Pterostilbene is powerful antioxidant compound found in grapes and blueberries. It is a neuroprotective supplement, taken to protect brain-cells from oxidative stress.
Table of Contents
- Quick overview of Pterostilbene
- What is Pterostilbene?
- Studies on neuroprotection
- How to take Pterostilbene
- Alternatives to Pterostilbene
1. Quick Overview of Pterostilbene
- Benefits:Primarily providing antioxidants to help protect our brains.
- Actions: Its antioxidant molecules fight free radicals, preventing cells from getting damaged by oxidative stress.
- Dietary sources: Grapes
- Who is it good for? People who don't get many antioxidants from eating fruit.
- Quality of studies: 350 publications on Pubmed. Less research than a very similar supplement Trans-Resveratrol.
- Recommended dose: 50mg - 200mg per day
- Alternatives:Trans-Resveratrol, Alpha Lipoic Acid
2. What is Pterostilbene?
Pterostilbene can be found in small amounts in foods such as grapes and blueberries.
Similar to Trans-Resveratrol, bio-hackers take Pterostbilene for its antioxidant properties. Antioxidants are neuroprotective because they fight "free radical" molecules that otherwise break down cells.
![Antoxidants and Free Radicals](http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2803/5630/files/Free_radicals.jpg?v=1534958934)
3. Studies on Neuroprotection
1. Pterostilbene mediates neuroprotection against oxidative toxicity via oestrogen receptor α signalling pathways. (Shandong University - 1)
2. Antioxidants help to protect brain tissue from degenerating due to oxidative stress. Brain tissue is more susceptible to oxidative stress due to its greater rate of oxygen consumption. (Auburn University - 2)
3. Pterostilbene was studied to reduce oxidative stress injury in brain-cells. (The Fourth Military Medical University - 3)
4. Pterosilbene was seen to have neuroinflammation qualities by reducing microglial nitric oxide production. (U.S. Department of Agriculture - 4)
5. "The antioxidant activity of pterostilbene has been implicated in anticarcinogenesis, modulation of neurological disease, anti-inflammation, attenuation of vascular disease, and amelioration of diabetes." (Columbia University - 5)
6. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial reveals pterostilbene reduces blood pressure in adults. (University of Mississippi - 6)
7. Animal studies show an improvement in cholesterol metabolism with low dose supplementation of pterostilbene. (Annamalai University - 7)
4. How to Take Pterostilbene
- Dosages: I'd recommend taking between 50mg - 200mg of Pterostilbene per day.
- Cycling: You don't need to cycle Pterostilbene on and off.
5. Alternatives to Consider
In the realm of antioxidants, there are 2 others that I'd consider:
- Trans-Resveratrol - Structurally very similar to Pterostilbene, with essentially the same antioxidant benefits.
- Alpha Lipoic Acid - An antioxidant also rich in vitamins C and E. Alpha Lipoic Acid is said to be a "wildcard" antioxidant capable of replacing other antioxidants that you lack in your diet.
References:
- Shandong University - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25644078
- Auburn University - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4161050/
- The Fourth Military Medical University - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27107941
- U.S. Department of Agriculture - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23731018
- Columbia University - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3649683/
- University of Mississippi - https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/09/120920141008.htm
- Annamalai University - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16616938
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