Pterostilbene: 5 Potential Health Benefits

Pterostilbene is a naturally occurring phenolic compound from a larger group of phytochemicals (plant-based compounds) called stilbenes. Stilbenes occur in the leaves, vines, and fruits of multiple plants within the grape and berry families, particularly blueberries. 

The compound is a subject of interest in botanical research, and evidence suggests that pterostilbene has more potent effects than other stilbenes. Additionally, the compound has lipophilic (fat-soluble) properties, giving it a higher bioavailability than other stilbenes.

Although blueberries are among the richest natural pterostilbene sources, the compound occurs in trace amounts. Therefore, pterostilbene supplements are available, giving consumers access to the compound’s purported health benefits. Below is a highlight of pterostilbene’s botanical effects.

1. Pterostilbene May Have Antioxidant Properties

Oxidative stress occurs when free radicals or reactive oxygen species (ROS) from the body’s oxidation reactions attach themselves to healthy cells, damaging the latter. It is part of the pathogenesis for numerous diseases, metabolic disorders, cardiovascular diseases, enhanced aging appearance, dermatological conditions, neurodegenerative diseases, and some cancers. 

Essentially, oxidative DNA potentially damages DNA molecules, yet DNA molecules contain the genetic code that generates various molecules, including peptides and proteins. Therefore, the destruction of DNA molecules alters gene expression, causing the expression of mutated DNA products (peptides/ proteins) with altered functionalities, negatively altering the body’s normal function and facilitating disease progression.

On the one hand, the body has natural antioxidants that counter ROS’s actions on healthy cells. However, metabolic imbalances, environmental factors, genetic factors, and other elements can cause the body to produce more ROS than the endogenous antioxidants can neutralize. Fortunately, dietary antioxidants like pterostilbene may supplement endogenous antioxidant enzymes, mitigating ROS effects and inducing potential proactive and therapeutic benefits.

So, what is pterostilbene’s mechanism of action in inducing antioxidant effects? Among the body of evidence on pterostilbene’s antioxidant activity is that the phenolic compound increased glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity. GPx is a class of antioxidant enzymes that counter oxidative stress by maintaining the body’s redox (reduction-oxidation) balance.

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2. It May Induce Anti-inflammation Effects

Inflammation is a significant process in the body’s adaptive immune response. The body sends inflammatory cytokines to a target site when it senses a foreign body, such as a pathogen or an injurious object. 

Pro-inflammatory cytokines increase blood flow to the target area, and the increased blood flow can manifest as heat, redness, and swelling. Although the highlighted inflammation symptoms are often uncomfortable, even painful, inflammation is necessary for healing. 

Typically, inflammation signs persist until the foreign body is expunged from the body or until the target area experiences complete healing, depending on the foreign body’s characteristics. However, inflammation dysregulation due to pro-inflammatory cytokine overproduction can cause the symptoms to persist beyond healing or without apparent cause.

Inflammation dysregulation is part of the pathogenesis for pathological pain chronic inflammation illnesses like autoimmune disorders. Thankfully, pterostilbene has potential anti-inflammation properties that may inhibit chronic inflammation.

The existing literature on pterostilbene suggests that the phenolic compound inhibits the production of select pro-inflammatory cytokines (immune cells). Additionally, its anti-inflammation mechanism of action may entail inhibiting the expression of pro-inflammatory mediators along signaling pathways. Nonetheless, pterostilbene’s anti-inflammation effect has potential therapeutic benefits for pro-inflammatory diseases, including various cancers.

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3. It May Offer Cardiovascular Protection

Cardiovascular diseases are illnesses that attack the heart and blood vessels and include coronary heart disease, hypertension, stroke, and congestive heart failure. Statistics show that 82.6 million Americans aged 20 and over have at least one cardiovascular disease, making such diseases the leading cause of death among both genders and other demographics.

On the one hand, cardiovascular diseases have numerous lifestyle-related causes, including a sedentary lifestyle, smoking, and poor dietary choices. Regardless of the specific cause, cardiovascular diseases manifest as mechanical and oxidative stress to the cells of the cardiovascular system. 

Although the cardiovascular cells have an endothelial layer with antioxidant properties, excessive oxidative stress can dampen the effects of the endothelial layer. As highlighted above, pterostilbene’s counter’s oxidative stress. Therefore, its effect on antioxidant enzymes may help induce a protective effect against cardiovascular disease.

4. Pterostilbene May Improve Gut Health

Digestive tract health is essential for maximum nutrient absorption. However, a change in gut microbiota composition, intestinal mucosa damage, and gut endothelial cell damage can compromise gut health.

Besides their role in digestion and nutrient absorption, gut microbiota influences other crucial body functions, including immunity, metabolism, and skin health. Pterostilbene’s effect on gut health may help achieve and maintain a healthy gut microbiota composition and variety for enhanced health.

One study tested the effect of pterostilbene extract on gut microbiota in participants with obesity (a metabolic disorder). Study results concluded that pterostilbene modified gut microbiota composition, creating a healthier profile. 

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5. Pterostilbene May Have Antibacterial Properties

Bacteria and other pathogens are responsible for numerous pathological conditions. Moreover, bacterial resistance is becoming a significant problem in drug discovery, with antimicrobial-resistant variations of several common bacteria infecting individuals.

Pterostilbene has potential antimicrobial benefits that may help manage bacterial infections. A study featuring the compound established that the phenolic compound attenuated three select bacteria within 2-8 hours of admission and at small doses. The small doses used in the research point to pterostilbene’s potential for treating bacterial infections with reduced risk of resistance development.

Conclusion:

Pterostilbene has immense potential as a botanical extract with preventive and therapeutic benefits. Therefore, pterostilbene supplements are worth adding to your wellness supplements for enhanced overall wellness. However, ensure you purchase lab-tested supplements from trusted vendors and consult a doctor before taking the supplement.