Pterostilbene


Pterostilbene is a stilbenoid chemically related to resveratrol. In plants, it serves a defensive phytoalexin role.

Natural occurrence

Pterostilbene is found in almonds, various Vaccinium berries, grape leaves and vines, and Pterocarpus marsupium heartwood.

Research

Pterostilbene is being studied in laboratory and preliminary clinical research., there are no published clinical studies on the safety or properties of pterostilbene when consumed by humans.

Safety and regulation

Pterostilbene is considered to be a corrosive substance, is dangerous upon exposure to the eyes, and is an environmental toxin, especially to aquatic life.
Its chemical relative, resveratrol, received FDA GRAS status in 2007, and approval of synthetic resveratrol as a safe compound by the European Food Safety Authority in 2016. Pterostilbene differs from resveratrol by exhibiting increased bioavailability due to the presence of two methoxy groups which cause it to exhibit increased lipophilic and oral absorption.