tuneTypical Dose
50–150 mg per day
Natural Compound
Pterostilbene
trans-3,5-Dimethoxy-4'-hydroxystilbene
Evidence TierCWADA NOT PROHIBITED
watchEffect Window
4–8 weeks for cardiovascular markers.
check_circleCompliance
WADA NOT PROHIBITED
Overview
Clinical Summary
Pterostilbene is a polyphenol related to resveratrol with greater lipophilicity and bioavailability. It is used for antioxidant and metabolic health goals, including lipid and glucose biomarker support.
Small studies suggest pterostilbene may reduce oxidative stress and inflammation biomarkers and modestly influence lipid or insulin-related measures, though results are inconsistent. Mechanistic work supports effects on cellular stress-response pathways. Minority research explores endothelial and cognitive aging outcomes with limited evidence. Overall benefit remains uncertain and appears dose and population dependent.
Dimethylated resveratrol analog with ~4x oral bioavailability. Activates SIRT1, AMPK, and PPAR-alpha pathways.
Outcomes
What This Is Expected To Influence
Primary Outcomes
- Blood pressure reduction in hypertensive adults
- SIRT1 and AMPK activation (preclinical)
Secondary Outcomes
- Neuroprotective effects (animal models, superior BBB penetration vs resveratrol)
- Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity
Safety
Contraindications and Interactions
Contraindications
- Cholesterol concerns
- Bleeding disorders
Side effects
- GI upset at high doses
- Mild headache
- May increase LDL cholesterol (Riche 2014)
Interactions
- Anticoagulants (antiplatelet activity)
- CYP1A2 substrates
Avoid if
- Dyslipidemia without medical supervision
- Concurrent anticoagulant therapy without clinician review
Evidence
Study-level References
pterostilbene-SRC-001RCT (Double-blind)
Sourceopen_in_newRiche DM, et al. "Pterostilbene on metabolic parameters: a randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled trial." Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2014.
Population: Adults with high cholesterol
Key findings: Pterostilbene at 250 mg/day significantly reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure compared to placebo. However, there was an unexpected, statistically significant increase in LDL cholesterol in the high-dose group.
Paper content
Pterostilbene at 250 mg/day significantly reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure compared to placebo. However, there was an unexpected, statistically significant increase in LDL cholesterol in the high-dose group.
pterostilbene-SRC-002Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, three arms.
Sourceopen_in_newDellinger RW, Holmes HE, Hu-Seliger T, Butt RW, Harrison SA, Mozaffarian D, Chen O, Guarente L. Nicotinamide riboside and pterostilbene reduces markers of hepatic inflammation in NAFLD. Hepatology. 2023;78(3):863-877. doi:10.1002/hep.32778. PMID:36082508.
Population: Adults with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
Dose protocol: Nicotinamide riboside plus pterostilbene (NRPT) at standard and double dose for 6 months in 111 adults with NAFLD.
Key findings: Standard-dose NRPT reduced liver enzymes (ALT, GGT) and ceramide 14:0 versus placebo. Primary endpoint of hepatic fat fraction did not change.
Notes: Pterostilbene was part of a combination product, so the individual contribution cannot be fully isolated. Still, this is the largest human trial involving pterostilbene.
Paper content
This 6-month double-blind placebo-controlled trial tested a combination of nicotinamide riboside and pterostilbene (NRPT) in 111 adults with NAFLD. The primary endpoint of hepatic fat fraction did not change significantly. However, the standard-dose group showed significant reductions in the liver enzymes ALT and GGT, and in the toxic lipid ceramide 14:0, compared to placebo. The double-dose group did not show the same improvements. This trial provides the first substantial human evidence that pterostilbene-containing combinations can reduce hepatic inflammation markers, though the benefit was secondary rather than primary and the pterostilbene contribution cannot be fully separated from the nicotinamide riboside component.