💡Should I take Pterostilbene?
C16H16O3) found in small amounts in blueberries and certain heartwood extracts. Because methylation increases lipophilicity and metabolic stability, pterostilbene achieves higher tissue penetration and often greater oral exposure in preclinical models than resveratrol. Typical supplemental doses in the U.S. market range from 50–250 mg/day; specialized formulations (lipid vehicles, micronized or cyclodextrin complexes) increase apparent bioavailability several-fold. Clinical evidence is strongest at the preclinical and small human-trial level for antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and modest lipid-modifying effects, while high-quality large randomized outcome trials are lacking. Use is generally well tolerated at common doses but theoretical interactions with anticoagulants and drugs cleared by UGT/SULT conjugation or certain CYP enzymes necessitate medical review. This guide compiles chemistry, pharmacokinetics, mechanisms, evidence, dosing guidance, safety, US market considerations, and practical product-selection criteria for clinicians, researchers, and informed consumers.🎯Key Takeaways
- ✓Pterostilbene is a dimethylated stilbene (C16H16O3) with greater lipophilicity and metabolic stability than resveratrol, commonly dosed at 50–250 mg/day in supplements.
- ✓Oral absorption is dissolution-limited; coingestion with dietary fat or use of oil-based/micronized formulations increases bioavailability markedly.
- ✓Preclinical evidence strongly supports antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, SIRT1/AMPK-mediated metabolic and neuroprotective mechanisms; human data are limited and predominantly small or exploratory.
- ✓Clinical safety at common supplemental doses appears acceptable, but interactions with anticoagulants and drugs cleared by UGT/SULT or narrow-therapeutic-index CYP substrates require monitoring.
- ✓Choose products with batch Certificates of Analysis, GMP manufacturing, and third-party testing (NSF/USP/ConsumerLab); consider softgel or advanced formulations for improved exposure.
Everything About Pterostilbene
🧬 What is Pterostilbene? Complete Identification
Pterostilbene is a trans-stilbene phytochemical with chemical formula C16H16O3, often used as an oral nutraceutical at doses of 50–250 mg/day.
Pterostilbene (trans-3,5-dimethoxy-4'-hydroxystilbene) is a naturally occurring stilbene compound belonging to the polyphenol family. It is an O-methylated analog of resveratrol, where two phenolic hydroxyls are replaced by methoxy groups (3,5-dimethoxy). The IUPAC name is (E)-4-(2-(3,5-dimethoxyphenyl)ethenyl)phenol and the CAS number is 537-42-8.
- Alternative names: pterostilben, trans-3,5-dimethoxy-4'-hydroxystilbene.
- Classification: Nutraceutical / dietary polyphenol, stilbene family, phytoalexin; antioxidant and signaling modulator.
- Chemical formula:
C16H16O3. - Natural sources: Low levels in Vaccinium species (blueberries), Pterocarpus heartwood, and certain grape/peanut/fungal sources—supplement doses are far higher than dietary intake.
- Commercial production: Usually chemically synthesized or semi‑synthesized (O‑methylation of resveratrol or stereospecific coupling reactions), with final purity commonly >95%.
📜 History and Discovery
Pterostilbene’s structural characterization emerged in the 20th century; pharmacologic interest focused sharply after the 1990s as researchers compared it to resveratrol.
- 1960s–1980s: Isolation and structural description of dimethoxylated stilbenes from plant sources.
- 1990s: Renewed pharmacologic interest in stilbenes; early mechanistic studies identified antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
- 2000s: Preclinical data showed greater oral exposure and potency vs resveratrol; SIRT1/AMPK/Nrf2 pathways implicated.
- 2010s: Early human safety and small clinical trials; commercialization into dietary supplement space.
- 2020s: Formulation innovation (nanoemulsions, cyclodextrin/phytosome complexes) and continued preclinical mechanistic research.
Traditional use: No unique traditional medicinal use of purified pterostilbene—historical uses derive from plants that contain it (e.g., Pterocarpus extracts in Ayurvedic preparations).
⚗️ Chemistry and Biochemistry
Pterostilbene is a lipophilic, trans-stilbene with a logP typically in the range of ~3.0–4.0 and very low aqueous solubility (single-digit to tens of μg/mL).
Molecular structure
- Two phenyl rings connected by a trans ethene bridge (stilbene core).
- One ring: para‑hydroxyl group (4'-OH). Other ring: 3,5‑dimethoxy substituents.
Physicochemical properties
- Appearance: White to off‑white crystalline powder.
- LogP: ~3.0–4.0 (method-dependent).
- Water solubility: Very low (μg/mL range); soluble in ethanol, DMSO, acetone.
- Melting point: ~95–103 °C (polymorph-dependent).
- Stability: Stable as dry solid if protected from light and moisture; trans→cis photoisomerization possible under UV exposure.
Dosage forms (galenic)
- Capsules/tablets with crystalline powder (lowest cost; dissolution-limited).
- Softgels / oil suspensions (improved absorption due to lipid vehicle).
- Micronized / nanoparticulate / liposomal formulations (multi-fold bioavailability improvements reported in formulation work).
- Cyclodextrin inclusion complexes or phytosome/phospholipid complexes (improved aqueous dispersibility).
💊 Pharmacokinetics: The Journey in Your Body
Oral absorption is primarily by passive transcellular diffusion in the small intestine; formulation and coingestion with dietary fat are the principal determinants of systemic exposure.
Absorption and Bioavailability
Where absorbed: Small intestine (duodenum/jejunum) with some contribution from stomach depending on formulation.
Mechanism: Passive transcellular diffusion due to lipophilicity; dissolution-limited for crystalline forms.
- Key factors affecting absorption:
- Formulation type (oil-based > micronized > crystalline).
- Coadministered dietary fat increases micellarization and absorption.
- Particle size and crystalline polymorph influence dissolution rate.
Time to peak (Tmax): Generally ~1–3 hours after oral immediate‑release dosing in human/animal studies; lipid formulations may shift kinetics.
Absolute oral bioavailability: Variable — reports range from low single-digit percent for unformulated crystalline pterostilbene to several‑fold higher with lipid- or nano-formulations; precise human absolute-bioavailability values depend on formulation and are not universally standardized.
Distribution and Metabolism
Distribution: Moderate-to-large apparent distribution with tissue partitioning in liver, adipose tissue, muscle, kidney and documented CNS penetration in rodents (supports neuroprotective preclinical findings).
Blood–brain barrier: Pterostilbene crosses the BBB in animal models and attains measurable brain concentrations.
Metabolism: Extensively metabolized via Phase II conjugation — glucuronidation and sulfation are major pathways (UGTs and SULTs). Because two methoxy groups are present, O‑methylation is less significant than for resveratrol.
Elimination
Routes: Renal excretion of conjugated metabolites (glucuronide/sulfate) and biliary/fecal excretion of parent and conjugates.
Terminal half-life: Reported values vary by species and formulation; parent compound half-life often reported in the range of ~2–6 hours in small human/animal PK studies, with conjugates persisting longer.
🔬 Molecular Mechanisms of Action
Pterostilbene modulates cellular energy and stress‑response pathways — notably SIRT1, AMPK, Nrf2 and NF‑κB — producing antioxidant, anti‑inflammatory and metabolic regulatory effects.
- Cellular targets: SIRT1 activation (indirect), AMPK phosphorylation, Nrf2 induction, NF‑κB inhibition, modulation of PPARα/γ signaling.
- Signaling pathways: SIRT1–AMPK–PGC‑1α axis (mitochondrial biogenesis, fatty acid oxidation); Nrf2/ARE (antioxidant enzyme induction); NF‑κB suppression (reduced proinflammatory cytokines).
- Genetic effects: Upregulation of antioxidant genes (HMOX1/HO‑1, NQO1), increased PGC‑1α and mitochondrial genes; downregulation of inflammatory cytokines (TNF, IL6) and certain lipogenic genes (SREBP‑1c, FASN) in experimental models.
✨ Science-Backed Benefits
The strongest translational evidence for pterostilbene is for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions, with supportive preclinical data and limited human trial data for modest lipid modulation and metabolic benefits.
🎯 Antioxidant cellular protection
Evidence Level: medium
Pterostilbene activates Nrf2 and increases expression of antioxidant enzymes (HO‑1, NQO1), reducing ROS and protecting lipids, proteins, and DNA from oxidative damage.
Target populations: Aging adults and those with elevated oxidative stress.
Onset time: Molecular antioxidant markers can change in days; clinically measurable biomarkers often require 4–12 weeks of supplementation.
Clinical Study: Preclinical and early biomarker trials report reduced oxidative markers; specific randomized human trials with precise quantitative percent reductions require lookup. [PMID: requires PubMed lookup]
🎯 Anti-inflammatory effects
Evidence Level: medium
Pterostilbene inhibits NF‑κB activation, reducing transcription of TNF‑α, IL‑6, IL‑1β and COX‑2 in cellular and animal models.
Onset time: Cytokine changes may be detectable within 2–8 weeks depending on baseline inflammation.
Clinical Study: Animal and cell studies show robust cytokine reduction; targeted human cytokine biomarker trials exist but must be cited with PMIDs for specific effect sizes. [PMID: requires PubMed lookup]
🎯 Cardiometabolic — lipid profile modulation
Evidence Level: low-to-medium
Small human trials and preclinical data suggest modest reductions in LDL cholesterol and improved triglyceride handling, likely via AMPK activation, PPARα modulation and decreased hepatic lipogenesis.
Onset time: Lipid changes typically assessed at 8–12 weeks.
Clinical Study: Riche et al. and other small randomized or open-label human studies have reported LDL reductions in the low‑to‑mid single-digit percent range; exact percent change requires citation. [PMID: requires PubMed lookup]
🎯 Insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism
Evidence Level: low-to-medium
AMPK activation and reduced inflammation improve insulin signaling in animal models; limited human data suggest improved surrogate markers of insulin sensitivity in some cohorts.
Onset time: Biomarker improvements over 4–12 weeks.
Clinical Study: Small human exploratory trials report improved HOMA‑IR in selected cohorts; details need PMIDs/DOIs for precise numbers. [PMID: requires PubMed lookup]
🎯 Neuroprotective and cognitive support
Evidence Level: low-to-medium
Pterostilbene penetrates the CNS in animals, increases BDNF and synaptic plasticity markers, and reduces neuroinflammatory cytokines, which translate to improved performance in rodent memory tasks.
Onset time: Behavioral signals in animals occur over days to weeks; human cognitive outcome data remain limited and exploratory (typical trial durations 8–24 weeks).
Clinical Study: Human cognition trials remain small and preliminary; specific randomized controlled trial data must be cited with PMIDs. [PMID: requires PubMed lookup]
🎯 Anticancer potential
Evidence Level: low
In vitro and animal models show apoptosis induction, cell cycle arrest and inhibition of metastasis-related signaling; human clinical evidence is insufficient for therapeutic claims.
Preclinical Study: Cell-line and xenograft studies show tumor growth inhibition at micromolar concentrations—translate cautiously to human context. [PMID: requires PubMed lookup]
🎯 Mitochondrial support and longevity signaling
Evidence Level: low-to-medium
Pterostilbene activates SIRT1 and AMPK leading to increased PGC‑1α expression and mitochondrial biogenesis in model systems; organismal longevity evidence is preclinical.
Study: Rodent studies indicate improved mitochondrial markers; human longevity data are lacking. [PMID: requires PubMed lookup]
🎯 Dermatologic photoprotection
Evidence Level: low-to-medium
Topical or systemic pterostilbene reduces UV‑induced oxidative and inflammatory markers in skin models and may downregulate MMP expression that degrades collagen.
Study: Preclinical skin models demonstrate reduced markers of photodamage; clinical topical studies are limited. [PMID: requires PubMed lookup]
📊 Current Research (2020–2026)
Several small human trials and formulation studies from 2020–2026 explore safety, PK and metabolic endpoints; a comprehensive, up-to-date list with PMIDs/DOIs requires PubMed/ClinicalTrials.gov retrieval.
Representative high‑value search queries to retrieve recent, verifiable studies:
- "pterostilbene clinical trial 2020..2026"
- "pterostilbene pharmacokinetics human"
- "pterostilbene randomized trial lipid"
Note: I can fetch and insert verified PMIDs/DOIs and full trial details on request — please permit PubMed/ClinicalTrials.gov lookup and I will return an annotated study table with citations and quantitative results.
💊 Optimal Dosage and Usage
No official NIH/ODS recommended daily allowance exists; common supplemental regimens in the U.S. are 50–250 mg/day, with many manufacturers marketing 50–150 mg capsules.
Recommended daily dose (practical guidance)
- Typical maintenance: 50–150 mg/day (single dose with meal).
- Metabolic/lipid support: 100–250 mg/day (often divided dosing e.g., 125 mg BID in some protocols).
- Upper conservative limit: Many manufacturers avoid chronic dosing > 300 mg/day pending long‑term safety data.
NIH/ODS position: There is no formal NIH/ODS dosage recommendation for pterostilbene; product labels reflect commercially used ranges and limited clinical evidence.
Timing
Best practice: Take with a meal containing dietary fat or use an oil-based softgel to improve absorption; time of day flexible but consistent daily timing aids adherence.
Forms and bioavailability
| Form | Relative bioavailability | Advantages | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crystalline powder (capsule) | Low (baseline) | Low cost, stable | Dissolution-limited; take with fat |
| Oil suspension (softgel) | Moderate (≈2–4× vs crystalline in some reports) | Improved absorption | Good practical option |
| Micronized / nanoparticle | High (multi-fold improvement reported) | Lower dose possible, consistent exposure | Higher cost; verify manufacturing controls |
| Cyclodextrin/phytosome | High (formulation-dependent) | Improved dispersibility | Prefer products with CoA and stability data |
🤝 Synergies and Combinations
Coadministration with dietary fat or lipid vehicles increases absorption; theoretical and practical synergies exist with NAD+ precursors and other polyphenols.
- Dietary fat (MCT or meal fats): Enhances micellarization and absorption.
- Nicotinamide riboside / NR / NRH: Theoretical SIRT1 synergy — pterostilbene activates SIRT1 while NAD+ precursors provide substrate.
- Quercetin: Complementary antioxidant effects and possible PK interactions (quercetin may inhibit UGTs and SULTs altering conjugation of stilbenes).
⚠️ Safety and Side Effects
At common supplemental doses (50–250 mg/day), pterostilbene is generally well tolerated; adverse events are uncommon but monitoring is recommended for interacting medications.
Side effect profile
- Gastrointestinal discomfort (nausea, dyspepsia, diarrhea): uncommon (~data sparse).
- Headache or dizziness: rare.
- Transient liver enzyme elevations: rare — monitor at higher doses or in patients with liver disease.
Overdose
Toxic thresholds: No established human LD50 or chronic toxicity threshold. Animal studies indicate low acute toxicity at gram/kg doses; conservative chronic upper limit commonly adopted in supplements is ~300 mg/day.
Symptoms of overdose: Pronounced GI distress, headache, possible hepatic enzyme abnormalities.
💊 Drug Interactions
Pterostilbene may interact pharmacodynamically with anticoagulants and pharmacokinetically with drugs cleared by UGT/SULT or certain CYPs — caution is warranted with narrow-therapeutic-index drugs.
⚕️ Anticoagulants / Antiplatelet agents
- Medications: Warfarin (Coumadin), clopidogrel (Plavix), aspirin (ASA).
- Interaction type: Pharmacodynamic bleeding risk and theoretical PK modulation.
- Severity: High
- Recommendation: Avoid unsupervised use; if combined, monitor INR and bleeding signs closely.
⚕️ Statins
- Medications: Atorvastatin (Lipitor), simvastatin (Zocor), rosuvastatin (Crestor).
- Interaction type: Potential additive lipid effects; possible PK interactions via hepatic enzymes/transporters (theoretical).
- Severity: Low–Medium
- Recommendation: Monitor lipid panels and liver function as clinically indicated.
⚕️ Drugs reliant on UGT/SULT clearance
- Medications: Valproate (Depakote), lamotrigine (Lamictal), acetaminophen (Tylenol).
- Interaction type: Pharmacokinetic (competition for conjugation).
- Severity: Low–Medium (theoretical; monitor clinically for narrow-window drugs).
⚕️ CYP substrates (theoretical)
- Medications: Warfarin (CYP2C9), cyclosporine (CYP3A4), theophylline (CYP1A2).
- Interaction type: Potential CYP inhibition/induction evidence is limited; monitor critical drugs.
- Severity: Low–Medium
⚕️ Immunosuppressants
- Medications: Tacrolimus (Prograf), cyclosporine.
- Severity: Medium
- Recommendation: Avoid unsupervised use; monitor drug levels if coadministered.
🚫 Contraindications
Absolute Contraindications
- Known allergy to pterostilbene or formulation excipients.
- Use with anticoagulant therapy without physician oversight in high‑risk patients.
Relative Contraindications
- Severe hepatic impairment (caution due to conjugative metabolism).
- Severe renal impairment (excretion of conjugates may be altered).
- Concurrent use of narrow-therapeutic-index drugs cleared via UGT/CYP without monitoring.
Special Populations
- Pregnancy: Insufficient data — avoid unless benefits clearly outweigh risks.
- Breastfeeding: Safety not established — avoid or consult clinician.
- Children: No routine pediatric dosing; not recommended outside research settings.
- Elderly: Start low and monitor due to polypharmacy and organ function changes.
🔄 Comparison with Alternatives
Compared with resveratrol, pterostilbene is more lipophilic and typically achieves higher tissue levels and greater metabolic stability in preclinical models.
- Pterostilbene vs resveratrol: Greater membrane permeability and lower Phase II conjugation propensity; may produce SIRT1/AMPK effects at lower molar doses in animals.
- Natural alternatives: Resveratrol, quercetin, whole‑food blueberry extracts (deliver multiple bioactives in a food matrix).
✅ Quality Criteria and Product Selection (US Market)
Prefer products with a Certificate of Analysis (CoA), GMP manufacturing, and third‑party testing (NSF, USP or ConsumerLab).
- Purity: ≥98% indicated on CoA.
- Testing: HPLC assay for content, heavy metals (ICP‑MS), residual solvents (GC‑MS), microbial limits, and stability testing.
- Certifications: NSF, USP, or ConsumerLab reported results increase confidence.
- Retailers: Amazon, iHerb, Vitacost, GNC, manufacturer direct sales (verify CoA).
📝 Practical Tips
- Take pterostilbene with a meal containing fat or choose an oil-based softgel to improve absorption.
- Start at 50–100 mg/day and titrate up if needed, monitoring for adverse effects and drug interactions.
- For metabolic or lipid goals, consider 100–250 mg/day for at least 8–12 weeks and re-evaluate biomarkers.
- Ask the manufacturer for the batch CoA and storage recommendations (store cool, dry, protected from light).
🎯 Conclusion: Who Should Take Pterostilbene?
Pterostilbene may be considered by informed adults seeking adjunctive antioxidant, anti-inflammatory or modest lipid/metabolic support; clinicians should weigh limited long‑term human outcome data and potential drug interactions.
Use conservative dosing (300 mg/day chronic), prioritize high‑quality formulations, and monitor relevant labs when combining with anticoagulants, statins, or UGT/CYP‑dependent drugs. For definitive clinical recommendations, larger randomized trials with hard outcomes are needed.
References & Note: This article synthesizes peer‑reviewed pharmacology and formulation literature up to mid‑2024 and the structured preclinical/clinical information you provided. For every specific clinical study citation (PMID/DOI) and the 2020–2026 human randomized-trial list requested, I can perform a live PubMed and ClinicalTrials.gov retrieval and append verified full citations with PMIDs/DOIs and quantitative results. Please permit that lookup if you would like an annotated bibliography with primary-source PMIDs/DOIs inserted inline.
Science-Backed Benefits
Antioxidant cellular protection
◐ Moderate EvidenceEnhances cellular antioxidant defenses and reduces oxidative damage to lipids, proteins and DNA through activation of Nrf2 and upregulation of antioxidant enzymes, reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) burden.
Anti-inflammatory effects
◐ Moderate EvidenceReduces production and signaling of proinflammatory cytokines and mediators, thereby decreasing systemic and local inflammation.
Cardiometabolic (lipid profile modulation)
◯ Limited EvidenceModulates lipid metabolism leading to reductions in LDL cholesterol and improvements in other lipid parameters in some trials and models.
Insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism
◯ Limited EvidenceImproves insulin signaling and glucose uptake, decreases hepatic gluconeogenesis and lipogenesis, thereby improving glycemic control and metabolic parameters in insulin-resistant models.
Neuroprotective and cognitive support
◯ Limited EvidenceProtects neurons from oxidative and inflammatory damage, enhances synaptic plasticity markers and mitochondrial function — potentially translating to improved learning/memory in animal models and some functional improvements in humans in exploratory studies.
Anticancer (anticarcinogenic potential)
◯ Limited EvidenceModulates cell cycle control, promotes apoptosis in tumor cells, reduces inflammation and oxidative stress that can contribute to carcinogenesis; potential chemopreventive effects in some models.
Mitochondrial function and potential longevity signaling
◯ Limited EvidenceSupports mitochondrial biogenesis and function, improves cellular energy handling and stress resistance—pathways commonly associated with longevity in model organisms.
Dermatologic protection (photo- and oxidative-stress protection)
◯ Limited EvidenceReduces UV-induced oxidative damage and inflammatory responses in skin models; may protect skin collagen and reduce markers of photodamage.
📋 Basic Information
Classification
Nutraceutical / Dietary polyphenol — Stilbene family; antioxidant; phytoalexin; resveratrol analogue
Active Compounds
- • Standard oral capsules (powdered crystalline pterostilbene)
- • Softgels / oil suspension
- • Micronized / nanoparticle / liposomal formulations
- • Complexed forms (cyclodextrin inclusion complexes, phospholipid complexes)
Alternative Names
Origin & History
Pterostilbene itself has no distinct long-standing traditional medicinal use separate from the plants that contain it (e.g., heartwood extracts, berries). Traditional uses of plants containing stilbenes (for example, Pterocarpus heartwood in Ayurvedic medicine) historically relate to anti-inflammatory and tonic uses, but isolated pterostilbene as a single-entity use is a modern product of phytochemistry.
🔬 Scientific Foundations
⚡ Mechanisms of Action
Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) — activation/modulation, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) — activation, Nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (Nrf2) — induction of antioxidant response, Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) — inhibition of proinflammatory signaling, Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARα/γ) — modulatory effects on lipid metabolism, Multiple kinases involved in cell survival, apoptosis, and proliferation (e.g., ERK, Akt) — context-dependent modulation
📊 Bioavailability
Reported oral bioavailability varies between species and formulations; in preclinical studies pterostilbene appears to have substantially higher oral bioavailability than resveratrol. Reported ranges: low single-digits to tens of percent for simple crystalline oral forms in some models; substantially higher (improved by 2–10x) with lipid-based or nanoformulations. Exact human absolute bioavailability is not well established across formulations.
🔄 Metabolism
UDP-glucuronosyltransferases (UGT family — likely UGT1A1, UGT1A9 among others) mediate glucuronidation of the phenolic OH, Sulfotransferases (SULTs) mediate sulfation, Minor involvement of hepatic CYP enzymes reported in some in vitro reports, but pterostilbene is less reliant on CYP metabolism than many drugs
💊 Available Forms
✨ Optimal Absorption
Dosage & Usage
💊Recommended Daily Dose
Common supplemental doses range from 50 mg/day to 250 mg/day; many commercial products use 50–150 mg per capsule and dosing from 50 mg once daily to 150 mg twice daily.
Therapeutic range: 50 mg/day (commonly used low supplemental dose) – Up to 250–300 mg/day commonly used in supplement products; some investigational formulations have used higher single doses in controlled settings, but robust safety data for chronic higher doses are limited.
⏰Timing
Any time of day; coadministration with a meal containing fat improves absorption — taking with breakfast or a main meal is practical. — With food: Recommended — a fatty meal or oil-based delivery increases systemic exposure. — Lipophilicity of pterostilbene favors absorption with dietary fat or oil vehicles; some formulations (softgels, lipid suspensions) obviate the need for coingestion with fat.
🎯 Dose by Goal
Current Research
Pterostilbene as a promising natural anticancer agent in gynecological cancers
2025-09-08This peer-reviewed review in Medical Oncology summarizes pterostilbene's (PT) therapeutic potential in endometrial and cervical cancers, highlighting its ability to modulate signaling pathways, induce apoptosis, and inhibit cell cycle progression. Preclinical studies show PT reduces tumor size, especially when combined with megestrol acetate (MA). Clinical trials suggest PT-MA combination as a promising strategy for endometrial cancer treatment.
Pterostilbene attenuates osteoarthritis progression through p53-dependent autophagy activation: evidence from network analysis and experimental validation
2026This peer-reviewed study in Frontiers in Pharmacology demonstrates pterostilbene (PT) attenuates osteoarthritis (OA) by activating p53/AMPK/mTOR-mediated autophagy in chondrocytes. Network analysis predicted targets, confirmed by CETSA, in vitro IL-1β-stimulated models, and in vivo rat OA models. PT's poly-targeted profile offers comprehensive protection against OA pathogenesis.
Scientists test an anti-aging cream that actually works
2025-09-14A 28-day double-blind clinical trial with 31 participants showed 0.1% pterostilbene emulsion significantly improved skin elasticity, firmness, reduced wrinkles, increased collagen and epidermis thickness, and minimized pores compared to control. Published in Journal of Dermatologic Science and Cosmetic Technology, results support pterostilbene's potent anti-aging effects in skincare. All subjects preferred the pterostilbene side, advancing natural compounds in cosmetics.
What is Pterostilbene? | iHerb
Highly RelevantExplains pterostilbene's antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, pain-reducing, blood sugar balancing, and heart and brain-protecting benefits, highlighting its superior bioavailability compared to resveratrol.
NR & Pterostilbene Improve Liver Health Biomarkers In ...
Highly RelevantReviews a clinical trial showing NR combined with pterostilbene safely lowers liver inflammation markers like ALT over six months, discussing dosages and results in detail.
Why Fisetin, Pterostilbene, CaAKG & Rhodiola in NOVOS Core
Highly RelevantDiscusses the inclusion of pterostilbene in a longevity supplement, explaining its science-based benefits alongside other compounds for anti-aging and health optimization.
Safety & Drug Interactions
⚠️Possible Side Effects
- •Gastrointestinal discomfort (nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea)
- •Headache or dizziness
- •Transient elevations in liver enzymes (reported rarely in case reports/trials at higher doses)
💊Drug Interactions
Pharmacodynamic (potential additive antiplatelet/bleeding risk) and potential pharmacokinetic (alteration of metabolism of coumarin-type drugs via UGT/CYP modulation in theory)
Potential pharmacodynamic additive lipid-lowering or opposing effects on hepatic metabolism; potential PK interactions via UGT or transporter modulation (theoretical).
Pharmacokinetic (competition for Phase II conjugation pathways)
Pharmacokinetic (inhibition or induction of CYPs in theory)
Pharmacodynamic (additive blood pressure lowering)
Pharmacokinetic (theoretical alteration in metabolism; potential for estrogenic/antiestrogenic modulation is largely unproven)
Pharmacokinetic (potential modulation of metabolizing enzymes/transporters)
🚫Contraindications
- •Known allergy to pterostilbene or formulation excipients
- •Concurrent use with anticoagulant therapy without medical supervision (relative absolute in high-risk bleeding patients)
Important: This information does not replace medical advice. Always consult your physician before taking dietary supplements, especially if you take medications or have a health condition.
🏛️ Regulatory Positions
FDA (United States)
Food and Drug Administration
Pterostilbene is not an FDA-approved therapeutic agent. As an ingredient in dietary supplements, it is regulated under DSHEA. The FDA may take action if products make unapproved drug claims or are adulterated/unsafe. Manufacturers must ensure product safety and accurate labeling.
NIH / ODS (United States)
National Institutes of Health – Office of Dietary Supplements
No formal NIH endorsement as a therapeutic. Pterostilbene is the subject of NIH-funded or investigator-initiated research in some settings; NIH/Omega/ODS does not maintain a standalone consumer monograph equivalent to major vitamins/minerals.
⚠️ Warnings & Notices
- •Lack of large long-term human safety trials — use caution at high chronic doses.
- •Potential interactions with anticoagulants and drugs metabolized via conjugation enzymes or certain CYPs; consult healthcare professional if taking prescription medications.
DSHEA Status
Marketed as a dietary ingredient under DSHEA; manufacturers should ensure compliance with New Dietary Ingredient (NDI) notifications where applicable and avoid disease claims.
FDA Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Dietary supplements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
🇺🇸 US Market
Usage Statistics
Pterostilbene-specific user prevalence in the U.S. general population is small compared to vitamins/minerals; reliable national survey figures for pterostilbene alone are not available. Usage is concentrated among consumers of 'anti-aging' and nootropic supplements.
Market Trends
Growing interest in pterostilbene as an alternative to resveratrol due to enhanced bioavailability claims; trend toward advanced formulations (nanoemulsions, phytosomes) and combined 'longevity' stacks (NAD+ precursors, polyphenols). Regulatory scrutiny of substantiation for marketing claims has increased over time.
Price Range (USD)
Budget: $15-25/month (basic crystalline formulations at low dose), Mid: $25-50/month (standardized 50–150 mg capsules, better excipients), Premium: $50-100+/month (lipid‑based, nanoparticle, or complexed formulations with third‑party testing).
Note: Prices and availability may vary. Compare multiple retailers and look for quality certifications (USP, NSF, ConsumerLab).
Frequently Asked Questions
⚕️Medical Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace advice from a qualified physician or pharmacist. Always consult a healthcare provider before taking dietary supplements, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or have a health condition.
📚Scientific Sources
- [1] PubChem Compound Summary: Pterostilbene — https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Pterostilbene
- [2] General review literature on stilbenes and pterostilbene pharmacology (search PubMed: pterostilbene review)
- [3] ClinicalTrials.gov — search term 'pterostilbene' for ongoing/registered clinical studies: https://clinicaltrials.gov
- [4] Food and Drug Administration — Dietary Supplement Regulation (DSHEA) overview: https://www.fda.gov/food/dietary-supplements
- [5] Pharmacology textbooks and peer-reviewed preclinical studies on SIRT1, AMPK and Nrf2 signaling pathways (search terms: pterostilbene SIRT1 AMPK Nrf2)