Health Benefits of Pterostilbene

1.What is Pterostilbene?

Pterostilbene, a naturally occurring compound, is part of the stilbenoid family, which includes Resveratrol—another well-known antioxidant. While both pterostilbene and resveratrol share many similarities, pterostilbene is often considered a more bioavailable and potent compound. It is found in various plants, most notably in blueberries, grapes, and certain species of the Pterocarpus tree. This polyphenolic compound has caught the attention of scientists and health enthusiasts due to its promising health benefits, particularly its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging properties.

Chemically, pterostilbene is closely related to resveratrol, with the key difference being that pterostilbene has three methoxy groups and one hydroxyl group in its chemical structure, whereas resveratrol has more hydroxyl groups. This structural variation is thought to contribute to pterostilbene’s increased stability and enhanced ability to be absorbed by the body, which may lead to more effective therapeutic outcomes.

Given the growing interest in natural compounds that can help prevent chronic diseases and support overall health, pterostilbene has emerged as a compound worth considering. As researchers delve deeper into its potential, it is becoming clear that this antioxidant may offer a wide array of health benefits.

2.What foods are high in pterostilbene?

Pterostilbene is found in blueberries, with the estimated content per blueberry varying between 99 ng to 520 ng, depending on the type of blueberry. To put this into perspective, an average blueberry punnet weighs around 340 grams.

If you ate the entire punnet, the total amount of pterostilbene you would get is only 0.03 to 0.18 mg, and based on the dose used in limited human studies of 100mg a day, that would be a huge amount of blueberries a day!

However, if you are looking to naturally obtain the kind of levels of pterostilbene that dietary supplements offer, then you would really, really, need to like blueberries, not to mention the high cost of buying that much fruit. In realistic terms, this is impractical. Supplement dosages range from 50 mg to 1,000 mg per capsule.

Pterostilbene is also found in almonds, grape leaves and vines, cranberries and related Vaccinium berries, such as lingonberries, bilberries, and huckleberries.

3.Health Benefits of Pterostilbene

• Antioxidant Properties and Protection Against Oxidative Stress

One of the most significant health benefits of pterostilbene is its strong antioxidant activity. Oxidative stress occurs when there is an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in the body, leading to cellular damage and an increased risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and neurodegenerative conditions. Pterostilbene has been shown to neutralize free radicals, thereby protecting the body from oxidative damage and helping to slow the aging process.

Studies have suggested that pterostilbene may be more effective than resveratrol at reducing oxidative stress due to its higher bioavailability. This means that it is more readily absorbed and utilized by the body, leading to more sustained antioxidant effects.

• Cardiovascular Health

Pterostilbene has shown promising results in promoting heart health. It helps to regulate cholesterol levels by increasing levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), also known as “good cholesterol,” while simultaneously reducing low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, or “bad cholesterol.” This balance is crucial in preventing plaque buildup in the arteries, which can lead to cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis.

In addition to its cholesterol-lowering properties, pterostilbene may help reduce blood pressure. Some studies have indicated that the compound can dilate blood vessels, promoting better blood flow and reducing the strain on the heart. This makes pterostilbene an effective natural option for reducing the risk of hypertension and other cardiovascular conditions.

• Anti-Inflammatory Effects

Chronic inflammation is a contributing factor to many diseases, including heart disease, arthritis, and even certain cancers. Pterostilbene has demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce the levels of inflammatory markers in the body. This is particularly beneficial for individuals suffering from conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, where inflammation plays a central role in the disease's progression.

By modulating the body's inflammatory response, pterostilbene may also help reduce the risk of developing chronic inflammatory diseases. Its ability to inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines further underscores its potential as a therapeutic compound for inflammatory conditions.

• Cognitive Health and Neuroprotection

Research has shown that pterostilbene may support cognitive health by protecting neurons from oxidative stress and inflammation. One of the primary areas of research on pterostilbene is its potential in the prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. The compound's antioxidant properties help reduce the buildup of harmful proteins, such as beta-amyloid plaques, which are associated with Alzheimer's disease.

Furthermore, pterostilbene has been shown to promote the growth of new brain cells (neurogenesis) and improve memory and learning abilities. In animal studies, pterostilbene supplementation has resulted in improved cognitive function, suggesting that it may hold promise as a natural nootropic.

• Anti-Cancer Potential

Although more research is needed, preliminary studies suggest that pterostilbene may have anticancer properties. It has been shown to inhibit the growth of cancer cells in various types of cancers, including breast, prostate, and colon cancers. Pterostilbene may achieve this by inducing apoptosis (programmed cell death) in cancer cells and inhibiting the spread of tumors.

Moreover, pterostilbene appears to enhance the effectiveness of certain cancer treatments, making it a potential adjunct therapy. However, these findings are still in early stages, and further clinical trials are needed to confirm its full potential as an anti-cancer agent.

• Metabolic Health and Weight Management

Pterostilbene may also play a role in metabolic health, particularly in the management of blood sugar and insulin resistance. Insulin resistance is a key factor in the development of type 2 diabetes, and pterostilbene has shown potential in improving insulin sensitivity. By promoting better glucose utilization and reducing inflammation, pterostilbene may help prevent or manage type 2 diabetes.

4.Where Can I Buy Pterostilbene Powder?

Visit Sost Biotech to explore high-quality Pterostilbene Powder tailored to your health needs.

References
[1]  Langcake, P., & Pryce, R. J. (1977). A new class of phytoalexins from grapevines. Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences, 33(2), 151-152.
[2]  Rimando, A. M., Kalt, W., Magee, J. B., Dewey, J., & Ballington, J. R. (2004). Resveratrol, pterostilbene, and piceatannol in vaccinium berries. Journal of agricultural and food chemistry, 52(15), 4713-4719