Pterostilbene (terro beans) is a stilbenoid, an antioxidant that plants produce to protect against viruses, bacteria, fungi, and excessive sunlight. Pterostilbene is most common in blueberries.
It's a very similar molecule to resveratrol, but it's far more bioavailable than resveratrol: it's more easily absorbed through the stomach lining and cell membranes.
An exciting comparative study from 2019 to compare resveratrol and pterostilbene
Health effects: An immune booster
Blueberry extracts (rich in pterostilbene) regulated the natural 'killer cells'. These identify and destroy abnormal cells such as virus-infected and precancerous cells. Two major pathogens known to inhibit pterostilbene, hepatitis C virus and Candida are known: Candida Albicans is a particularly malignant fungus because it has the ability to form antibiotic-resistant biofilms and is a NAD + aid. This means that it lowers NAD +, which is essential for the expression of youthful genes, the SIRT genes and the energy level in general of lengthening.
Studies have shown:
• a reduction in cholesterol
• a lowering of the glucose level
• a decrease in blood pressure
• together with trans-resveratrol a prevention against cancer, heart diseases and diabetes
• a reduction in fat synthesis in the adipose tissue and an increase in its oxidation in the liver, which can correct obesity (obesity)
• a natural strengthening of the skin and hair
• an anti-aging effect
• an improvement in memory performance
a general strengthening of brain functions
an improvement in cognitive functions
faster wound healing
and much more ...
Pterostilben acts strongly against cancer
Pterostilbene has been found to reduce breast, colon, esophagus, liver, pancreas, prostate, stomach, and cancer to varying degrees.
Research into other cancers is ongoing. So far, however, it has been found that pterostilbene:
• Inhibits malignancy. (prevents cells from becoming cancerous)
• Reduces the rate at which cancer cells are already multiplying and inhibiting metastasis. (Cancer from spread)
• Causes apoptosis (cell death) in some types of cancer!
"... It was found that the activity of inhibiting telomerase shown by pterostilbene depends on cell viability and may be a new drug candidate for breast and lung cancer ..."
Detailed information about Pterostilbene is to be found on a special website dedicated to this substance .
Safety, side effects and disadvantages of pterostilbene
No undesirable side effects were observed in the human study (flexible dose open trial of Vijayasar in cases of newly-diagnosed non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Collaborating Centers, New Delhi. Indian J Med Res , 108: 24-9.). If mice were fed large amounts of pterostilbene of up to 3,000 mg per kilogram of body weight, no toxic effects could be observed (Dietary administration of high doses of pterostilbene and quercetin to mice is not toxic. J Agric Food Chem, 57 (8) : 3180 -6). Pterostilbene therefore has a fairly good safety profile when taken in the range of the recommended dosage.
However, anecdotal evidence suggests that it could cause low blood sugar. This is not inevitable considering the insulin driving properties of this supplement. Users suffering from diabetes or other serious health problems should consult their doctor before using Pterostilbene.
Pterostilbene intake recommendation and timing of intake
The dosage of Pterostilbene depends on the body weight and the goals of the user. Dosages in the range of 50 to 125 mg twice a day have been used in studies. Taking into account the insulin-enhancing effects of this compound, it makes sense to take Pterostilbene with other nutrients such as carbohydrates, protein and / or creatine before or during training.