By Dr. Linda J. Dobberstein, DC, Board Certified in Clinical Nutrition
Pterostilbene is an ancient, prized health tonic that has gained considerable recognition over the last 20 years. It belongs to a rare class of antiaging and longevity-promoting compounds known as stilbenoids/stilbenes. With a vast range of antioxidant and cell-signaling properties, pterostilbene supports health throughout your whole body. Here are some recent discoveries highlighting this valued nutrient!
Pterostilbene is the primary antioxidant in blueberries and is also found in smaller amounts in grapes, grapevines, almonds, peanuts, and the bark of the Indian Kino tree. Pterostilbene is a close relative of resveratrol, widely known for its heart health properties, association with red wine and the “French Paradox”, and longevity-promoting effects. Compared to resveratrol, pterostilbene offers greater bioavailability and biological activity due to its structural shape. It has four times better absorption, stays active longer, and is more stable in light and air, enhancing its overall effectiveness.
How Does Pterostilbene Support Anti-Aging and Longevity?
Pterostilbene works at the cellular level by activating key regulatory mechanisms, including Nrf2, NF-kappa B, AMPK, SIRT1, and several other signaling pathways. These mechanisms enable your body to adapt to stressors from diet, lifestyle, alcohol use, UV radiation, pollution, cortisol, microbial-immune challenges, and medications, etc.
Furthermore, these pathways impact many other health aspects, such as limiting the production of inflammatory compounds and reducing cell damage. They support cellular repair, increase antioxidant activity, boost mitochondrial function and DNA repair, and much more for anti-aging effects.
Through these mechanisms, pterostilbene provides protective effects across the brain, eyes/retina, heart, lungs, joints, liver, gut lining and microbiome, and even more. Below are some of the latest discoveries!
Brain Health
A recent review article evaluated evidence on pterostilbene’s effects on brain health. It showed that pterostilbene provides antioxidant support and regulation of inflammatory activity by regulating AMPK/STAT3, Akt, NF-κB, MAPK, and ERK.
Pterostilbene aids in neurogenesis and improves synaptic function, i.e. the formation of new nerve cells and connections. It supports vascular flow in the brain and induces cell cycle arrest in rogue cells. These benefits help keep your brain sharp and resilient!
Retina Health
A September 2024 study showed that pterostilbene helps preserve and protect the retina. The results showed reduced NF-kappa B activity, suppression of pro-cell death mechanisms, and lower levels of other inflammatory markers, helping maintain retinal function and structure. Retinal health is essential for a lifetime of heathy vision.
Heart Health
Pterostilbene also activates the expression of AMPK, Nrf2, and other pathways in the heart. In one study, animals fed a high-fructose diet experienced significantly less oxidative stress to the heart, vasculature, and metabolism when pterostilbene was added to their diet.
Additionally, pterostilbene promoted significant mitochondrial biogenesis, which is essential for ATP production, cell signaling, immune and endocrine function and overall vitality.
Lung Health
In the respiratory system, pterostilbene also regulates several signaling pathways. It reduces infiltration of inflammatory and mucous producing cells in the lungs and reduces airway reactivity to environmental irritants. Studies show lower production of ROS/free radicals in the airways via modulation of AMPK, SIRTI, and Nrf2 signaling pathways.
Another recent study demonstrated pterostilbene’s protection of the lungs from microbial stress through its antioxidant properties and ability to regulate AMPK and other cell-signaling activities. Results showed that pterostilbene’s antioxidant and cell signaling activities protects the alveoli or lung air sacs from immune-microbial stress.
Liver Protection and Tylenol
Another remarkable benefit is pterostilbene’s effect of AMPK and Nrf2 pathways is in the liver. Through these pathways, it helps protect the liver against oxidative stress, free radicals, and cell death (apoptosis) caused by the drug acetaminophen/Tylenol.
Liver-Gut-Insulin Connection
Furthermore, pterostilbene’s activation of AMPK/SIRT1 pathways in the liver stimulates insulin signaling pathways. This aids in metabolically clearing fatty buildup, while improving insulin metabolism. Research also shows that pterostilbene reduces non-beneficial bacteria and promotes the growth of beneficial flora, providing additional support for liver function and insulin regulation.
Gut Microbiome-Joint Connection
Groundbreaking research from April 2024 highlighted pterostilbene’s remarkable role in the gut microbiome-joint connection. This study showed pterostilbene protects joint cartilage by reducing inflammatory compounds, such as lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and cytokines via NF-kappa B inactivation. Additionally, pterostilbene increased the abundance of healthy bacteria while reducing harmful inflammatory-provoking bacteria – a noteworthy finding for both gut and joint health!
Adding Pterostilbene to Your Routine
A diet rich in berries and other colorful whole foods provides essential nutrients for health. Many individuals, however, lack essential nutrients due to poor dietary choices or limited availability. Supplemental support can help restore antioxidant levels, enabling your body to age well.
One cup of blueberries provides approximately 20 micrograms (mcg) of pterostilbene. Given the high doses used in research, you would need to eat several pounds of berries each day to match the studied amounts. Fortunately, we offer a convenient 100 mg standardized pterostilbene capsule as a supplement. We utilize the natural form of pterostilbene, derived from the Kino tree, instead of a synthetic source.
Why Pterostilbene Matters
Aging often brings challenges that impact how we function and enjoy life. Research highlights pterostilbene’s remarkable role in supporting anti-aging mechanisms. Whether you are relying on Tylenol for aches and pains, noticing the effects of time catching up to you, or looking to proactively support your biological age, it’s time to add Pterostilbene to your nutritional armament! Pterostilbene’s high absorbability and bioavailability make it an outstanding nutrient to help you stay active and sharp!
Additional resources:
Wellness Resources Pterostilbene
Pterostilbene – An Ancient Prized Health Tonic
