Pterostilbene
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Pterostilbene | |
|---|---|
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| IUPAC name | 4-[(E)-2-(3,5-Dimethoxyphenyl)ethenyl]phenol |
| Other names | 3',5'-Dimethoxy-4-stilbenol 3,5-Dimethoxy-4'-hydroxy-trans-stilbene |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS number | [] |
| PubChem | |
| SMILES | COC1=CC(=CC(=C1)\C=C\C2=CC=C(C=C2)O)OC |
| Properties | |
| Molecular formula | C16H16O3 |
| Molar mass | 256.296 g/mol |
| Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa) Infobox disclaimer and references |
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Pterostilbene is a stilbenoid chemically related to resveratrol. It is thought to be the key compound found predominantly in blueberries (as well as grapes) that exhibit anti-cancer, anti-hypercholesterolemia, anti-hypertriglyceridemia properties, as well as fight off and reverse cognitive decline. It is believed that the compound also has anti-diabetic properties, but so far very little has been studied on this issue. Additionally, it is also touted as a potent anti-fungal.
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[edit] Cognitive decline
In a study of 40 19-month-old rats fed either a normal diet or a diet containing blueberry, strawberry, or spinach extracts, the rats that were fed blueberry extracts had a significant reversal in motor-skill decline due to aging as well as other cognitive impairments. All of the diets above, except the normal one, resulted in some reversal or reduction of cognitive decline but none greater than the blueberry group.[1] Even when animal based studies yield positive results, the effects on humans may not be the same.
[edit] Lowering blood lipids and cholesterol
Studies that used animals fed on blueberry based diets found significant reduction in blood lipid count and cholesterol count. While lipids and cholesterol stored in the cells do not pose much harm, elevated lipid and cholesterol levels in the blood have been linked to heart disease and stroke. In the mentioned study blueberries were found to be more effective than ciprofibrate, a cholesterol-lowering drug predominantly used outside the United States.[2] According to the study pterostilbene binds to PPARs, breaking down the cholesterol.[3]
[edit] Diabetes
Similar to what has been discovered with the drug metformin, pterostilbene has been shown to lower blood glucose levels in rats by as much as 42 percent, although at this point very little research has been conducted to conclusively follow this out.[4]
[edit] Human studies
Though no thorough human studies have been done, it is generally supported by the mentioned articles that these effects would hold true with humans. However, how much one would have to consume to achieve equivalent results remains in question.
[edit] In wine
While resveratrol has been touted for its heart healthy benefits, pterostilbene is not found in wine despite darker grapes having the highest concentrations among the fruit. The reason believed is that it is unstable in light and air.[5]
[edit] References
- ^ Braslavsky, Andrea, "Blueberries May Be King of the Hill for Those Over the Hill," WebMD Medical News, Sept. 16, 1999, retrieved Dec. 29, 2006.
- ^ WebMD.com
- ^ Cholesterol.about.com
- ^ ScienceBlog.com
- ^ ScienceBlog.com
