Pterostilben is a nutrient that has gained attention in recent years due to its potential health benefits. Like resveratrol, the vital substance belongs to a class of natural substances, the so-called stilbenes, which occur in various plant species. However, pterostilbene has a much higher bioavailability compared to conventional resveratrol and other stilbenes, as it has two methoxy groups, which cause increased lipophilicity (solubility in fats) and oral absorption. Resveratrol However, there are now forms that achieve comparable bioavailability.
Where does pterostilbene occur?
It is known to be found in certain fruits such as blueberries and grapes. One study found that grapes, as expected, contain particularly high levels of pterostilbene (6.471 ng per g dry mass). The high concentration in cranberries (5.884 ng per g dry mass) was particularly surprising.
What benefits does pterostilbene offer to the human body?
Although much of the knowledge is based on animal studies, a human study in which subjects took 250 mg per day found no clinical or biochemical signs of toxicity.
Antioxidant effect
Pterostilbene has a major antioxidant Effectthat helps neutralize harmful free radicals in the body. Free radicals are labile molecules that can damage cells and contribute to aging and various chronic diseases. By reducing oxidative stress, the molecule could help Protect against age-related cognitive decline, cardiovascular disease and certain types of cancer.
Lowering blood pressure with high cholesterol
Researchers conducted a study with 80 participants who had high cholesterol. Participants were divided into four groups and received different treatments: pterostilbene alone in two different doses, pterostilbene combined with grape extract, or a placebo. The study lasted 6-8 weeks, and researchers measured changes in lipids (e.g. cholesterol), blood pressure, and weight.
The results showed that LDL (bad cholesterol) increased in the groups that received only pterostilbene, but not in the group that received the molecule in combination with grape extract. However, the increase in LDL seemed to be less in the participants who were already taking cholesterol medication. On the other hand, Both systolic and diastolic blood pressure decreased in the groupwho received a higher dose of pterostilbene. In addition, the participants who did not take cholesterol medication lost some weight with the vital substance.
Inflammation of the nervous system
One study investigated the protective effect of blueberry extract and its components on microglia, a type of cell involved in inflammation. The researchers found that both the blueberry extract and its individual components, such as pterostilbene and resveratrol, Reduce inflammatory signals in microgliaHowever, higher concentrations of the individual components were required than those found in blueberries.
Diabetes Management
In diabetic rats, six weeks of treatment with 40 mg/kg pterostilbene resulted in Reduction in blood sugar levels and an increase in insulin levelsAfter a hamster with high cholesterol was fed a diet enriched with 25 micrograms/kg of pterostilbene, its blood sugar level decreased by 14%.
Pterostilbene and Longevity
Recent studies have found that polyphenols may have a significant impact on longevity and age-related diseases. Pterostilbene is a polyphenol found in blueberries and other plants that has been shown to reduce inflammation, improve the epigenome, protect DNA, and slow aging.
Did you know?
Epigenetic changes are a major aspect in longevity research. You can imagine epigenetics like the volume controls on a music system. Through various influences, e.g. through our diet, sport, but also environmental influences, certain areas of our DNA can be activated with the help of epigenetics, or to stay with the analogy, the volume controls are turned up. This research is, among other things, the basis for biological age and the measurement of this. A further step is the research into the Proteome, where the proteins produced in a cell are analyzed.
Pterostilben has been studied for its potential anti-aging effects in both humans and animals. In one study on fruit flies, supplementation with pterostilbene was found to increase the average lifespan of both male and female flies. In another study, pterostilbene was found to be able to activate molecular pathways associated with longevity that are downstream of those activated by resveratrol, enhancing its anti-aging effects.
In addition to its potential anti-aging effects, the molecule may also offer other health benefits. It has been studied for its ability to fight infections and improve cardiovascular health by lowering cholesterol and preventing coronary heart disease. It may also help protect against oxidative damage caused by free radicals.
Overall, research suggests that pterostilbene may be a useful supplement for slowing aging and providing other health benefits, but more research is needed to understand the full extent of its effects on longevity and overall health.
Sources
Literature:
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32064876/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9571692/
- https://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/jf040095e
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3649683/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23431291
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25057276/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25057276/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15853379/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29210129/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27517806/
- https://www.hindawi.com/journals/omcl/2022/1744408/
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