Summary
Pterostilbene is a methylated stilbene molecule with structural similarity to resveratrol, the only difference being two methoxy groups on the pterostilbene molecule that replace hydroxy groups on the resveratrol molecule. While most of the actions of the two are comparable, pterostilbene appears to be much more well absorbed following oral ingestion and may be a more potent antioxidant and anticancer molecule.
Only one study has evaluated pterostilbene in humans. It found an increase in LDL-cholesterol and a trend towards lower HDL levels in people with high cholesterol levels who took 100 or 250 mg per day. It was unclear if the lower dose led to a reduction in blood pressure, but the reduction in the group who took the higher dose was potent.
What are other names for Pterostilbene
- trans-3 5-dimethoxy-4-hydroxystilbene 3
- Resveratrol (different molecule also from grapes)
Dosage information
Supplementation of pterostilbene for the purpose of aiding glucose and lipid metabolism tends to be around 20- 40mg/kg oral ingestion in rats, which is an estimated human dosage range of:
- 215-430mg for a 150lb person
- 290-580mg for a 200lb person
- 365-730mg for a 250lb person
Possible anxiolytic properties of pterostilbene are seen at 1-2mg/kg in mice, which is an estimated human dose of:
- 5.5-11mg for a 150lb person
- 7.3-14.5mg for a 200lb person
- 9-18mg for a 250lb person
Which is notable as 5-10mg/kg in these mice (slightly over double the dose) has failed to have the same anxiolytic effects, suggesting a bell-curve that may favor lower dosages such as is found in food consumption rather than higher dosages from supplementation.
Limited human studies have used either 50mg twice a day or 125mg twice a day, and the addition of Grape seed extract (100mg at both dosing times) with the low dose may mitigate some adverse effects on cholesterol seen with pterostilbene in isolation.
