Pterostilbene: Benefits, Dosage, Contraindications

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Pterostilbene is a low molecular weight polyphenolic compound found in blueberries, bilberries, almonds, grapes, and the kino tree (Pterocarpus marsupium), endemic to the Malabar region. Stilbenes are part of the plant defense system, secreted in response to environmental challenges such as infections or excessive UV exposure. It differs from resveratrol by the presence of two methoxy groups replacing hydroxyl groups. This difference ensures its stability and absorption, thus pterostilbene is better assimilated and remains longer in the body. With its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, this polyphenol could promote cardiovascular health and position itself as an ideal candidate for prevention and treatment strategies of age-related diseases.

Other name(s) 

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Family or group: 

Phytosubstances

Active ingredients:

Polyphenols


Indications

Rating methodology

EFSA approval.

Several clinical trials (> 2) randomized controlled with double blind, including a significant number of patients (>100) with consistently positive outcomes for the indication.
Several clinical trials (> 2) randomized controlled with double blind, and including a significant number of patients (>100) with positive outcomes for the indication.
One or more randomized studies or multiple cohorts or epidemiological studies with positive outcomes for the indication.
Clinical studies exist but are uncontrolled, with conclusions that may be positive or contradictory.
Lack of clinical studies to date that can demonstrate the indication.


Healthy aging
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Pterostilbene could help fight oxidative stress and aging, thanks to its antioxidant properties. A clinical study conducted on 60 healthy adults, randomly divided, evaluated the effect of a standardized extract containing 90% pterostilbene at a dose of 200 mg per day. This study aimed to measure levels of various antioxidant biomarkers, including glutathione, where levels were slightly higher in the pterostilbene-treated group compared to placebo. Pterostilbene could also be a potential ally in the fight against age-related cognitive decline. Recent studies highlight the positive impact of pterostilbene on brain areas such as the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus, essential for working memory and declarative memory. Pterostilbene's activity contributes to the protection of these key areas, thus favoring the maintenance of cognitive abilities. Further research is needed to fully explore the mechanisms by which pterostilbene acts on the brain, but preliminary results suggest it could be a valuable tool for delaying or alleviating symptoms of cerebral aging.

Posologie

posologieOrally

posologie200 mg


Cardiovascular diseases
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Clinical research on pterostilbene highlights its beneficial impacts, notably on cardiovascular parameters. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study explored the effects of pterostilbene on metabolic parameters including lipids, blood pressure, and weight in adults with hypercholesterolemia. In this study, four groups of participants received either pterostilbene at different doses (50 mg or 125 mg twice daily), a combination of pterostilbene and grape extract, or a placebo over 6 to 8 weeks. It was found that pterostilbene, especially at a high dose, significantly reduced both systolic (by 7.8 mmHg) and diastolic blood pressure (by 7.3 mmHg) compared to placebo. However, an increase in LDL (bad cholesterol) was observed with pterostilbene monotherapy, an effect not seen with the combination of pterostilbene and grape extract.

Posologie

posologieOrally

posologie250 mg


Synergies


Cognitive decline
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Clinical research on pterostilbene related to cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease is still limited, but some preclinical studies suggest promising effects. No human clinical research has directly demonstrated the prevention of dementia or improvement in cognitive function. However, studies on animal models show that pterostilbene may improve cognitive function and reduce markers of cellular stress and inflammation linked to Alzheimer's pathology. In a mouse model with accelerated aging (SAMP8), it was found that pterostilbene, unlike resveratrol, improved cognitive function. This improvement is attributed to increased PPAR alpha activity and a reduction in markers of cellular stress and inflammation. While promising, translating these preclinical results into clinical benefits in humans still requires well-designed studies to confirm these effects and understand the underlying mechanisms.

Posologie

posologieOral administration

posologie200 mg


Properties


Antioxidant

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Pterostilbene, a natural polyphenol primarily present in blueberries, is recognized for its potent antioxidant effect. An analogue of resveratrol but with better bioavailability, it protects cells against damage caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS). Pterostilbene acts by modulating crucial signaling pathways for reducing oxidative stress, notably through the activation of the transcription factor Nrf2. This activation leads to an increased expression of endogenous antioxidant enzymes like SOD, catalase, and GPX, thereby helping to neutralize free radicals and protect against cellular and tissue damage associated with various diseases, including cancer and neurodegenerative disorders.

Usages associés

Healthy aging

Anti-inflammatory

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Pterostilbene exhibits significant anti-inflammatory properties. By inhibiting NF-kB and MAPK signaling pathways, it reduces the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and inflammatory mediators such as TNF-alpha and prostaglandins. These actions are crucial for moderating inflammatory responses in various pathological conditions, including cardiovascular diseases, autoimmune disorders, and arthritis. Pterostilbene also interferes with other inflammatory molecules by specifically inhibiting the expression of iNOS and COX-2 genes, thus reducing inflammation and associated pathogenic processes.

Usages associés

Healthy aging

Anti-aging

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Pterostilbene shows promise as a potential therapeutic agent for mitigating the deleterious effects of aging. With its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, it helps reduce the accumulation of cellular damage over time, which can delay the onset of age-related diseases and prolong cellular health. Additionally, pterostilbene promotes cognitive health and neuroprotective function, decreasing the risks of cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases. Its ability to positively modulate lipid metabolism and improve endothelial function also supports better cardiovascular health, essential for healthy aging.

Usages associés

Healthy aging

Cognitive function

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Results from a study on aged rats indicated that pterostilbene was effective in reversing cognitive behavioral deficits, as well as dopamine release, and that working memory was correlated with pterostilbene levels in the hippocampus.

Usages associés

Cognitive decline

Cardiovascular

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Pterostilbene offers substantial benefits to cardiovascular health through its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory properties, and its ability to improve lipid profile. It lowers LDL cholesterol levels and increases HDL cholesterol, thus reducing the risk of atherosclerotic plaque formation. By inhibiting the oxidation of low-density lipoproteins (LDL), pterostilbene prevents damage to blood vessel walls, a key factor in the development of atherosclerosis. Furthermore, it decreases triglyceride concentration, contributing to a reduction in heart disease risks. Pterostilbene also influences endothelial function by improving vasodilation and reducing blood pressure, which is essential for maintaining good cardiovascular health and preventing diseases such as hypertension and heart failure. These effects are supported by studies showing a reduction in vascular inflammation and improved endothelial function in subjects treated with pterostilbene.

Usages associés

Cardiovascular diseases

Anticancer

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Pterostilbene has anticancer potential, intervening via several key mechanisms to inhibit the growth and spread of cancer cells. It exerts its antiproliferative effects by modulating cell signaling pathways such as those involving p53 and growth factors. For instance, it stimulates tumor cell apoptosis by activating caspases and increasing Bax expression while decreasing Bcl-2 expression. Moreover, pterostilbene inhibits metastasis by negatively regulating MMPs, enzymes that break down extracellular matrix proteins, thereby reducing cancer cells' ability to invade other tissues. Finally, studies indicate that pterostilbene may also reduce angiogenesis, the process of forming new blood vessels that nourish tumors, by decreasing levels of VEGF, a key factor of tumor angiogenesis.


Safety dosage

Adult: 100 mg - 200 mg (standardized extract)

The data associated with the studies provide doses ranging from 50 mg twice a day to 100 mg twice a day.