Pterostilbene (Stilbene · Cognitive Function · Lipid Metabolism)

Compound	Pterostilbene
Chemical class	Polyphenol — Stilbene (3,5-Dimethoxy-4′-hydroxystilbene)
CAS	537-42-8
Primary source	Pterocarpus marsupium (Indian kino tree), blueberries, Vitis vinifera
Key applications	Cognitive function, lipid metabolism, antioxidant, CNS-penetrant resveratrol analogue
Claim strength	Moderate
Typical form	Pterostilbene 99% isolate (Indian kino); blueberry extract co-constituent
Buy from Herbuno	Indian Kino Liquid Extract (Water Soluble) - Pterocarpus marsupium → Indian Kino Oil Soluble Extract - Pterocarpus marsupium →

Name origin: From Pterocarpus (wing-fruited genus), the primary botanical source, combined with the stilbene chemical class. Pterostilbene is the 3,5-dimethyl ether of resveratrol — two of resveratrol’s hydroxyl groups are replaced by methoxy groups, significantly increasing lipophilicity and metabolic stability. Traditional use: Pterocarpus marsupium (Indian kino, Vijayasar) heartwood has been used in Ayurveda for centuries for diabetes management, with the wood traditionally used to make drinking vessels whose water is consumed for blood glucose regulation. Pterostilbene is identified as a key antidiabetic active alongside epicatechin and other kino constituents. Research trajectory: Pterostilbene has attracted research as a superior resveratrol analogue due to its 80% oral bioavailability versus resveratrol’s ~1%, enabling lower effective doses. Evidence covers cognitive function, lipid modulation, and blood glucose management. Multiple small human RCTs have been conducted. Commercial source: Pterostilbene 99% isolate from Pterocarpus marsupium is commercially available. See sourcing options below.

---

Evidence for Pterostilbene Applications

Cognitive function and neuroprotection: Pterostilbene crosses the blood-brain barrier readily (high lipophilicity, logP ~3.4 vs resveratrol ~3.1) and activates SIRT1, AMPK, and Nrf2 in neural tissue. Animal studies demonstrate improvements in spatial memory, reduced amyloid-beta burden, and protection from oxidative neurodegeneration. A small human RCT (pterostilbene 50–100 mg/day) showed improvements in memory and learning in older adults with mild cognitive concerns. Claim strength: Moderate.

Lipid metabolism and cardiovascular: Human RCTs at 50–250 mg/day pterostilbene demonstrate reductions in LDL-C and total cholesterol, with modest HDL increases. AMPK and PPAR-α activation underlie the lipid-lowering mechanism. Meta-analyses of pterostilbene cardiovascular studies are beginning to emerge. Claim strength: Moderate.

Blood glucose and antidiabetic: Pterostilbene activates PPAR-α and improves insulin sensitivity in animal models. Human data from small trials show modest fasting glucose reduction at 250 mg/day over 6–8 weeks. Relevant for metabolic syndrome and blood glucose management formulations. Claim strength: Moderate.

---

Dosage & Formulator Specification

Human clinical dose range: 50–250 mg/day trans-pterostilbene, typically in two divided doses. The most studied doses are 50 mg twice daily (100 mg/day) for cognitive applications and 125–250 mg/day for cardiovascular and metabolic endpoints. Herbuno’s Pterostilbene 99% allows precise dosing from a high-purity isolate.

Unlike resveratrol, pterostilbene does not require bioavailability enhancement at standard doses due to its inherently high oral bioavailability (~80% in animal models; human data consistent with high absorption). Phytosome or piperine co-administration is not necessary, though some formulations combine pterostilbene with resveratrol for complementary stilbene coverage.

Pterostilbene is light-sensitive (trans to cis isomerisation under UV, analogous to resveratrol) — opaque packaging required. Stable at neutral to acidic pH; compatible with standard encapsulation. Specify trans-pterostilbene content on CoA. Thermostable to 100°C for short durations.

---

Frequently Asked Questions — Pterostilbene

Is pterostilbene better than resveratrol?
Pterostilbene has substantially higher oral bioavailability (~80% vs ~1% for resveratrol) and superior CNS penetration, enabling lower effective doses. Its metabolic stability means plasma half-life is longer. For cognitive and CNS-targeted applications, pterostilbene has a pharmacokinetic advantage. For cardiovascular applications, both have moderate RCT support. Pterostilbene is typically priced higher than resveratrol, reflecting its lower required dose per formulation.

Why does Pterocarpus marsupium have antidiabetic activity?
The Indian kino tree heartwood contains both pterostilbene (stilbene) and epicatechin (flavan-3-ol) as primary bioactives, plus other phenolics. Multiple mechanisms are proposed: PPAR-α activation (pterostilbene), alpha-glucosidase inhibition, and pancreatic beta-cell protection. The traditional Vijayasar drinking cup practice creates a water infusion of heartwood polyphenols — a low-dose, sustained-release delivery format consistent with the moderate glycaemic effects documented in Ayurvedic literature.

Does pterostilbene have the same hormone-sensitive safety concerns as resveratrol?
Pterostilbene has weak phytoestrogenic activity, similar in magnitude to resveratrol. At supplement doses, this is not considered clinically significant based on available data. Standard advisory language for hormone-sensitive populations is prudent but based on the same level of evidence as applies to resveratrol — cautionary rather than contraindicated.

Can pterostilbene be combined with resveratrol in a longevity formulation?
Yes, and this is a rational and commercially established combination. The two stilbenes activate overlapping SIRT1/AMPK pathways but have complementary pharmacokinetics — resveratrol peaks rapidly then is rapidly metabolised; pterostilbene provides a sustained plasma presence. Co-formulation at 50 mg pterostilbene + 200 mg resveratrol per serving is a common premium longevity supplement architecture.

---

Claim-strength scale – High = multiple human RCTs; Moderate = limited trials or strong preclinical convergence; Emerging = early-stage lab or animal data.

← HerbIQ Compound Index · HerbIQ P02: Extraction · HerbIQ P03: Delivery