Get Your Personalized Supplement StackSupplement Stack Quiz

pTeroPure

Q: Is Pteropure safe for long-term use?

Limited long-term data exists, but studies up to 12 months have shown good tolerance. More research is needed for definitive long-term safety conclusions.

Q: Does it lower cholesterol?

Pterostilbene monotherapy may increase LDL cholesterol. Combining it with grape extract has been shown to prevent this increase.

Q: How quickly does it work?

Blood pressure-lowering effects can be observed within 6–8 weeks, while antioxidant benefits may take several months to manifest.

Q: Is it better than resveratrol?

Pterostilbene generally has higher bioavailability and potentially stronger effects than resveratrol, but direct comparative studies are limited.

Q: Can it be combined with other supplements?

Yes, but combining it with grape extract is recommended to help mitigate the potential increase in LDL cholesterol.

Also known as: 3,5-dimethoxy-4'-hydroxystilbene, Pteropure, Pterostilbene

Overview

Pterostilbene is a naturally occurring stilbenoid, chemically similar to resveratrol, primarily found in blueberries and the heartwood of Pterocarpus marsupium. Pteropure is a branded, standardized extract of pterostilbene. It is classified as a dietary polyphenol and antioxidant supplement. Research indicates its potential for antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, metabolic, and neuroprotective effects. It is commonly used as a supplement to support cardiovascular health, improve metabolic parameters, and enhance cognitive function. While several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) exist, comprehensive systematic reviews specifically on pterostilbene are limited, with most evidence derived from small to medium-sized RCTs and preclinical studies. The overall evidence quality is mixed, with some RCTs showing significant effects, but meta-analyses often group it with other polyphenols.

Benefits

Pterostilbene offers several evidence-based benefits. A well-conducted randomized controlled trial (n=80) demonstrated that 250 mg/day of pterostilbene (Pteropure) significantly reduced systolic blood pressure by 7.8 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure by 7.3 mmHg over 6–8 weeks (p<0.01), indicating a clinically relevant effect. It also exhibits significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties; for instance, it improved retinal antioxidant status and outcomes in diabetic retinopathy patients over 12 months. Pterostilbene reduces inflammatory markers in chronic diseases, similar to resveratrol, but with potentially superior bioavailability. However, its effect on lipid profiles is complex: monotherapy increased LDL cholesterol by 17.1 mg/dL (p=0.001), an effect attenuated when combined with grape extract. Minor weight loss (−0.62 kg/m²; p=0.012) has been observed in patients not on cholesterol medication. Benefits are primarily noted in adults with elevated cholesterol or diabetic retinopathy, with less data on healthy populations. Blood pressure effects are typically seen within 6–8 weeks, while antioxidant benefits may take several months.

How it works

Pterostilbene exerts its effects primarily through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. It acts as a potent scavenger of free radicals and modulates various oxidative stress pathways within the body. The compound also influences inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α and IL-8, contributing to its anti-inflammatory actions. Similar to resveratrol, pterostilbene may activate sirtuin pathways, which are involved in cellular regulation and longevity. Its interaction with body systems includes cardiovascular regulation (blood pressure), metabolic processes (lipid metabolism), ocular protection (retinal health), and potential neuroprotection. Pterostilbene's methoxy groups enhance its lipophilicity and metabolic stability, resulting in higher oral bioavailability compared to resveratrol.

Side effects

Pterostilbene is generally well tolerated at studied doses up to 250 mg/day. Randomized controlled trials have not reported significant common adverse effects. However, long-term safety data beyond 12 months are limited, and uncommon or rare side effects are not well documented. A notable concern is its potential impact on lipid profiles; pterostilbene monotherapy has been shown to increase LDL cholesterol levels. This effect was mitigated when combined with grape extract, suggesting a need for caution. Due to its influence on lipids, potential interactions with cholesterol-lowering medications should be considered. Contraindications are not firmly established, but individuals with pre-existing lipid disorders should exercise caution and monitor their cholesterol levels. There is limited safety data for special populations such as pregnant women, children, or individuals with severe comorbidities.

Dosage

The minimum effective dose of pterostilbene, as demonstrated in clinical trials, is 125 mg taken twice daily, totaling 250 mg per day. This dosage has shown efficacy in reducing blood pressure and providing antioxidant benefits. The optimal dosage appears to be 250 mg/day, which has been found to be both effective and well tolerated. Lower doses, such as 50 mg twice daily, have shown less efficacy. The maximum safe dose has not been definitively established, but studies up to 250 mg/day have not reported significant safety concerns. For optimal compliance and to maintain steady blood levels, divided doses taken twice daily are recommended. Pteropure is a standardized powder formulation commonly used in clinical trials. Absorption can be enhanced by food, and it was often consumed with water or yogurt in studies to improve compliance. No specific cofactors are required, but combining pterostilbene with grape extract may help mitigate the potential increase in LDL cholesterol.

FAQs

Is Pteropure safe for long-term use?

Limited long-term data exists, but studies up to 12 months have shown good tolerance. More research is needed for definitive long-term safety conclusions.

Does it lower cholesterol?

Pterostilbene monotherapy may increase LDL cholesterol. Combining it with grape extract has been shown to prevent this increase.

How quickly does it work?

Blood pressure-lowering effects can be observed within 6–8 weeks, while antioxidant benefits may take several months to manifest.

Is it better than resveratrol?

Pterostilbene generally has higher bioavailability and potentially stronger effects than resveratrol, but direct comparative studies are limited.

Can it be combined with other supplements?

Yes, but combining it with grape extract is recommended to help mitigate the potential increase in LDL cholesterol.

Research Sources

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11939822/ – This randomized controlled trial investigated the effects of 250 mg/day Pteropure in diabetic retinopathy patients over 12 months. The study found that pterostilbene improved retinal antioxidant status and was well tolerated, suggesting potential benefits for ocular health in chronic conditions. However, the sample size was unclear, and the focus was on a single condition.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4099343/ – This high-quality, double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized controlled trial with 80 adults with high cholesterol examined the effects of 250 mg/day pterostilbene over 6–8 weeks. It reported significant reductions in blood pressure but also an increase in LDL cholesterol, which was attenuated when combined with grape extract. The study highlighted both the cardiovascular benefits and the need for caution regarding lipid profiles.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/immunology/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2025.1617694/full – This systematic review and meta-analysis on polyphenols in COPD, while not exclusively focused on pterostilbene, indicated that resveratrol and related polyphenols can reduce inflammatory markers. It suggests that pterostilbene likely shares similar anti-inflammatory properties, though the evidence for pterostilbene specifically is indirect and subject to heterogeneity.