What is that, and how do you pronounce pterostilbene? Let’s answer the second question first. The “P” is silent, so it is pronounced “tero-still-bean.” It sounds like a new dinosaur discovery, but it is really a chemical compound. It was first isolated in the early 1990s from the red sandalwood tree. The tree is a member of the pterocarpus family of plants that are native to Asia and the western region of Africa (x). They are in the same genera or class as the grape and berry plant families. Consider them very distant relatives (x).
What is Pterostilbene?
What exactly is this weird-name chemical compound? It is a stilbenoid or stilbene. They are a group of phenolic molecules found in fruits such as red grapes, berries (blueberries, cranberries, acai berries, cowberries) and peanuts (x). Plants actually make stilbene to combat their own oxidative stress and microbial infections (x).
Pterostilbene’s chemical makeup closely resembles the compound resveratrol, which I’m sure you’ve heard of. Resveratrol, a flavonoid, is touted as having loads of therapeutic potential, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and anticancer activities. A number of scientific studies have been conducted to verify those health benefits (x). More on that later in the article.
Back to pterostilbene. Studies indicate its potential in supporting human health in ways that are similar to resveratrol. In fact, some studies suggest that it may do a better job, especially with regards to antioxidant/ anticancer abilities, because of its greater potency, and better degree of absorption when taken orally. They even call it the “better resveratrol.” But more research is needed to be certain (x).
What are the Health Benefits of Pterostilbene?
What specific potential benefits do pterostilbene offer? Pterostilbene’s effect on our physiology may be wide-reaching. As mentioned earlier, research indicate that the compound functions as an antioxidant with anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antitumor properties. Scientists have observed its potential in treating certain tumors, brain issues and inflammatory illnesses (x). When the supplement was used in both in vitro and in vivo studies, it showed strong reactions against cancer cells, cardiovascular and metabolic conditions and disorders, arthritis, and age-related cognitive dysfunction. There were also impacts on muscle strength and weight loss.
Always consult your healthcare provider for diagnoses, accurate medical information and permission before taking any supplements. There’s no medical evidence to support pterostilbene supplement curing, treating or preventing disease.
Pterostilbene Anticancer Properties
How therapeutic is pterostilbene when it comes to treating cancer? In vitro and in vivo studies conducted on breast, lung, prostate, bladder and colon cancer suggest that the supplement may be able to prevent, kill, or stop tumor growth (x).
Breast cancer: In one study pterostilbene displayed the potential to kill specific cells that tend to develop resistance to chemotherapy medications (x). Another study using blueberry juice showed that pterostilbene may be capable of stopping the spread of malignant cells (x), (x).
Lung cancer: In an in vitro study cells treated with pterostilbene showed a marked decrease in growth. This is quite promising since lung cancer is thought to have the highest mortality rate of all the cancers in the United States of America (x).
Prostate cancer: In pre-clinical trials pterostilbene seem to impede the function of the protein involved in the development of prostate cancer. When it was introduced to the diseased samples, there was an increase in apoptosis or cell death along with decreases in metastasis and new blood cell formation (they feed cancer cells) (x), (x).
Bladder cancer: According to a Science Direct article, bladder cancer is fourth in the type of cancer men get and the ninth in women. It is caused by a number of environmental and dietary factors. Chemotherapy treatments tend to be quite toxic and the long-term survival rate is not high. If lab results are to be believed, pterostilbene may be a better therapy (x).
Colon cancer: In pre-clinical and clinical trials, pterostilbene displayed the potential to decrease cell growth (x).
Cardiovascular and Metabolic Conditions
What potential aid can pterostilbene offer cardiovascular patients? Maintaining appropriate blood pressure levels are important for a healthy heart and a proper functioning circulatory system. Studies, one as recent as 2014, suggest that supplementing pterostilbene may lower both systolic and diastolic blood pressure (x).
Metabolites: lipids or triglycerides, HDL cholesterol and glucose for example, are essential ingredients in the metabolic processes our bodies must conduct to function. If they are not maintained at appropriate levels, we can develop all sorts of disorders. High lipids or glucose or “bad” LDL cholesterol in our blood for instance, can lead to high blood pressure, obesity, hardening the arteries or plaque buildup (atherosclerosis), stroke, heart disease and diabetes.
Clinical trials and studies in which human patients and animals with induced metabolic disorders were given pterostilbene supplements show results that suggest metabolite levels were reduced (x), (x), (x), (x).
Arthritis
Arthritis -both rheumatoid and osteoporosis- is one of the common symptoms of aging, but it can also occur in young children and teenagers. It is due to inflammation in the joints. White blood cells are part of our immune system and when needed to protect us from disease or injury, they increase and create inflammation. An overproduction of white blood cells however, can lead to arthritis (x), (x). Pterostilbene studies indicate that it may be a possible treatment in impeding excess production and the result of such activity (x).
Cognitive Function
Dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and other age-related cognitive issues and brain function may be aided with pterostilbene supplements, according to certain studies. The antioxidant/ anti-inflammatory chemical compound indicate the potential to slow memory loss and increase awareness, perception and learning by inhibiting neurological oxidative stress and inflammation (x), (x).
Muscle Strength
One study on “trained” athletes showed that those who were given pterostilbene supplements had substantiable increase in muscle mass and endurance unlike those subjects who were given the placebo (x).
Weight Loss
Though research focusing strictly on weight loss is needed, pterostilbene showed that it could be a possible solution for individuals who want or need to shed a few pounds by reducing their cholesterol levels (x).
Pterostilbene Supplements
Pterostilbene supplements are available in a variety of forms: capsules or pills, powders extracts (x). Be aware of the dosages though and always consult your healthcare provider for diagnoses, accurate medical information and permission before taking any supplements.
How to Take Pterostilbene
The dosage of pterostilbene supplement individuals consume is usually based on body weight and reasons for use (x). Consult your healthcare provider for diagnoses, accurate medical information and permission before taking any supplements. There’s no medical evidence to support pterostilbene supplements curing, treating or preventing disease.
Possible Side Effects and Safety Concerns of Pterostilbene
How safe are pterostilbene supplements? There doesn’t seem to be any serious side effects with the use of pterostilbene, even when consumed at large doses (x). However, as with any other supplement, allergic individuals could experience a number of issues, including upset stomach, nausea, headaches and skin blotches. Again, always consult your healthcare provider for diagnoses, accurate medical information and permission before taking any supplements, especially if you’re on medication.
Pterostilbene Vs. Resveratrol
How is pterostilbene different from resveratrol? Both chemical compounds are stilbenoids: phenolic flavonoids with similar bioavailability effects: antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and anticancer (x), (x), (x). They are also found naturally in similar foods such as red grapes, cranberries and peanuts. These plants actually make stilbene to benefit their own healthy existence.
The molecular structure of the two compounds are different. Pterostilbene has two methoxy groups (methyl and oxygen) (x), while resveratrol has two hydroxyl groups (hydrogen and oxygen) (x). This seems to be the reason for pterostilbene’s greater potency and absorption qualities.
Research on resveratrol indicate a potential to support liver health, while research on pterostilbene show it may not (x), (x). Resveratrol research also suggest that it may provide hearing protection (x). Studies have yet to imply the same for pterostilbene. Keep in mind researchers have studied the resveratrol compound a lot more.
Where to Buy Pterostilbene
You can purchase pterostilbene at BulkSupplements.com. The company is an industry-leading manufacturer and distributor for pure dietary supplements. Bulksupplements.com is not just a consumer brand. It also supplies pure ingredients to other brands that distribute food and other supplement products. All products at BulkSupplements.com are manufactured and tested according to current and proper manufacturing practices.
Are you interested in trying pterostilbene as a dietary supplement for its potential antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, cognitive, muscle strength and weight loss benefits? Contact BulkSupplements.com to place an order today.
Bottom Line
Pterostilbene, pronounced “tero-still-bean,” may be a compound with a funny name, but research tell us that this derivative of resveratrol may have a lot to offer regarding human health. Though it has not received as much scrutiny as resveratrol, studies imply that it has similar antioxidant anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antitumor properties, and the potential to treat certain cancers, cardiovascular, metabolic, arthritic and cognitive (especially age-related) issues as well as promote muscle mass and weight loss. Unlike resveratrol, studies have yet to show that it may have any effect on hearing and liver health. Both compounds are phenolics/ stilbenoids, and are found in fruits such as red grapes, blueberries and cranberries.
Pterostilbene seems safe to consume even at a high dosage. But always consult your healthcare provider for diagnoses, accurate medical information and permission before taking any supplements, especially if you’re on medication.