, pterostilbene, administered orally at a dose of 40 mg/kg/day for 6 weeks, reduced fasting blood glucose by 28% and serum triglycerides by 31%, and significantly improved pancreatic β-cell ultrastructure. Resveratrol, at the same dose, only reduced these by 17% and 19% respectively.

4. Neuroprotection – Activating the Sirt1/Nrf2 "Longevity Axis"
Cell experiments showed that pterostilbene inhibited H₂O₂-induced apoptosis in PC12 cells by 58%, surpassing resveratrol (37%). This mechanism is related to upregulation of Sirt1 deacetylase activity and enhanced Nrf2 nuclear translocation.

Pterostilbene is not simply a "supercharged" version of resveratrol; rather, it combines multiple benefits, including antioxidant, whitening, anti-inflammatory, metabolic regulation, and neuroprotection, offering a new "multi-benefit" story for oral beauty products, functional foods, and medical aesthetics. 

Why Choose SOST Biotech Pterostilbene powder?

1. Core Indicators

2. Customized Services

Particle Size Distribution: Customizable 80-200 mesh micropowders suitable for tablets, capsules, and solid beverages
Encapsulation Solutions: We offer β-cyclodextrin inclusion, microencapsulation, and nanoliposome processes to address solubility and odor issues

Contact Email:ericyang@xasost.com