Pterostilbene vs Resveratrol, What’s Better?
When it comes to discussing supplements that provide health benefits, the comparison between pterostilbene vs resveratrol often arises. These two compounds, both renowned for their antioxidant and anti-aging properties, have distinct characteristics. This article will explore these differences and the potential benefits of both compounds.
Key Takeaways
- Pterostilbene and resveratrol are popular compounds for their antioxidant and anti-aging properties and potential health benefits.
- Pterostilbene may have a greater bioavailability than resveratrol, meaning the body may more easily absorb it.
- Resveratrol has been shown to have anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties, while pterostilbene may have neuroprotective benefits.
- Recommended dosages and available supplements for both compounds vary, and it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional before taking any new supplements.
- Both compounds have unique advantages and may suit different individuals depending on their health goals.
Understanding Pterostilbene
Pterostilbene is a natural compound found in blueberries, grapes, and tree bark. It is similar in structure to resveratrol but has some unique characteristics that set it apart.
Research suggests that pterostilbene may have several potential health benefits1, including:
- Reducing inflammation
- Lowering blood sugar levels
- Protecting against cognitive decline
- Promoting healthy aging
- Supporting cardiovascular health
The appropriate dosage of resveratrol can vary depending on the individual’s health goals and overall health status. However, the dosage in most pterostilbene supplements ranges from 50 to 250 mg per day. It is always essential to consult with a healthcare professional before taking any new supplement.
Exploring Resveratrol
Resveratrol is a naturally occurring compound in various plants, including grapes, blueberries, and peanuts. It has gained recognition in recent years for its potential health benefits.
Benefits of resveratrol
Research has suggested that resveratrol may contribute to overall well-being in various ways. Some of the potential benefits of resveratrol include:2
- Anti-inflammatory properties
- Antioxidant effects
- Improved cardiovascular health
- Potential cancer-fighting properties
- Anti-aging effects
Resveratrol health benefits
Resveratrol may promote heart health by reducing inflammation and improving blood flow. It may also lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of blood clots.
Additionally, resveratrol has been shown to have antioxidant effects. Antioxidants help protect the body against free radicals, which can cause damage to cells. This protective effect may explain some of the anti-aging properties associated with resveratrol.
Resveratrol dosage
The appropriate dosage of resveratrol can vary depending on the individual’s health goals and overall health status. However, a typical dosage of resveratrol supplements ranges from 200 to 600 milligrams per day.
Resveratrol supplements
Resveratrol supplements are widely available, including capsules, tablets, and liquids. Choosing a reputable brand and consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen is essential.
The image illustrates various forms of resveratrol supplements available in the market.
Pterostilbene vs Resveratrol: A Comparative Analysis
Pterostilbene vs resveratrol: What are the differences?
Although pterostilbene and resveratrol are similar compounds, they do possess some notable differences. A primary difference is their chemical structure. Pterostilbene has two methoxy (−OCH3) groups, while resveratrol has two hydroxy (−OH) groups. These groups’ presence affects how the compounds are metabolized, leading to differences in their bioavailability.
Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Properties: Both pterostilbene and resveratrol exhibit similar antioxidant potentials, including inhibiting electrolyte leakage and cyclooxygenase inhibition. Pterostilbene shows antioxidant activity, anti-inflammatory effects, and chemopreventive effects, whereas resveratrol has more potential in preventing skin cancer.
Enhancing Mitochondrial Function: Pterostilbene and resveratrol enhance mitochondrial function, which is crucial for maintaining energy levels and cellular health, especially as one ages. Pterostilbene improves mitochondrial function, increasing energy production and overall cellular health. Resveratrol similarly boosts mitochondrial efficiency and stimulates the growth of new mitochondria by activating AMPK, a protein that helps regulate cellular energy.
Mimicking Calorie Restriction: Both compounds are noted for their ability to mimic the effects of calorie restriction, a known factor in extending lifespan and improving metabolic health. Pterostilbene activates pathways that improve metabolic health and may delay aging, similar to the effects of calorie restriction. Resveratrol also mimics calorie restriction by activating sirtuins, which are similarly engaged during calorie-restricted diets, offering potential anti-aging benefits without significantly altering dietary intake.
Lifespan Extension: Both pterostilbene and resveratrol have been studied for their potential to extend lifespan3,4. Pterostilbene’s lifespan-extending properties are attributed to its antioxidant activity, which helps neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress, a critical factor in aging. Resveratrol, on the other hand, extends lifespan by activating sirtuins, proteins involved in aging regulation, as demonstrated in various model organisms like yeast, worms, and flies.
Cognitive and Neuroprotective Effects: Pterostilbene reverses cognitive behavioral deficits and dopamine release in aging, while resveratrol is less effective. Pterostilbene is a more potent modulator of cognition and cellular stress than resveratrol, potentially due to increased lipophilicity and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha expression.
Cancer Prevention and Treatment: Pterostilbene presents higher anticancer activity than resveratrol, inhibiting cancer cell growth and promoting apoptosis and autophagosome accumulation in cancer cells. It is also a potent modulator in reducing NF-kappaB activation and COX-2 expression in mouse epidermis than resveratrol.
Antibacterial Activity: Pterostilbene exhibits superior antibacterial activity compared to resveratrol and is potentially effective in treating MRSA infection in the skin with less toxicity to mammalian cells.5
Bioavailability and Metabolic Stability: Pterostilbene has better lipophilic and oral absorption, higher cellular uptake, and a longer half-life than Resveratrol, making it a potential adjuvant therapeutic agent for cancer. It is more bioavailable and has greater plasma levels of its metabolites than Resveratrol, offering potential benefits in cancer treatment.
Additionally, research has shown that pterostilbene may be more potent than resveratrol in certain areas. For example, in a study comparing the two compounds’ effects on cholesterol levels, pterostilbene was more effective than resveratrol at reducing LDL (“bad”) cholesterol levels.6
| Pterostilbene | Resveratrol | |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical Structure | Two methoxy (−OCH3) groups | Two hydroxy (−OH) groups |
| Bioavailability | Higher bioavailability due to increased metabolic stability | Lower bioavailability due to rapid metabolism |
| Cholesterol Reduction | More effective at reducing LDL (“bad”) cholesterol levels | Less effective at reducing LDL (“bad”) cholesterol levels |
| Heart and Brain Health | Reduces blood pressure, especially in hypertension; protects against atherosclerosis | Provides protective benefits for the heart and brain, including neuroprotection and prevention of heart disease and strokes |
| Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Properties | Offers protection against inflammation, oxidative stress, certain types of cancer, neurological disorders, and memory loss | Offers protection against diseases like cancer, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease, and reduces inflammation |
| Anti-Aging Effects | Its impact on lifespan is under research. | Known for its potential to prolong cell life, improve heart health, and neuroprotective properties. |
| Additional Health Benefits | May assist with weight loss; potential benefits in treating arthritis; contributes to muscle strength and fitness; may improve eye, brain, and liver health | May help lower the risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, cancer, and neurologic conditions, potentially improving healthspan and lifespan |
This comparison table showcases the strengths of both pterostilbene and resveratrol. While pterostilbene has a higher bioavailability and shows potential in reducing LDL cholesterol and improving heart, brain, and liver health, Resveratrol stands out for its heart and brain protective benefits, anti-inflammatory properties, and potential in improving healthspan and lifespan. Both compounds offer significant antioxidant benefits and have unique contributions to health and wellness.
Conclusion
After exploring the benefits, dosages, and available supplements of pterostilbene and resveratrol, it is clear that both compounds have potential health benefits. Pterostilbene and resveratrol are unique in their ways, and choosing one over the other will depend on individual health goals.
It is important to remember that while these compounds may offer health benefits, they should not replace professional medical advice or treatment. It is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before taking any supplements.
Final Thoughts
In summary, taking pterostilbene or resveratrol supplements may be a beneficial addition to a healthy lifestyle for some individuals. However, as with any supplement or medication, it is essential to research, consult a healthcare professional, and follow recommended dosages.
Thank you for reading. We hope that this article has provided informative insights into pterostilbene and resveratrol.
FAQs
What are the main differences between pterostilbene and resveratrol in terms of their general health benefits?
Pterostilbene and Resveratrol are both remarkable for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, contributing significantly to health and wellness. While pterostilbene is noted for its enhanced potency in cognitive enhancement, more pronounced anticancer activity, and stronger antibacterial effects, it’s also important to recognize the unique strengths of Resveratrol. Resveratrol, although less bioavailable, continues to play a vital role in health maintenance, including cancer prevention and treatment. Its benefits, backed by numerous studies, are substantial and contribute positively to overall health, particularly in its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacities. Both compounds are invaluable, each with their specific advantages in promoting health and preventing disease.
How do pterostilbene and resveratrol compare in their effects on aging and cognitive health?
Pterostilbene and Resveratrol both play significant roles as anti-aging agents, with distinct strengths in their impact on aging and cognitive health. While pterostilbene is particularly effective in reversing cognitive deficits and modulating brain changes related to aging, Resveratrol also contributes positively to cognitive health. It aids in improving brain function and may offer protective benefits against age-related cognitive decline. pterostilbene stands out for its enhanced ability to boost cognition and cellular stress response, yet Resveratrol’s contribution to cognitive health and its general anti-aging effects are also substantial and beneficial. Both compounds offer valuable support in the fight against the cognitive challenges of aging.
Can pterostilbene and resveratrol be used in cancer prevention and treatment? How do they compare?
Yes, both can be used in cancer prevention and treatment. Pterostilbene shows higher anticancer activity by inhibiting cancer cell growth and stimulating apoptosis more effectively than Resveratrol. It also has better potential as an adjuvant therapeutic agent due to its increased bioavailability. Please consult with your doctor before using any supplement if you have cancer.
Citations
- Chemistry of Pterostilbene and Its Metabolic Effects ↩︎
- Clinical trials of resveratrol ↩︎
- Effect of resveratrol and pterostilbene on aging and longevity ↩︎
- Pterostilbene: Mechanisms of its action as oncostatic agent in cell models and in vivo studies ↩︎
- Pterostilbene, a Methoxylated Resveratrol Derivative, Efficiently Eradicates Planktonic, Biofilm, and Intracellular MRSA by Topical Application ↩︎
- Resveratrol and pterostilbene attenuated smokeless tobacco induced cardiovascular aberrations in estrogen deficient female rats ↩︎
