What Is Pterostilbene? Uses and Benefits

Pterostilbene (PTS) is a plant-based chemical compound similar to resveratrol. However, it is more soluble due to some structural differences that improve its bioavailability. Some animal studies have shown that pterostilbene has, in fact, stronger effects on animal health than resveratrol. It is easily absorbed and distributes well throughout the body. 

It crosses the blood-brain barrier, which is unnatural for similar polyphenols, e.g., curcumin and quercetin. Thus, pterostilbene has more advantages and clinical applications than the other polyphenols. 

For those who are unsure about pterostilbene, Welzo offers various resveratrol formulations. Visit our product pages to buy Pure Encapsulations Resveratrol Capsules and AOR Acta-Resveratrol Capsules.  

Sources of Pterostilbene

Pterostilbene was isolated for the first time from sandalwood. Scientific research has explored additional sources, including peanuts, Indian kino, grapes, and blueberries. It is produced in large quantities in the source plants in response to fungal infections and plant stressors. The heartwood, leaves, and fruits of these plants are the major sources of pterostilbene. 

Health Benefits and Uses of Pterostilbene  

The pterostilbene has attracted huge attention in recent years. The researchers surrounding this compound have explored many health benefits, including its anti-obesity, sugar balancing, pain relieving, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potential and numerous protective effects on the brain and heart. Nevertheless, human research is limited in the topic. 

Some potential health benefits of pterostilbene are;  

Anti-inflammatory properties  

Numerous chronic diseases increase inflammatory activity inside the body. Nitric oxide (NO) and Cyclooxygenase (COX) are important compounds that play a role in immune responses related to inflammatory processes and cause inflammation when overproduced. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen and aspirin, inhibit these inflammatory signalling molecules. 

Pterostilbene inhibits both of these inflammatory compounds, and excess levels of pterostilbene help treat chronic inflammation. It helps mitigate inflammation by reducing the levels of NF-κB and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), the primary mediators of inflammation. 

Antioxidant potential 

Like vitamins E & C, pterostilbene reduces the free radicals damage associated with oxide free radicals. Besides the direct antioxidant properties, it upregulates numerous antioxidant defences and enzymes in the body. This antioxidant potential causes countless other health benefits.

A review published in the Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity in 2013 attributed the anti-inflammation, attenuation of vascular disease, anti-carcinogenesis, modulation of neurological disease, and amelioration of diabetes to the antioxidative potential of pterostilbene. 

Balancing the blood sugar levels 

Many natural compounds, such as hibiscus, berberine, and cinnamon, have the potential to balance blood glucose levels. Likewise, pterostilbene has similar potential and reduces the occurrence of diabetic complications. Although numerous animal studies have noted these benefits of pterostilbene, human clinical trial data is missing.

A study by Rashmi Patil and colleagues (Bharati Vidyapeeth University, Erandwane, Pune, India) administered pterostilbene to rats. It noted that its blood glucose-lowering effects are similar to those of the sugar medication metformin. 

Fructose correlates with diabetes, sugar problems, and increased heart rate. Pterostilbene prevents diabetic changes in animals whose dietary carbohydrates are replaced with fructose. Numerous other animal studies have uncovered many diabetes-protective effects of pterostilbene. Hearing and vision loss are among the major complications of diabetes, and pterostilbene protects hearing loss due to its free radical effects in rats.

Pain relief 

The pain-relieving potential of pterostilbene is still unclear and needs more human clinical trials, although many sources use it to treat inflammation and pain. Studies in animal models have highlighted its potential for pain relief. A recent study published in the Journal of Food Biochemistry in 2022 noted that it reduces inflammation and swelling in rats affected with arthritis.

It improves the gut microflora and lowers the pathologic bacteria found in the gut. A study involving the use of pterostilbene in rheumatoid arthritis models noted that combined with physical activities, it helps improve the condition in these conditions. The human data is limited, and a group of volunteers using 450mg pterostilbene daily doesn't experience any noticeable changes in the pain levels in humans. 

The researchers highlighted the need for dose-dependent studies to determine whether the higher doses cause pain-relieving effects.

Benefits for heart health 

Through its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, pterostilbene helps protect against heart diseases. Animal model studies have shown that it improves heart function and protects against heart damage, even after an acute heart attack or during acute heart failure. 

A study published by Cardiovascular Drugs & Therapy noted that pterostilbene lowers cardiac oxidative stress and inflammation by activating the AMPK/Nrf2/HO-1 Pathway in the fructose-fed Diabetic Rats. Future research is expected to reveal many heart-friendly benefits of pterostilbene, like those of the other compounds, such as garlic extract, carnitine, and CoQ10. 

Brain protection 

With the ageing world population, the risk and rate of brain diseases like Alzheimer's disease are increasing. Even with standard treatment protocols, these diseases cause a slow and steady decline in brain functions that ultimately causes disability, memory loss, and death. 

Pterostilbene benefits brain health, as its supplementation in the rat models improved the rats' age-related cognitive decline. This study by Professor Martina La Spina and colleagues (University of Padova, Italy) also observed a memory improvement in the older rats.

One significant cause of dementia is the decrease in neurotransmitters, particularly acetylcholine. Studies have shown that pterostilbene reverses this function by reducing its breakdown and metabolism. 

Other animal studies have shown that rats given pterostilbene have better memory and boosted acetylcholine levels. A study in rats noted its ability to reverse memory loss, reduce inflammation, and help treat other symptoms of dementia, but no similar effects was observed with resveratrol. 

Obesity treatment

Obesity is rapidly becoming a global epidemic. Although it is seen as the inability to reduce caloric intake, recent studies have highlighted many important causes that are responsible for increasing obesity rates in all ages. Consequently, many alternative approaches are there to help treat obesity. 

Pterostilbene is one such treatment, and data from a recent research by the researchers at Ankara Medipol University, Turkey, suggested various pathways for its anti obesity effects. Brown adipose tissue is a prevalent fat in the body that uses calories to produce heat, while white adipose tissue is linked to obesity and weight gain.

In the animal models, pterostilbene upregulates the caloric consumption in the brown adipose tissues and helps transform the white fat to behave like the brown fat to burn additional calories.  Pterostilbene also blocks the relocation of the fat cells and lowers the absorption of fat into the body. 

In obese people, the fat cells produce inflammatory molecules that cause inflammation throughout the body. The anti-inflammatory properties of pterostilbene block this signalling from the fat cells for better effects. Its beneficial effects are relevant to obesity, as specific changes in the gut flora are linked to obesity. Supplementation with pterostilbene improves the gut flora, as seen in animal studies, and this balance helps those with obesity.

Frequently Asked Questions 

What are the potential health risks of pterostilbene?

Pterostilbene is considered safe with minimal side effects. However, a minute fraction of people using doses higher than 250 mg experience higher LDL cholesterol. The dietary levels of pterostilbene are nevertheless safe.

Which foods are rich in pterostilbene?

Pterostilbene (PTS) is present abundantly in blueberries. The other plant sources, like grapes and peanuts, have smaller amounts of PTS.

When must the pterostilbene be taken?

Most studies involving the use of pterostilbene reported maximum benefits after using it with a meal, particularly a fatty meal, as it boosts its bioavailability and absorption.

Which is better? Pterostilbene or resveratrol?

Both compounds have strong profiles, yet pterostilbene has stronger pharmacological actions attributed to its two -OCH3 groups. It is more lipophilic, which improves its biological potency, bioavailability, and membrane permeability.

What is the most potent and pharmacologically active form of pterostilbene?

Pterostilbene occurs in two forms: cis and trans. The trans form is more abundant and stable, and many studies have shown that their pharmacological actions are superior to those of the cis form.

How does pterostilbene affect liver health?

Pterostilbene is known to reduce the acetaminophen indices of liver damage through numerous pathways, which need to be understood more.

Takeaway

Many preclinical and animal model studies have confirmed the health benefits of pterostilbene. The research has highlighted its potential to balance blood pressure, reduce pain and inflammation, protect brain health and heart health and have confirmed its anti-inflammatory properties. 

Unlike many other natural compounds, it is well distributed and well absorbed throughout the body. As clinical research continues to advance, pterostilbene is likely to be used as a treatment option for many challenging health conditions. So, explore the product inventory of your nearest pharmacies to find products containing pterostilbene. 

Welzo offers pterostilbene. Visit us today to review and order Jarrow Formulas Trans-Pterostilbene Capsules, which include  50 mg of trans-pterostilbene per capsule and consult our healthcare providers for guidelines about dosages and health effects.