Description
Pterostilbene is an organic polyphenol, a natural class of bioactive chemicals found in plants. It belongs to compounds known as stilbenes, the primary antioxidants found in grapes and blueberries. It exists in two forms: trans-pterostilbene and cis-pterostilbene. People commonly interchange pterostilbene and trans-pterostilbene, the more stable, absorbable, and bioavailable form.
Pterostilbene is chemically and structurally related to resveratrol and quercetin. Despite being a structural analog of resveratrol and having structural similarities with quercetin, pterostilbene is touted to be more efficient due to its superior chemical properties. In combination, pterostilbene, resveratrol, pterostilbene, and quercetin are shown to produce more potent health effects experimentally. Further research is needed to explore the therapeutic range of pterostilbene.
How does pterostilbene work? Pterostilbene works through a variety of mechanisms to induce its potential health benefits, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects and the ability to modulate gene expression:
Anti-inflammatory activity. Pterostilbene has been shown to have bioactive properties that curb inflammation at the molecular level by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory molecules called cytokines. It can help reduce inflammation by blocking the activation of specific cellular pathways required during the onset and development of inflammation.
Anti-oxidant activity. Pterostilbene is a potent antioxidant that helps to protect cells against oxidative damage caused by free radicals like the reactive oxygen species (ROS). It scavenges these free radicals and prevents them from damaging our important cellular components like DNA, enzymes, and proteins. Modulating gene expression. Pterostilbene can affect gene expression by activating or inhibiting specific genes involved in antioxidant defense, cellular repair, inflammation, and oxidative stress.
What are the benefits of pterostilbene? Supports cognitive health Pterostilbene has been shown to enhance cognitive function, including memory and learning abilities in animal studies. Further research revealed that it could protect the brain from neurological dysfunction and ameliorate issues like brain fog, brain edema, and ischemia.
Improves cardiovascular health Pterostilbene has been shown to improve cardiovascular health by reducing the risk of atherosclerosis and improving lipid metabolism. Animal studies showed consumption of low-dosage pterostilbene supplements improved cholesterol metabolism, resulting in higher blood levels of HDL (good cholesterol) and lower levels of LDL (bad cholesterol).
Combats obesity and diabetes Pterostilbene has been found to reduce body weight gain, fat accumulation, and inflammation associated with obesity. Additionally, it has been shown to have anti-diabetic effects, including lowering blood glucose levels and improving insuli-n sensitivity.
Inhibits cancer Pterostilbene has been found to inhibit the growth and kill various cancer cells in vitro and animal studies. It may also help against metastasis and prevent the formation of new blood vessels that tumors need to grow. Additionally, pterostilbene can enhance function and promote the proliferation of immune cells that combats cancer.
Promotes anti-aging mechanisms Researchers are actively investigating the potential connection between pterostilbene and longevity. Pterostilbene has been found to have anti-aging effects by combating oxidative stress, promoting optimal mitochondrial functions, and supporting growth of new mitochondria. This ensures that cells have sufficient energy stores to maintain cellular processes during healthy aging. Pterostilbene may also improve cellular stress resistance, which can promote long-term longevity.
Fights infections Pterostilbene can enhance the immune system. Under pterostilbene treatment, some immune cells become more active or proliferative, with beneficial effects during infection and disease. Evidence also suggests that pterostilbene has antimicrobial properties and exerts effective inhibition against specific bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Pterostilbene has about 60 to 100 times stronger effects as an antifungal agent than resveratrol. In addition, pterostilbene was more effective in controlling sars cov 2 replication than resveratrol at low concentrations. CFS. |