The Science Behind Pterostilbene

Pterostilbene

What it is: An antioxidant found naturally in some plants, fruits, and nuts, very similar to resveratrol but easier to absorb, that has been studied for its numerous health benefits.

What it does: An antioxidant found naturally in some plants, fruits, and nuts, very similar to resveratrol but easier to absorb, that has been studied for its numerous health benefits.

What is Pterostilbene?

Pterostilbene is a polyphenol. "Phenol" refers to a particular chemical structure (in this case, a hydroxyl group linked to a benzene ring), while "poly" means that the molecules can have more than one structure. It is a resveratrol analogue but is approximately 4x easier for the gut to absorb, making it even more effective than resveratrol.  

Where can it be found in nature?

Pterostilbene is found naturally in several plants, fruits, and nuts, including blueberries, almonds, and grape leaves. It is also found in grapes but, unlike resveratrol, doesn't survive the wine-making process.

What are its primary functions and benefits?

In plants, pterostilbene functions by combating pathogens, including microbes and parasites. When consumed by humans, it serves as a powerful antioxidant. Moreover, recent studies have shown that it has a number of additional benefits, including boosting cognitive function, preventing cell death in the brain, reducing blood sugar, lowering blood pressure, reducing inflammation, and protecting the liver, heart, and eyes.

Recently, scientists have discovered that pterostilbene can increase dopamine in the brain by blocking monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B). Increased dopamine can enhance mood and lower anxiety. It could also help to improve cognition and memory. 

In one study, rodents given pterostilbene observed an increase in new cell growth in the brain's memory centre. Next to providing a brain boost, studies have also uncovered pterostilbene's very promising anti-ageing potential. Pterostilbene activates SIRT1, also known as one of the encoding sirtuins, a family of enzymes involved in cell damage protection and DNA repair.

Why do we use pterostilbene in our supplements?

We have included pterostilbene in our Booster for its ability to activate SIRT1. Taken in combination with our NMN product, it can help to improve metabolic health and slow down the ageing process. NMN increases NAD+ levels and provides NAD+ to all seven sirtuins, while pterostilbene provides additional SIRT1 activation to further mediate DNA repair. In addition, sirtuins activation by NAD+ regulates critical physiological processes such as the circadian rhythm, glucose and fat metabolism, and healthy ageing.

Sources

  1. McCormack, D., & McFadden, D. (2013). A review of pterostilbene antioxidant activity and disease modification. Oxidative medicine and cellular longevity, 2013, 575482. https://doi.org/10.1155/2013/575482
  2. Grabowska, W., Sikora, E. & Bielak-Zmijewska, A. Sirtuins, a promising target in slowing down the ageing process. Biogerontology 18, 447–476 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10522-017-9685-9