Pterostilbene: benefits, dosage, contraindications
Family or group:
Phytochemicals
Active ingredients:
Polyphenols
Indications
Scoring methodology
EFSA approval.
Aging well ✪✪✪✪✪
Pterostilbene may help combat oxidative stress and aging thanks to its antioxidant properties. A clinical study conducted on 60 healthy adults, randomized, evaluated the effect of a standardized extract containing 90% pterostilbene at a dose of 200 mg per day. This study aimed to measure the levels of various antioxidant biomarkers, including glutathione, with levels slightly higher in the pterostilbene-treated group compared with placebo. Pterostilbene could also be a potential ally in the fight against age-related cognitive decline. Recent studies highlight pterostilbene's positive impact on brain regions such as the prefrontal cortex and the hippocampus, which are essential for working memory and declarative memory. Pterostilbene's activity helps protect these key areas, thereby supporting 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 to delay or mitigate symptoms of brain aging.
Posologie
Oral administration
200 mg
Cardiovascular diseases ✪✪✪✪✪
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 for 6 to 8 weeks. It was found that pterostilbene, especially at the high dose, significantly reduced both systolic blood pressure (by 7.8 mmHg) and diastolic blood pressure (by 7.3 mmHg) compared with placebo. However, an increase in LDL (bad cholesterol) was observed with pterostilbene monotherapy, an effect not observed with the pterostilbene and grape extract combination.
Posologie
Oral
250 mg
Synergies
Cognitive decline ✪✪✪✪✪
Clinical research on pterostilbene in relation 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 in animal models show that pterostilbene may improve cognitive function and reduce markers of cellular stress and inflammation associated with Alzheimer's pathology. In a mouse model of accelerated aging (SAMP8), pterostilbene was found to improve cognitive function, unlike resveratrol. This improvement is attributed to increased PPAR-alpha activity and a reduction in markers of cellular stress and inflammation. Although 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
Oral administration
200 mg
Properties
Antioxidant
Pterostilbene, a natural polyphenol primarily found in blueberries, is recognized for its powerful 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 signaling pathways crucial for reducing oxidative stress, notably through activation of the transcription factor Nrf2. This activation leads to increased expression of endogenous antioxidant enzymes such as 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
Anti-inflammatory
Pterostilbene exhibits significant anti-inflammatory properties. By inhibiting the 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 the iNOS and COX-2 genes, thereby reducing inflammation and associated pathogenic processes.
Usages associés
Anti-aging
Pterostilbene shows promise as a potential therapeutic agent to mitigate the deleterious effects of aging. Through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, it helps reduce the accumulation of cellular damage over time, which may delay the onset of age-related diseases and prolong cellular health. Additionally, pterostilbene promotes cognitive health and neuroprotective function, decreasing the risk of cognitive impairments and neurodegenerative diseases. Its ability to positively modulate lipid metabolism and improve endothelial function also supports better cardiovascular health, which is essential for healthy aging.
Usages associés
Cognitive function
The results of a study on aged rats indicated that pterostilbene was effective in reversing deficits in cognitive behavior, as well as dopamine release, and that working memory was correlated with pterostilbene levels in the hippocampus.
Usages associés
Cardiovascular
Pterostilbene offers substantial cardiovascular health benefits thanks to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and its ability to improve the lipid profile. It lowers LDL cholesterol levels and raises HDL cholesterol, thereby reducing the risk of atherosclerotic plaque formation. By inhibiting the oxidation of low-density lipoproteins (LDL), pterostilbene prevents damage to the walls of blood vessels, a key factor in the development of atherosclerosis. Furthermore, it reduces triglyceride concentration, contributing to a decreased risk of heart disease. 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 an improvement in endothelial function in subjects treated with pterostilbene.
Usages associés
Anticancer
Pterostilbene has anticancer potential, acting through several key mechanisms to inhibit the growth and spread of cancer cells. It exerts antiproliferative effects by modulating cellular signaling pathways such as those involving p53 and growth factors. For example, it promotes tumor cell apoptosis by activating caspases and increasing Bax expression while decreasing Bcl-2 expression. In addition, pterostilbene inhibits metastasis by downregulating MMPs, enzymes that break down extracellular matrix proteins, thereby reducing the ability of cancer cells to invade other tissues. Finally, studies indicate that pterostilbene may also reduce angiogenesis, the process of forming new blood vessels that feed tumors, by lowering levels of VEGF, a key factor in tumor angiogenesis.
Safe dosage
Adult: 100 mg - 200 mg (standardized extract)
Data from the studies indicate doses ranging from 50 mg twice daily to 100 mg twice daily.
