Pterostilbene
Also known as: 3,5-dimethoxy-4'-hydroxystilbene, pTeroPure, blueberry stilbene, methylated resveratrol
Pterostilbene is a methylated analog of resveratrol found in blueberries and Pterocarpus wood. The two methoxy groups make it more lipophilic and give it substantially higher oral bioavailability and a longer half-life than resveratrol. It is used in longevity, cognitive, and metabolic formulas. The main human RCT, 80 adults dosed at 100–250 mg per day for six to eight weeks, found lower blood pressure but also a rise in LDL cholesterol with pterostilbene alone, a finding formulators should weigh.
Research summary
Activates SIRT1 and AMPK pathways and Nrf2 antioxidant response; structurally a resveratrol analog with better absorption.
Dosage
Daily amounts, of compound.
| Lowest studied | Typical range | Highest studied | Upper limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| — | 50–250 mg | 250 mg | — |
The RCT tested 50 mg and 125 mg twice daily (100–250 mg/day). Higher dose reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure; LDL increased about 17 mg/dL with pterostilbene monotherapy but not when combined with grape extract. Most products use 50–150 mg. Fat-soluble; take with food.
Standardization: ≥99% pterostilbene
Source material: synthetic (nature-identical) or Pterocarpus marsupium heartwood extract
Format suitability
- Capsule
- Powder
- Tablet
- Softgel
- Gummy
- Liquid
White to off-white crystalline powder, poorly water-soluble. Capsules and tablets are standard.
Formulation notes
Raised LDL in one trial; consider pairing with grape or other polyphenol extracts. May inhibit CYP enzymes in vitro.
Sources
Related ingredients
CoQ10 (Ubiquinone)
AntioxidantCoenzyme Q10 in its oxidized form, ubiquinone, is the standard, most-studied CoQ10 ingredient.
Typical: 100–300 mg
Trans-Resveratrol
AntioxidantTrans-resveratrol is a stilbene polyphenol found in grape skin, red wine, and, in far higher concentration, Japanese knotweed root, which is the usual commercial source.
Typical: 150–500 mg
CoQ10 (Ubiquinol)
AntioxidantUbiquinol is the reduced, active antioxidant form of coenzyme Q10 and the form that predominates in blood.
Typical: 100–200 mg
Quercetin Dihydrate
AntioxidantQuercetin dihydrate is the standard crystalline form of the flavonol quercetin, typically extracted from Sophora japonica flower buds and supplied at 95% or higher purity.
Typical: 500–1,000 mg
PQQ (Pyrroloquinoline Quinone)
AntioxidantPyrroloquinoline quinone is a redox cofactor found in trace amounts in foods such as natto, kiwi, and green tea.
Typical: 10–20 mg