Pterostilbene (trans–3,5-dimethoxy-4-hydroxystilbene) is a natural stilbenoid. It is a chemical compound found in plants such as blueberries, and grapes. It also has a structure comparable to resveratrol. Pterostilbene has garnered popularity as a nootropic supplement that may improve cognitive function while also providing anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. In this piece, we will look at the nature of pterostilbene, its health benefits, optimal dosage, side effects, possible substance interactions, and other relevant information.
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Nature of Pterostilbene
Pterostilbene is a phenolic compound found in nature that corresponds to the stilbenoid family. It has a similar structure to resveratrol but it is more bioavailable owing to its higher lipophilicity. It has a melting temperature of 89-92°C and a molecular weight of 256.3 g/mol. As mentioned, pterostilbene has been discovered in vegetation such as blueberries, and grapes. Pterostilbene functions as a phytoalexin in plants, which is a type of deface mechanism against pathogens.
Health Benefits of Pterostilbene
Pterostilbene has been linked to a variety of health benefits, including improved cognitive performance, and anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Pterostilbene has been shown to improve cognitive performance, including attention, learning, and memory. According to research, this supplement has been found to improve learning and memory retention in rats. Furthermore, it has been proposed that pterostilbene has neuroprotective properties and may help to avoid age-related cognitive decline.
Pterostilbene has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, which may help decrease the risk of chronic inflammatory diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Mouse research has found that pterostilbene administration reduced liver inflammation and improved insulin sensitivity.
Pterostilbene has also been shown to have antioxidant properties that can help the body defend against oxidative stress-induced damage. A rat research found that pterostilbene administration decreased oxidative stress-induced brain damage.
Chemistry of Pterostilbene
Pterostilbene is a member of the stilbenoid family, which is distinguished by a central trans-stilbene center. The amount of methoxy groups in its chemical structure distinguishes it from its analog resveratrol. When compared to resveratrol, pterostilbene has two methoxy groups located at the 3 and 5 positions of the A-ring, which enhances its lipophilicity and bioavailability.
Physiological Mechanisms of Action of Pterostilbene
The mechanisms underlying pterostilbene’s potential cognitive-enhancing effects are not completely known yet. More research and studies are needed to understand the exact mechanism. Nonetheless, it has been proposed to work in the brain via multiple pathways, including increasing cerebral blood flow, promoting neuroplasticity, and enhancing antioxidant defense.
Pterostilbene has been shown to increase cerebral blood flow, which may improve cognitive performance. According to a study, pterostilbene administration increased cerebral blood flow in rats.
Pterostilbene has been linked to increased neuroplasticity, or the brain’s ability to adapt and change in response to novel experiences. Pterostilbene administration increased the formation of new neurons in the hippocampus, a region of the brain essential for learning and memory.
Pterostilbene has been shown to boost antioxidant defenses in the brain, which may defend against oxidative stress-induced damage. In addition to its possible cognitive benefits, pterostilbene has been linked to anti-inflammatory properties, which may help lower the risk of chronic inflammatory diseases. Pterostilbene’s anti-inflammatory effects are believed to be mediated by the inhibition of pro-inflammatory signalling pathways such as nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) and cyclooxygenase-2. (COX-2).
Optimal Dosage of Pterostilbene
Pterostilbene’s optimal dosage is yet to be standardized. Some studies have indicated that a daily dose of 50-500mg may be helpful in improving cognitive function, reducing inflammation, and providing antioxidant effects.
Side Effects of Pterostilbene
Pterostilbene is widely regarded as safe and well-tolerated, with no reports of adverse effects in humans at doses as high as 250mg/day. Some people may experience mild adverse effects like gastrointestinal discomfort, headache, and dizziness.
Potential Substance Interactions with Pterostilbene
Pterostilbene may interact with certain medications, including blood thinners like warfarin which increases the chance of bleeding. It may also interact with antiplatelet medications like aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen, raising the chance of bleeding and bruising. Furthermore, pterostilbene may interact with some diabetes medicines thereby lowering blood sugar levels or causing hypoglycemia.
Responsible Use of Pterostilbene
To ensure responsible pterostilbene use, adhere to the suggested dosage guidelines and consult with a healthcare professional prior to use, particularly if you are taking any medications or have any underlying health conditions. Pterostilbene should also be purchased from a reputable source to guarantee its quality and purity.
Pterostilbene: Conclusion
You might not heard of pterostilbene before reading this article. As a recap, pterostilbene is a phenolic compound that can be found in nature such as in blueberries and grapes. It is found that this compound can boost antioxidant defenses in the brain which reduces the chances of chronic diseases due to oxidative stress-induced damage. If you are interested in its nootropic properties, you must take note that pterostilbene has no standardized optimal dosage yet. However, it has been found in studies with evidence to improve cognitive function. Nonetheless, more studies are still pending to find out the exact mechanism behind this component.
References:
- Nagarajan, S., Mohandas, S., Ganesan, K., Xu, B., & Ramkumar, K. (2022). New Insights into Dietary Pterostilbene: Sources, Metabolism, and Health Promotion Effects. Retrieved from: Molecules/Molecules Online/Molecules Annual, 27(19), 6316.
- Jensen, J., Dollerup, O. L., Møller, A. B., Billeskov, T. B., Dalbram, E., Chubanava, S., Damgaard, M. V., Dellinger, R. W., Trošt, K., Moritz, T., Ringgaard, S., Møller, N., Treebak, J. T., Farup, J., & Jessen, N. (2022). A randomized placebo-controlled trial of nicotinamide riboside and pterostilbene supplementation in experimental muscle injury in elderly individuals. Retrieved from: JCI Insight, 7(19).
- Barringer, N., Crombie, A. P., & Kotwal, R. S. (2018). Impact of a purported nootropic supplementation on measures of mood, stress, and marksmanship performance in U.S. active duty soldiers. Retrieved from: Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 15(1).
Important Note: The information contained in this article is for general informational purposes only, and should not be construed as health or medical advice, nor is it intended to diagnose, prevent, treat, or cure any disease or health condition. Before embarking on any diet, fitness regimen, or program of nutritional supplementation, it is advisable to consult your healthcare professional in order to determine its safety and probable efficacy in terms of your individual state of health.
Regarding Nutritional Supplements Or Other Non-Prescription Health Products: If any nutritional supplements or other non-prescription health products are mentioned in the foregoing article, any claims or statements made about them have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and such nutritional supplements or other health products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
