Pterostilbene is a natural compound in certain plants and foods, including blueberries, grapes, lingonberries, and other small fruits. This compound is a polyphenol that shares structural similarities with resveratrol. However, pterostilbene is more fat-soluble because of minor structural changes, enhancing p pterostilbene’s bioavailability.
In animal studies, pterostilbene supplements has been shown to have similar but stronger effects on health than resveratrol. It has potential health benefits due to its antioxidant properties and ability to help reduce cholesterol levels. Its supplement forms are available as pills or powders.
In this article, let’s explore pterostilbene supplements. Its potential benefits, side effects, and dosages.
What Does Pterostilbene Do for the Body?
Pterostilbene has powerful antioxidant properties, which can help protect cells against oxidative damage.
Pterostilbene is also thought to have anti-inflammatory effects and may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. These supplements are becoming increasingly popular to get the body’s natural defense systems up and running to reduce the risk of these conditions.
Sources of Pterostilbene Supplements
Sandalwood was the source of the discovery of the chemical pterostilbene. New sources, such as blueberries, grapes, peanuts, and Indian kino, were discovered as the research continued. Pterostilbene is most abundant in the parts of plants that bear fruit, leaves, and heartwood.
Pterostilbene Supplements Benefits
Now, let’s discuss what pterostilbene is good for. Some of its benefits include the following.
1. Pterostilbene for Hair Growth
Since pterostilbene shares similar properties with resveratrol, it can also stimulate hair growth. Pterostilbene can help reduce oxidative stress and protect the follicles, which could contribute to healthier and thicker hair growth.
Pterostilbene is a powerful antioxidant that can protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals, stress, pollution, and unstable chemicals. These substances tend to hasten the natural aging process and stop the creation of new hair. [1]
Pterostilbene is also believed to help with scalp health by reducing inflammation in the scalp and encouraging healthy blood circulation. This could lead to improved nourishment of the follicles, ultimately leading to improved hair growth.
2. Pterostilbene for Healthy Skin
Pterostilbene can assist the skin in enhancing cellular function and boosting healthy cell proliferation, which can help you seem younger. Using it in conjunction with collagen or another healthy hair and skin supplement can further reduce the effects of free radicals responsible for skin aging.
3. Pterostilbene for Testosterone
Pterostilbene and resveratrol are two polyphenol chemicals that have been shown to inhibit the proliferation of prostate cancer cells.
Scientists in Chicago found that pterostilbene blocked the action of the P450 enzyme, which is responsible for activating pro-carcinogenic chemicals. Researchers have shown that inhibiting cell cycle progression and producing cell death can stop the evolution of some cancers, such as prostate cancer, and prevent the spread of additional cancer cells.
4. Pterostilbene Pain-Relieving Effects
According to animal studies, there is a lot of promise for pterostilbene as a therapy for pain and inflammation. Evidence of pain-relieving properties of pterostilbene is still in its infancy, and human clinical studies are mostly absent.
Arthritis-like symptoms in a rat model were alleviated, according to recent research. The combination was shown to help alleviate the disease when coupled with little exercise. Pterostilbene may also help decrease inflammation since it alters the makeup of gut flora by reducing pathogenic microorganisms.
In a recent trial, pterostilbene has shown promise as a treatment for severe acute pancreatitis by lowering inflammatory serum levels and decreasing the production of reactive oxygen species. Animal and cell culture models are helpful, but human research is necessary to fully understand pterostilbene’s potential.
5. Pterostilbene for Anti-Obesity
Pterostilbene has been found in animal models to regulate the calorie consumption of brown adipose tissue. Pterostilbene was also discovered to help convert white adipose tissue to operate more like brown adipose tissue, leading to increased calorie burn.
White adipose tissue fat absorption and fat cell multiplication are both inhibited by pterostilbene, which is an interesting finding. As a result of fat cell production of inflammatory signaling molecules, obesity is also associated with elevated systemic inflammation. Pterostilbene’s anti-inflammatory properties aid in suppressing fat-cell inflammation signals.
Weight loss also appears to be a side effect of improving gut flora. According to the results of animal experiments, pterostilbene administration can restore the healthy balance of gut flora seen in obese animals. Thus, pterostilbene’s ability to restore a healthy microbiome may play a role in treating obesity.
6. Pterostilbene for Heart Health
Pterostilbene may help protect against heart disease through many pathways, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It has been shown to increase heart function and prevent cardiac damage in animal models of heart failure and heart attacks.
Evidence from animal studies and early human trials points to pterostilbene’s potential to lower blood pressure. [2] However, additional human clinical trials are needed to determine whether pterostilbene, like CoQ10, carnitine, and garlic extract, has substantial cardiac benefits.
7. Pterostilbene for Blood Sugar Balance
Pterostilbene has great potential in assisting with blood sugar management and diabetic problems, according to studies.
Pterostilbene was used to treat diabetes in rats in some of the earliest studies. Studies showed that pterostilbene reduced glucose levels like the gold standard diabetic drug metformin.
High fructose corn syrup use has been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and hyperglycemia. Because of this, it has been used in animal models, where excessive consumption of fructose rapidly leads to insulin resistance and cardiovascular disease. Pterostilbene inhibited the onset of diabetes symptoms in rodents whose diets were entirely replaced with fructose.
Pterostilbene Supplements Safety
Pterostilbene is considered safe, and no negative effects have been documented at doses of up to 250 mg daily. Pterostilbene is a naturally occurring substance. Therefore, consuming it as part of a healthy diet shouldn’t pose any health risks. [3]
However, compared to resveratrol, pterostilbene has a shortage of human research and may interact with other drugs in unclear ways. Supplemental dosages are much greater than recommended daily intake and should be used cautiously.
If you decide to take it and end up experiencing any negative side effects, you need to stop taking it as soon as possible and talk to a medical professional.
Pterostilbene Side Effects
Pterostilbene is far less likely to have negative effects than other drugs used to treat symptoms of excessive cholesterol and other common health conditions (such as muscle pain and nausea). It is considered to be safe for consumption from both food and supplements. However, large amounts may cause drug interactions.
Also, foods high in pterostilbene, such as berries, peanuts, and grapes, should be avoided if they trigger an allergic reaction. Pterostilbene is safe for human consumption, even at extremely high levels. The research published in the Journal of Toxicology found that “the risk for toxicity cannot be disregarded at greater dosages,” implying that taking more than the recommended amount is unnecessary.
Before starting any new supplements, it is important to consult with your doctor if you are currently taking medication to manage your cholesterol, blood pressure, or blood glucose levels. If you decide to take pterostilbene, your doctor can monitor your response to ensure your dosage doesn’t need to be altered.
Bottomline: Pterostilbene Supplements and Its Effects
Pterostilbene is a powerful natural compound that can offer many benefits, from reducing inflammation to protecting your cells from damage. But as with any supplement, it’s important not to overdo it – too much of a good thing can be harmful.
Start with the recommended dosage and see how you feel before increasing your intake. Also, consult your doctor before taking pterostilbene or any other supplement to ensure it is right for you.
Disclaimer: This article is only a guide. It does not substitute the advice given by your own healthcare professional. Before making any health-related decision, consult your healthcare professional.
Editorial References and Fact Checking
- McCormack D, McFadden D. A review of pterostilbene antioxidant activity and disease modification. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2013;2013:575482. doi: 10.1155/2013/575482. Epub 2013 Apr 4. PMID: 23691264; PMCID: PMC3649683.
- University of Mississippi. (2012, September 20). Clinical trial reveals pterostilbene reduces blood pressure in adults. ScienceDaily. Retrieved December 2, 2022 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/09/120920141008.htm
- Riche DM, McEwen CL, Riche KD, Sherman JJ, Wofford MR, Deschamp D, Griswold M. Analysis of safety from a human clinical trial with pterostilbene. J Toxicol. 2013;2013:463595. doi: 10.1155/2013/463595. Epub 2013 Feb 4. PMID: 23431291; PMCID: PMC3575612.
