Pterostilbene is a longevity supplement or compound that is chemically related to resveratrol. As a nootropic, it is used to promote cognitive health and offers a variety of neuroprotective benefits.
It is found in foods such as blueberries and grapes, although not in very significant amounts (people would need to eat 500 cartons of blueberries in order to consume enough to have positive effects).
From a chemical standpoint, this supplement belongs to phytoalexins family, which are agents produced by plants in order to fight infections.
You can purchase Pterostilbene as a standalone supplement or find it in nootropic stack products like Alpha Brain. The main difference between this supplement and resveratrol is that it is a double methylated version.
It also exhibits a higher rate of bioavailability and has a half-life of between 78 and 104 minutes. This also means that the supplement is more easily transported into the cell and also more resistant to degradation and elimination.
Pterostilbene is considered to be anti-inflammatory and also work as an anti-oxidant. In plants, it also displays anti-fungal and anti-viral activities.



- 4x more bioavailable than Resveratrol
- Powerful anti-oxidant for longevity support
- Reduces cortisol for sleep, stress & weight loss
Pterostilbene Effects:
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One of the most interesting findings researchers have determined about Pterostilbene is that it seems to work by mimicking caloric restrictions.
A calorie restricted diet is one of the best known life extension strategies that you can use to increase your lifespan.
The effects of Pterostilbene occur on a molecular level by up-regulating genes which cause or stimulate the programmed cell death known as apoptosis while at the same time down-regulating those genes that allow cancer (and other) cells to invade and grow.
The supplement also increases the activity of powerful fat-sensing complexes that lower blood lipids and sugar levels. It also works to lower markers of dangerous glucose-damaged proteins in the liver.
Just like calorie restriction, Pterostilbene is able to dramatically reduce the production of inflammation and inflammatory mediators which are usually linked to age-related conditions (like atherosclerosis, chronic inflammatory diseases, and even cognitive decline). It is also thought to work by up-regulating specific brain proteins which are associated with improved memory.
Pterostilbene Benefits:
Pterostilbene is thought to work very well when combined with reservatrol. This is especially true when we consider the effects of normal calorie restriction.
In fact, resveratrol seems to activate genes near the beginning of the molecular processes that result from calorie restriction while Pterostilbene directly activates genes that are further along in the cycle.
The supplements, especially when taking together, may help to prevent cancer and diabetes, as well as support healthy blood lipids.
Pterostilbene is also an excellent anti-inflammatory agent. Interestingly enough, this is also another effect typically attributed to calorie restriction.
It also favorably modifies several critical enzymes which regulate glucose. This further serves to reduce the number of dangerous glucose-damaged proteins.
Carried further, this supplement is able to lower blood sugar levels and help to reduce elevated cholesterol levels. These effects are also key in protecting your cardiovascular system against hardening of the arteries, or atherosclerosis.
Reducing oxidative stress is another beneficial effect, and it also is a key element in protecting the body against developing heart disease.
There is even some evidence to suggest that this supplement might be effective at protecting against Alzheimer’s disease and other age related cognitive decline.
According to a 2012 study published in Neurobiology of Aging, the authors suggested that the ability of this supplement to reduce inflammation may be one of the key factors in terms of preserving cognitive function. Additionally, it is thought that Pterostilbene is effective at preventing the loss of Dopamine from memory centers.
There have also been a number of preliminary studies to suggest that Pterostilbene may offer anti-cancer benefits. For example, research has indicated that this supplement can hinder the growth of cancer cells and their expansion cycles by inducing programmed cell death (apoptosis) and even inhibiting their spread from one part of the body to another.
Pterostilbene Dosage:
From the many studies conducted on Pterostilbene, it can be inferred that the optimal dosage range is between 50 and 250 mg per day. The best way to take this supplement is in two divided doses, morning and then mid to late afternoon.
The reason for splitting this up is due to the short half life. Taking it twice during the day ensures that there is a relatively consistent supply within the body.
You also want to make sure to take a highly pure form of the supplement, since many makers have a number of additives included in these preparations. Also, be sure to start off with a lower dose and then only increase once you have become adjusted and familiar with the specific benefits it produces for you.
Pterostilbene Side Effects:
When researching this supplement it is unlikely that you will find much information regarding side effects. That is because there are not any known side effects of this supplement. It is still prudent to only start with a low dose and work up from there, but it is incredibly safe and there is low risk of any negative outcomes.
Pterostilbene Review:
Pterostilbene is one of a growing class of supplements that provides benefits both as a longevity enhancer and as a nootropic. Using this compound with resveratrol in your nootropic stack can have significant anti-aging effects and ensure that your brain function is healthy late into life.
Not only does this natural ingredient have the potential to prevent cancer and keep your blood vessels healthy, it can also reduce inflammation in the brain that may lead to Alzheimer’s. While Pterostilbene may have limited noticeable short-term effects, using this supplement can pay off in the long term.
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Article last updated on: May 9th, 2018 by Nootriment
2 Comments
Grape seed extract is promoted as an antidote to the ‘side effects’ of pterostilbene, but the side effects are not described, nor is the dose of grape seed extract provided.
This article (and many others) states “there are not any known side effects of this supplement”. Not sure why anyone would want to take anything as an “antidote” to side effects for an item that itself has no side effects.
The information regarding taking Grape Seed Extract under “Cons” at the top of the article is obviously incorrect, as there are no “adverse effects” of Pterostilbene.
Doing a Google search on “Grape Seed Extract and Pterostilbene” brings up numerous articles explaining how Pterostilbene, Resveratrol, and Grape Seed Extract are all found in grapes, and have each been proven to have effective anticancer properties.
Grape Seed Extract is an additional supplement used to provide additional benefits to the Pterostilbene, and has been reported by those who have used it to be effective in treating the following ailments –
Joint and muscle pain
Inflammation
Chilblains
Pain relief associated with varicose veins
Skin conditions
Mood enhancer
Libido
Stamina
Respiratory problems
Reduction of allergy symptoms
Arthritis.
But Grape Seed Extract is simply NOT used to “mitigate adverse effects” in any way, as there are no “adverse effects” related to Pterostilbene (and it has been tested in quite large quantities of up to 3gms/day in mice with no adverse effects whatsoever). The statement itself at the top of the article is in error and should be deleted, or revised to reflect the additional benefits for which the Grape Seed Extract is being provided for.
Here’s a link to a list of articles on Grape Seed Extract, Resveratrol, and Pterostilbene, a combination a number of companies market for their anti-cancer, anti-oxidant, anti-aging properties (note that not one of these articles says any of these items has any “side effects” at all, or is needed to mitigate any side effect, since there are none in any of these items) – http://bit.ly/29hZPNw