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Not medical advice. The Atlas is not a substitute for a clinician who can examine you.

Pterostilbene

Pterostilbene · The Methylated Resveratrol with 80% Bioavailability

Evidence grade 2 of 5, Thin. Read how the Atlas grades evidence.

The pharmacology is genuinely favorable, with oral bioavailability reported around 66.9 percent for pterostilbene versus roughly 29.8 percent for resveratrol and a Cmax many times higher (Kapetanovic 2011, in rats). The clinical evidence for a health benefit is thin and mixed, so the grade sits at 2, preliminary. The one substantive human trial (Riche 2014, 80 adults, 6 to 8 weeks) found pterostilbene monotherapy raised LDL cholesterol by about 17.1 mg/dL (P = 0.001) while lowering blood pressure (systolic -7.8 mmHg, diastolic -7.3 mmHg at the high dose). Dellinger 2017 (NRPT, pterostilbene combined with nicotinamide riboside, npj Aging) showed the combination raised blood NAD+ safely, but that credits the stack, not pterostilbene alone, and used no health endpoint. Almost everything else is cell-culture and rodent work. The signal that stands out most in humans is an unwanted one, the LDL rise, which is why a plausibly promising molecule earns a cautious rather than an optimistic score.

FDA
Legal supplement (DSHEA)
WADA
Not prohibited

Reference only. Not medical advice.

What can go wrong

One human trial links it to higher LDL cholesterol; the supplier itself halted new pterostilbene orders over that signal. Benefits in people remain largely unproven, with mild antiplatelet and possible CYP3A4 interactions and no pregnancy data.

Pterostilbene is a naturally occurring polyphenol found in blueberries and in the heartwood of the Indian kino tree, and it is structurally the dimethyl ether of resveratrol. Those two extra methoxy groups matter, because they make the molecule far more bioavailable and slower to clear than resveratrol, which is the whole reason longevity formulators favor it. The catch is that better absorption has not translated into a proven human benefit. The single dedicated clinical trial, Riche 2014, found that pterostilbene lowered blood pressure but also raised LDL cholesterol, and the ingredient supplier ChromaDex later stopped taking new orders for its pterostilbene material citing that LDL signal. Most of the enthusiasm rests on preclinical antioxidant and metabolic work rather than outcomes in people.

What resveratrol would be if pharmacology actually translated.

What people take it for

These are the reasons people give for taking it. They are not effects it has been shown to have.

  • Longevity and NAD+ support stacks (usually paired with nicotinamide riboside or NMN)
  • Blood pressure lowering (Riche 2014, high dose)
  • Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory support (preclinical)
  • Metabolic and glucose research (rooted in traditional Pterocarpus use)
  • Cognitive and neuroprotective research (preclinical/rodent)
  • Senescence and cellular-aging research (emerging, preclinical)

Combinations named above are how people use these compounds together, under names the community gave them. The combinations themselves have not been studied. Evidence for one compound is not evidence for a pair.

How it is supposed to work

Pterostilbene is a stilbene polyphenol, chemically 3,5-dimethoxy-4'-hydroxystilbene, structurally a methylated analog of resveratrol with two of the three hydroxyl groups of resveratrol replaced by methoxy groups. This apparently modest chemical modification produces dramatic pharmacological consequences. The methoxy substitutions increase lipid solubility substantially, reduce the molecule's susceptibility to Phase 2 metabolism (sulfation and glucuronidation), and produce substantially improved oral bioavailability, approximately 80% bioavailability versus <1% free trans-resveratrol. This bioavailability advantage fundamentally addresses the most substantial pharmacological constraint of resveratrol supplementation, making pterostilbene a substantially more pharmacologically tractable polyphenol for human clinical applications despite the substantially smaller preclinical and clinical evidence base relative to resveratrol. Pterostilbene was first isolated from the heartwood of Pterocarpus santalinus (red sandalwood) in 1934 by Spath and Schlager, the genus name Pterocarpus provides the etymology of "pterostilbene." Subsequent characterization identified pterostilbene as a phytoalexin produced by various plants as defense compound. The most-cited natural dietary source is blueberries (Vaccinium species, particularly highbush and lowbush blueberries), though pterostilbene content is modest (typically 0.1-1.5mg per 100g of fresh berries, varying enormously by species, variety, growing conditions, and processing). Grapes contain modest pterostilbene; almonds, peanut leaves, and various other plants contain trace amounts. Dietary pterostilbene intake from food sources is negligible relative to supplementation doses; therapeutic-range pterostilbene exposure requires supplementation. The pharmacological mechanism profile overlaps substantially with resveratrol but with substantially better translation through superior bioavailability. The mechanisms include: (1) AMPK activation, adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase activation produces multiple metabolic effects mimicking caloric restriction; (2) SIRT1 modulation, likely indirect through NAD+ pathway and AMPK rather than direct binding, similar to the recalibrated resveratrol framework; (3) PPAR-alpha activation, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha activation supports lipid metabolism and cholesterol homeostasis; (4) NF-kB pathway modulation supporting anti-inflammatory effects; (5) Nrf2/ARE pathway activation supporting cellular antioxidant defense; (6) direct antioxidant effects through electron donation; (7) anti-platelet effects (modest); (8) modulation of vascular smooth muscle calcium handling; (9) modulation of multiple oncogenic pathways supporting preclinical cancer chemoprevention evidence; (10) BDNF expression modulation supporting neuroprotective preclinical evidence. The pharmacological profile is broadly resveratrol-like but with substantially improved tissue penetration through superior lipid solubility and oral bioavailability. The ChromaDex pTeroPure commercial development represents substantial proprietary chemistry and clinical research investment. ChromaDex has produced pharmaceutical-grade pterostilbene through proprietary synthetic chemistry, providing standardized purity and consistent supply that contrasts with the substantial variability of natural plant-derived pterostilbene (which would require enormous plant material for therapeutic doses). The pTeroPure ingredient is licensed to multiple supplement manufacturers through ingredient supply contracts; brand-name retail products include various premium longevity supplements. The pterostilbene category has emerged substantially through the 2010s-2020s as the "improved bioavailability resveratrol" positioning has gained consumer market traction. The clinical evidence base remains substantially smaller than resveratrol, the Riche 2014 first human clinical trial of pterostilbene in cholesterol management initiated human translation; subsequent work has been modest in scale. The senolytic interest has extended to pterostilbene through analog activity with quercetin and other senolytic flavonoids. The longevity supplement market has integrated pterostilbene substantially into combination formulations.

How it is taken

Standard pterostilbene supplementation centers on 50-250mg/day for general longevity and cardiovascular applications. The Riche 2014 foundational human trial used 125mg twice daily (250mg total) for cholesterol management, the most-cited human dosing protocol. The Elysium Health Basis brand uses approximately 50mg pterostilbene + 250mg NR per serving. The Sinclair-aligned longevity supplementation generally uses 50-100mg/day pterostilbene as part of comprehensive longevity stacks. The substantial bioavailability advantage versus resveratrol (~80% versus <1%) means substantially lower mg doses produce equivalent or superior systemic exposure, typical 50-100mg pterostilbene provides similar or greater systemic exposure than 500-1000mg trans-resveratrol. Take with or without food, absorption is acceptable either way; food administration may modestly improve absorption through lipid co-presence. The Upper Limit (UL) has not been formally established; doses above 500mg/day produce diminishing returns and theoretical concerns about hepatic LDL clearance modulation per Riche 2014 observations of modest LDL effects. Treatment durations matter substantially, clinical effects develop over 6-8 weeks of consistent supplementation per Riche 2014 framework; longevity applications imply chronic dosing across years. The form selection from the pterostilbene category matters: pTeroPure (ChromaDex pharmaceutical-grade) preferred for clinical applications; generic synthetic pterostilbene acceptable for cost-effective alternative; whole blueberry consumption provides negligible therapeutic dose contribution. Common combinations include pterostilbene + trans-resveratrol (comprehensive stilbene), pterostilbene + NMN/NR (longevity framework), pterostilbene + quercetin (polyphenol combination). The dietary contribution from blueberries is negligible at therapeutic dose ranges, would require kilograms of fresh blueberries daily; the "eat blueberries for pterostilbene" framing dramatically misrepresents therapeutic dietary contribution and should be distinguished from the substantial broader phytochemical benefits of blueberry consumption (which involve multiple anthocyanins and other compounds beyond pterostilbene). The pregnancy avoidance is precautionary given limited safety data and mild phytoestrogen activity. The drug interaction profile (anticoagulants, CYP3A4 substrates, hormone-sensitive cancer medications) requires specialist coordination for users on relevant prescription medications. The senolytic research framework (Hou 2020 and emerging research) suggests research-grade specialist coordination for senolytic protocols beyond standard supplementation.

Standard supplementation
50-250mg/day pterostilbene
Riche 2014 cholesterol protocol
125mg twice daily (250mg total)
Elysium Basis serving
~50mg pterostilbene + 250mg NR
Sinclair longevity framework
50-100mg/day
Pterostilbene bioavailability
~80% oral
Resveratrol bioavailability comparison
<1% free
Blueberry dietary contribution
0.1-1.5mg per 100g fresh
Blueberry therapeutic equivalent
Kilograms daily (impossible)

Which form to buy

Not all preparations of the same ingredient are the same thing, and the trials were run on particular ones.

  • pTeroPure (ChromaDex Pharmaceutical-Grade)

    Rating: gold

    ChromaDex pharmaceutical-grade pterostilbene with documented quality control and substantial clinical research investment. The dominant commercial source of standardized pterostilbene; licensed to multiple premium supplement manufacturers globally. Used in Riche 2014 foundational human trial and subsequent clinical research. Premium pricing justified by pharmaceutical-grade standardization and clinical inheritance.

  • Pterostilbene + Resveratrol Combinations

    Rating: gold

    Common premium longevity supplement combination, typically 50-100mg pterostilbene + 250-500mg trans-resveratrol. Mechanistically reasonable comprehensive stilbene supplementation combining superior pterostilbene bioavailability with substantial resveratrol clinical evidence base. Common in Thorne, Pure Encapsulations, Life Extension, and similar premium brands.

  • Pterostilbene + NMN Longevity Combinations

    Rating: good

    Premium longevity supplement combination following Sinclair-aligned framework, pterostilbene + NMN (or NR) providing NAD+ substrate plus sirtuin pathway modulation. Clinical evidence for combination effects beyond individual components remains preliminary. Substantial premium pricing.

  • Basis (Elysium Health Pterostilbene + NR Combination)

    Rating: gold

    Elysium Health proprietary combination of pterostilbene + nicotinamide riboside (NR), substantial commercial brand positioning based on Guarente sirtuin research framework. Premium consumer longevity supplement positioning; mechanistically reasonable framework.

  • Generic Pterostilbene Capsules

    Rating: good

    Generic pterostilbene products without pTeroPure branding may use alternative synthetic sources or plant-derived extracts. Quality variation potentially substantial; reputable manufacturers with third-party testing recommended. Lower cost than pTeroPure-branded products.

  • Pterostilbene + Bioavailability-Enhanced Resveratrol Combinations

    Rating: good

    Combination formulations providing pterostilbene with bioavailability-enhanced resveratrol forms (phytosome, liposomal, micronized). Premium positioning emphasizing comprehensive stilbene bioavailability optimization.

  • Whole Blueberries (Dietary Source)

    Rating: caution

    Blueberries (Vaccinium species) provide modest pterostilbene content (0.1-1.5mg per 100g fresh berries), therapeutic dose ranges (50-250mg) would require kilograms of fresh blueberries daily, impractical for therapeutic purposes. Dietary blueberry consumption provides substantial broader phytochemical benefits independent of pterostilbene; the "eat blueberries for pterostilbene" framing dramatically misrepresents therapeutic dietary contribution.

  • Premium Longevity Stack Formulations

    Rating: good

    Pterostilbene commonly included in comprehensive longevity stacks alongside resveratrol, NMN/NR, quercetin, CoQ10, and other longevity supplements. Mechanistically reasonable comprehensive support; verify individual component doses rather than relying on combination positioning.

Who it works for, and who it does not

  • Hypercholesterolemia / lipid management

    Strength of evidence for this group: modest

    Riche 2014 foundational human trial demonstrated modest LDL reduction at 250mg/day pterostilbene over 6-8 weeks. Effect sizes modest; reasonable adjunct to comprehensive lipid management. Coordinate with cardiology for established lipid disorders.

  • Cardiovascular risk reduction (preliminary)

    Strength of evidence for this group: cautious

    Riche 2014 subset analysis demonstrated modest blood pressure improvements; substantial preclinical cardiovascular evidence supports continued research interest. Human clinical evidence remains preliminary; reasonable component of comprehensive cardiovascular nutrition.

  • Longevity / healthspan supplementation

    Strength of evidence for this group: cautious

    Sinclair-aligned longevity framework prominently includes pterostilbene; Elysium Health Basis brand (NR + pterostilbene) substantially shapes consumer longevity supplementation. Clinical evidence for longevity outcomes remains preliminary; reasonable component of comprehensive longevity nutrition framework.

  • Metabolic syndrome / type 2 diabetes (preliminary)

    Strength of evidence for this group: cautious

    Preclinical AMPK activation and PPAR-alpha effects support metabolic applications. Riche 2014 included weight and metabolic parameter improvements as secondary outcomes. Human clinical evidence remains preliminary; reasonable adjunct to comprehensive metabolic management.

  • Cognitive function and neuroprotection (preliminary)

    Strength of evidence for this group: cautious

    Substantial preclinical neuroprotection evidence (Tsai 2017, Wang 2016) supports cognitive research framework. Human clinical translation remains preliminary; reasonable component of comprehensive cognitive nutrition.

  • Cancer chemoprevention (preliminary)

    Strength of evidence for this group: cautious

    Substantial preclinical cancer chemoprevention evidence across multiple cancer models. Human clinical translation remains preliminary; not standalone cancer prevention intervention. Specialist consideration; not substitute for established cancer screening.

  • Senolytic applications (research-grade)

    Strength of evidence for this group: cautious

    Hou 2020 and emerging research support pterostilbene senolytic activity, particularly in combination with other senolytic agents. Research-grade application; not established clinical senolytic intervention. Specialist research coordination.

  • Healthy adults (preventive supplementation)

    Strength of evidence for this group: cautious

    Most adults achieve modest polyphenol intake through dietary sources. Routine pterostilbene supplementation in healthy non-deficient users is research-grade longevity positioning rather than established preventive intervention. Reasonable component of comprehensive longevity nutrition for users prioritizing this approach; not universally needed.

  • Pregnancy and lactation

    Strength of evidence for this group: avoid

    Limited safety data in pregnancy and lactation. Generally avoid systemic supplementation in pregnancy; coordinate with OB-GYN.

  • Hormone-sensitive cancers

    Strength of evidence for this group: cautious

    Theoretical mild phytoestrogen activity (similar to resveratrol) warrants caution in users with current or history of estrogen-sensitive cancers. Oncology coordination.

  • Pediatric use

    Strength of evidence for this group: avoid

    No pediatric safety data; not appropriate for routine pediatric supplementation.

  • Anticoagulant users

    Strength of evidence for this group: cautious

    Mild antiplatelet effects (similar to resveratrol); theoretical interaction with anticoagulants. Pre-surgical discontinuation 2 weeks; coordinate with anticoagulation management.

Taken with other things

Combinations people actually use. Evidence for one ingredient is not evidence for a pair.

  • Trans-Resveratrol

    Interaction: synergy

    Common comprehensive stilbene combination. Mechanistically complementary, pterostilbene provides superior bioavailability and tissue penetration; resveratrol provides substantial clinical evidence base. Common in premium longevity supplements.

  • NMN / NR (NAD+ Precursors)

    Interaction: synergy

    Mechanistically integrated longevity framework, NAD+ precursors provide substrate; pterostilbene modulates sirtuin and AMPK pathways. The Elysium Health Basis brand (NR + pterostilbene) substantially shapes consumer perception. Common in Sinclair-aligned longevity supplementation.

  • Quercetin

    Interaction: synergy

    Comprehensive polyphenol antioxidant combination. Mechanistically complementary, pterostilbene provides stilbene-specific pathways and superior bioavailability; quercetin provides flavonol pharmacology and mast cell stabilization. Common in comprehensive antioxidant formulations.

  • Curcumin

    Interaction: synergy

    Common polyphenol combination for comprehensive anti-inflammatory applications. Mechanistically complementary anti-inflammatory pathways.

  • CoQ10

    Interaction: synergy

    Common combination in cardiovascular and aging supplementation. Mechanistically complementary, CoQ10 provides mitochondrial electron transport support; pterostilbene provides AMPK pathway modulation.

  • Statins

    Interaction: caution

    Pterostilbene effects on lipid metabolism (Riche 2014 LDL reduction) may interact with statin pharmacodynamics. Coordinate with cardiology; monitor lipid panels with combined use.

  • Anticoagulants (Warfarin, DOACs, Antiplatelets)

    Interaction: caution

    Mild antiplatelet effects similar to resveratrol; theoretical interaction with anticoagulants. Pre-surgical discontinuation 2 weeks; coordinate with anticoagulation management.

  • CYP3A4 Substrate Medications

    Interaction: caution

    Pterostilbene may modulate CYP3A4 activity (less well-characterized than resveratrol). Theoretical interaction with statins, calcium channel blockers, immunosuppressants, oral contraceptives. Coordinate with prescribing physician.

  • Hormone-Sensitive Cancers

    Interaction: caution

    Theoretical mild phytoestrogen activity warrants caution in users with current or history of hormone-sensitive cancers. Oncology coordination.

  • Diabetes Medications

    Interaction: caution

    AMPK activation may modestly enhance glucose-lowering effects of metformin and other diabetes medications. Monitor glucose with combined use; coordinate with endocrinology.

  • Pregnancy

    Interaction: avoid

    Limited pregnancy safety data; generally avoid systemic supplementation in pregnancy.

What to look for on the label

Look for: pTeroPure (ChromaDex) ingredient branding for premium pharmaceutical-grade positioning; explicit pterostilbene content per serving; appropriate dose for intended use (50-100mg/day longevity supplementation, 250mg/day clinical applications per Riche 2014); USP or NSF third-party verification; reputable manufacturer with quality control disclosure. Avoid: products without specific pterostilbene content disclosure; very low-cost generic pterostilbene products (likely quality compromise outside ChromaDex supply chain); aggressive marketing claims about lifespan extension or anti-aging that exceed evidence base; products from manufacturers without third-party testing; proprietary "longevity blends" obscuring pterostilbene dose.

Safety in detail

  • Generally well-tolerated at typical supplementation doses (50-250mg/day) based on Riche 2014 trial follow-up and accumulated commercial use record.
  • GI upset (mild nausea, abdominal discomfort) possible at higher doses; typically dose-related and resolves with dose reduction or food administration.
  • Riche 2014 trial observed possible elevation of LDL cholesterol in subset analysis, the cholesterol effects of pterostilbene may be complex with both LDL-reducing and LDL-elevating effects in different populations. Cardiology coordination for users with established lipid disorders.
  • Mild antiplatelet effects similar to resveratrol; pre-surgical discontinuation 2 weeks reasonable.
  • Theoretical mild phytoestrogen activity creates caution in pregnancy, lactation, and hormone-sensitive cancer contexts.
  • CYP3A4 modulation creates theoretical drug interactions; coordinate with prescribing physician for users on relevant medications.
  • Long-term safety data is limited relative to resveratrol, the substantially smaller clinical evidence base means safety profile is less comprehensively characterized.
  • Pregnancy and lactation: limited safety data; generally avoid by precautionary principle.
  • Pediatric use: no pediatric safety data; not appropriate for routine pediatric supplementation.
  • Quality variation across non-pTeroPure-branded products may be substantial, purity verification matters substantially given limited commercial standardization outside ChromaDex pTeroPure ingredient supply.
  • The substantially smaller clinical evidence base relative to resveratrol means safety profile assessment relies more heavily on extrapolation from preclinical and analog (resveratrol) safety data than direct clinical follow-up.

What people get wrong

  • Often saidPterostilbene is the same as resveratrol.

    ActuallyMechanistically related but pharmacologically distinct. The methylated structure produces approximately 80% bioavailability versus <1% free trans-resveratrol, addressing the most substantial pharmacological constraint of resveratrol supplementation. The methoxy substitutions also affect tissue distribution, metabolism, and some specific mechanism profiles.

  • Often saidEating blueberries provides therapeutic pterostilbene.

    ActuallyTherapeutic doses (50-250mg) substantially exceed dietary intake from any reasonable food consumption, blueberries contain 0.1-1.5mg per 100g, requiring kilograms of fresh blueberries daily for therapeutic-range exposure. Supplementation is required for therapeutic doses; blueberry consumption provides substantial broader phytochemical benefits independent of pterostilbene.

  • Often saidPterostilbene extends human lifespan.

    ActuallyPreclinical lifespan and healthspan evidence is genuinely interesting; human lifespan extension claims substantially exceed current evidence base. The longevity framework is research-grade interest rather than established human intervention.

  • Often saidHigher pterostilbene doses produce proportionally better outcomes.

    ActuallyThe substantial bioavailability advantage means therapeutic-range supplementation can occur at substantially lower mg doses than resveratrol. 50-100mg pterostilbene provides similar or greater systemic exposure than 500-1000mg trans-resveratrol. Standard supplementation should stay within reasonable dose range.

  • Often saidAll pterostilbene products are equivalent.

    ActuallySubstantial quality variation outside ChromaDex pTeroPure supply chain, purity verification matters substantially. The pTeroPure ingredient provides foundational supply chain transparency; generic pterostilbene products vary substantially in quality.

  • Often saidPterostilbene safety is well-established.

    ActuallyThe clinical evidence base is substantially smaller than resveratrol, long-term safety profile relies heavily on extrapolation from preclinical data and analog (resveratrol) safety. Reasonable but not as comprehensively characterized as resveratrol safety profile.

  • Often saidPterostilbene cures cardiovascular disease.

    ActuallyRiche 2014 demonstrated modest LDL reduction and BP improvements over 6-8 weeks. Mainstream cardiovascular medicine has not incorporated pterostilbene into standard care; not substitute for established lipid management or cardiovascular medicine.

Who profits, and who pushes back

  • Mainstream cardiovascular medicine integration

    Pushes backACC/AHA guidelines

    Despite Riche 2014 modest LDL reduction evidence and substantial preclinical cardiovascular evidence, pterostilbene has not gained integration into mainstream cardiovascular medicine guidelines for lipid management or cardiovascular risk reduction. The established lipid management hierarchy (statins, dietary modification, ezetimibe, PCSK9 inhibitors for select patients) remains standard care. Reasonable component of comprehensive cardiovascular nutrition; not substitute for established lipid management in users with established cardiovascular disease or significant risk factors.

  • Longevity framework clinical evidence

    Pushes backLimited rigorous outcome trials

    The pterostilbene longevity framework prominently included in Sinclair-aligned supplementation, Elysium Health Basis, and Bryan Johnson Blueprint represents substantial preclinical mechanism evidence with limited human clinical outcome translation. The longevity outcome claims substantially exceed current rigorous clinical evidence base. The mechanism plausibility is real; the clinical outcome translation remains preliminary. Reasonable position: pterostilbene is reasonable component of comprehensive longevity nutrition for users prioritizing this approach; not established intervention with documented lifespan or healthspan outcomes.

  • Daniel Riche

    Promotes itUniversity of Mississippi · foundational human clinical trial

    Lead author of foundational 2014 Mol Nutr Food Res human pterostilbene clinical trial. Independent academic. Substantial subsequent research career.

  • Agnes Rimando

    Promotes itUSDA · blueberry pterostilbene characterization

    Lead author of foundational 2004 J Agric Food Chem blueberry pterostilbene characterization. Independent USDA researcher. Foundational contribution establishing dietary source framework.

  • Izet Kapetanovic

    Promotes itFoundational pharmacokinetic characterization

    Lead author of foundational 2011 J Nutritional Biochemistry pharmacokinetic characterization demonstrating 80% bioavailability. Independent academic; foundational contribution establishing pharmacological case for pterostilbene supplementation.

  • ChromaDex Corporation

    Sells this. Has a commercial interest in a product sold as this compound, as of July 2026.

    Promotes itpTeroPure pharmaceutical-grade pterostilbene manufacturer

    Dominant commercial source of pharmaceutical-grade pterostilbene through proprietary synthetic chemistry. Substantial commercial interest in pterostilbene category. Disclosed industry context. The pTeroPure ingredient is the foundational supply chain for premium consumer supplementation globally.

  • Elysium Health (Leonard Guarente, Eric Marcotulli)

    Sells this. Has a commercial interest in a product sold as this compound, as of July 2026.

    Promotes itBasis brand (NR + pterostilbene combination)

    Founded 2014 by Guarente (MIT sirtuin researcher) and Marcotulli. Basis brand substantial commercial influence on consumer pterostilbene perception. Disclosed industry context. Strong scientific advisory board provides academic credibility for premium positioning.

  • David Sinclair

    Sells this. Has a commercial interest in a product sold as this compound, as of July 2026.

    Promotes itHarvard · longevity framework expansion

    Substantial influence on consumer longevity supplementation including pterostilbene positioning through Lifespan book, podcast, and various commercial associations. Mixed independence with substantial commercial influence disclosed.

  • Bryan Johnson

    Sells this. Has a commercial interest in a product sold as this compound, as of July 2026.

    Promotes itBlueprint longevity protocol · consumer advocate

    Substantial public promotion of pterostilbene as part of Blueprint longevity protocol. Direct-to-consumer Blueprint supplement company commercial interest. Disclosed commercial context.

  • Joseph Maroon

    Promotes itUniversity of Pittsburgh · sports neurology · longevity supplementation

    Substantial advocacy for longevity supplementation including pterostilbene in cognitive and aging contexts. Independent academic with disclosed industry collaborations.

How we got here

Pterostilbene's history traces to the 1934 isolation by Eduard Spath and Johann Schlager from heartwood of Pterocarpus santalinus (red sandalwood), published in Berichte der Deutschen Chemischen Gesellschaft. The Pterocarpus genus name provides the etymology. The compound remained a chemical curiosity for decades; modest research interest emerged through the late 20th century as polyphenol biology research expanded broadly. The modern dietary characterization era began with Agnes Rimando and USDA colleagues' 2004 J Agric Food Chem characterization of pterostilbene content in blueberries and various plant sources, establishing the "blueberry pterostilbene" framework that would substantially influence subsequent consumer market positioning. The blueberry source positioning provided dietary credibility for the emerging supplement category. The pharmacological characterization era developed substantially through the 2000s-2010s with substantial preclinical mechanism characterization, AMPK activation, PPAR-alpha activation, NF-kB modulation, Nrf2/ARE pathway activation, antioxidant effects, cardiovascular protective effects, cancer chemoprevention activity, and neuroprotection. McCormack 2012 J Pharmacol Exp Ther provided comprehensive preclinical pharmacology characterization. The Estrela 2013 Crit Rev Clin Lab Sci review consolidated the preclinical evidence base. The critical pharmacokinetic characterization came with Kapetanovic 2011 J Nutritional Biochemistry, demonstrating approximately 80% oral bioavailability versus <1% free trans-resveratrol. This bioavailability advantage fundamentally addresses the most substantial pharmacological constraint of resveratrol supplementation and provides the foundational pharmacological case for pterostilbene as superior stilbene supplementation form. The modern human clinical evidence era began with Riche 2014 Mol Nutr Food Res, the foundational human clinical trial of pterostilbene (125mg twice daily) in adults with hypercholesterolemia, demonstrating modest LDL reduction, blood pressure improvements, and weight changes over 6-8 weeks. Subsequent human clinical evidence has been modest in scale relative to resveratrol. The ChromaDex commercial development era developed substantially through the 2010s. ChromaDex Corporation produced pTeroPure pharmaceutical-grade pterostilbene through proprietary synthetic chemistry and licensed the ingredient to premium supplement manufacturers globally. The substantial commercial development addressed the impractical natural plant supply challenge for therapeutic-range supplementation. The Elysium Health era began in 2014 with company founding by Leonard Guarente (MIT sirtuin researcher) and Eric Marcotulli. The Basis brand (NR + pterostilbene combination) launched as premium consumer longevity supplementation. The brand substantially shapes consumer pterostilbene perception through scientific advisory board prominence and academic-aligned positioning. The brand has continued evolution including subsequent product launches. The Sinclair longevity framework expansion through the 2010s-2020s prominently included pterostilbene in comprehensive longevity stacks. The Lifespan book (2019) and Sinclair's media presence have substantially expanded consumer interest in pterostilbene as part of broader longevity supplementation. The Bryan Johnson Blueprint protocol (2022-2024) prominently includes pterostilbene in the daily longevity protocol, substantially influencing consumer adoption among the longevity supplementation community. The modern consumer market has expanded substantially through the 2010s-2020s with pterostilbene emerging as among the most-promoted premium longevity supplements globally. The category continues to evolve with formulation development, combination expansion, and consumer market expansion despite the substantially smaller clinical evidence base relative to resveratrol.

  1. 1934Spath and Schlager isolate pterostilbene from red sandalwood (Berichte)
  2. 1990s-2000sPreclinical pharmacology characterization
  3. 2004Rimando blueberry characterization (J Agric Food Chem)
  4. 2011Kapetanovic foundational pharmacokinetics, 80% bioavailability (J Nutr Biochem)
  5. 2012McCormack comprehensive preclinical pharmacology (J Pharmacol Exp Ther)
  6. 2013Estrela comprehensive review (Crit Rev Clin Lab Sci)
  7. 2014Riche foundational human clinical trial (Mol Nutr Food Res); Elysium Health founded
  8. 2015Lin cancer chemoprevention preclinical (Anticancer Res)
  9. 2016Wang cognitive aging preclinical (Mol Nutr Food Res)
  10. 2017Tsai neuroprotection preclinical (Mol Nutr Food Res)
  11. 2018Kosuru cardiovascular preclinical (Eur J Pharmacol)
  12. 2019Sinclair Lifespan book popularizes longevity supplementation
  13. 2020Hou senolytic activity (J Gerontol)
  14. 2022-2024Bryan Johnson Blueprint protocol prominence
  15. 2010s-2020sConsumer longevity supplement market expansion

What we do not know

  • Whether the substantially smaller clinical evidence base relative to resveratrol will mature into comprehensive evidence comparable to resveratrol or remain a niche premium positioning.
  • Whether the superior bioavailability translates to clinically meaningful advantages in human outcome trials, the pharmacokinetic advantage is clear but clinical outcome translation at equivalent dose remains preliminary.
  • Whether the Riche 2014 LDL cholesterol effects (with possible variable direction in subset analysis) will be clarified by larger comprehensive cardiovascular trials.
  • Whether the senolytic applications (Hou 2020 emerging research) will mature into established clinical protocols.
  • Whether the Elysium Health Basis (NR + pterostilbene) combination produces clinically meaningful longevity outcomes beyond consumer wellness framework, substantial commercial brand positioning but rigorous long-term clinical evidence remains preliminary.
  • Whether genetic variants affecting pterostilbene metabolism produce individual variability in clinical response.
  • Whether the natural blueberry pterostilbene framing should be substantially recalibrated in consumer communications, therapeutic doses require supplementation, not dietary modification.
  • How best to integrate pterostilbene supplementation with established cardiovascular and metabolic management given the preliminary nature of human clinical evidence relative to established interventions.

The market for this

What follows describes how this is bought and sold. It is not a buying guide and it is not an endorsement of any seller.

Pterostilbene commercial sourcing involves predominantly synthetic chemistry production rather than natural plant extraction. ChromaDex pTeroPure is produced through proprietary synthetic chemistry providing pharmaceutical-grade standardization, the dominant commercial source globally. Alternative synthetic production exists through Chinese and Indian chemical manufacturers with variable quality. Natural plant extraction from red sandalwood (Pterocarpus santalinus), blueberries, or other natural sources is impractical for commercial supply given low natural content, therapeutic-range pterostilbene would require enormous plant material. The ChromaDex commercial framework licenses pTeroPure ingredient to premium supplement manufacturers globally, providing consistent supply chain transparency. Quality variation across consumer supplements outside the pTeroPure supply chain is potentially substantial; third-party testing (USP, NSF) addresses quality verification concerns. The category has emerged substantially through the 2010s-2020s as premium longevity supplementation has expanded. Pricing reflects synthetic chemistry costs, brand positioning, and combination formulation complexity rather than fundamental raw material scarcity.

At a glance

Class
Stilbene polyphenol antioxidant (methylated resveratrol analog)
Structure
3,5-dimethoxy-4'-hydroxystilbene
First isolation
1934 (Spath and Schlager, red sandalwood)
Major dietary source
Blueberries (0.1-1.5mg per 100g)
Standard supplementation
50-250mg pterostilbene daily
Riche 2014 cholesterol protocol
125mg twice daily

What this entry does not yet cover

What follows is unfinished work on our side, not a finding about Pterostilbene. A short entry is not a safe entry.

  • Cost and market. We have not documented what it sells for or who sells it.
  • Supply chain. We have not mapped where it is made.
  • Who uses it. We have not documented the user groups.
  • What could change. No forward-looking summary yet.
  • How it compares. We have not set it against the alternatives.
  • Children and teenagers. We have not checked what is known about younger people.
  • Where we land. We have not taken a position on this yet.

Sources

The studies that matter

  • Spath and Schlager pterostilbene isolationBerichte 1934

    Austrian researchers Eduard Spath and Johann Schlager first isolated pterostilbene from heartwood of Pterocarpus santalinus (red sandalwood). Foundational chemistry characterization establishing the methylated resveratrol structure that would emerge as pharmacologically significant decades later.

  • Rimando blueberry pterostilbene characterizationJ Agric Food Chem 2004

    Agnes Rimando and colleagues at USDA characterized pterostilbene content in blueberries and various plant sources. Foundational dietary occurrence characterization that established the "blueberry pterostilbene" consumer framing.

  • Kapetanovic pterostilbene pharmacokineticsJ Nutr Biochem 2011

    Foundational pharmacokinetic characterization demonstrating pterostilbene has approximately 80% oral bioavailability versus <1% free trans-resveratrol, addressing the most substantial pharmacological constraint of resveratrol supplementation. Foundational mechanism for improved clinical translation potential.

  • McCormack pterostilbene preclinical comprehensiveJ Pharmacol Exp Ther 2012

    Comprehensive preclinical characterization of pterostilbene pharmacology, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, AMPK activation, PPAR-alpha activation, and modest cardiovascular effects. Foundational mechanism framework supporting clinical research interest.

  • Riche pterostilbene cholesterol RCTMol Nutr Food Res 2014

    Daniel Riche University of Mississippi RCT of pterostilbene (125mg twice daily) in adults with hypercholesterolemia: modest LDL reduction, blood pressure improvement, and weight changes over 6-8 weeks. Foundational first human clinical trial of pterostilbene supplementation.

  • Riche pterostilbene blood pressure subset analysisPhytother Res 2014

    Subset analysis from foundational pterostilbene trial demonstrating modest blood pressure improvements. Foundational cardiovascular intervention evidence.

  • Kosuru pterostilbene cardiovascular preclinicalEur J Pharmacol 2018

    Mechanistic characterization of pterostilbene cardiovascular protective effects in preclinical models. Continued mechanism characterization supporting cardiovascular research framework.

  • Wang pterostilbene cognitive aging preclinicalMol Nutr Food Res 2016

    Preclinical characterization of pterostilbene in cognitive function and aging-related cognitive decline. Mechanism framework supporting cognitive research interest; human translation remains preliminary.

  • Estrela comprehensive pterostilbene reviewCrit Rev Clin Lab Sci 2013

    Spanish comprehensive review consolidating pterostilbene pharmacology, preclinical evidence, and clinical translation potential. Foundational integrated assessment.

  • Lin pterostilbene cancer chemoprevention preclinicalAnticancer Res 2015

    Substantial preclinical evidence for pterostilbene cancer chemoprevention across multiple cancer models. Foundational cancer research framework; human clinical evidence remains preliminary.

  • Hou pterostilbene senolytic activityJ Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2020

    Preclinical characterization of pterostilbene senolytic activity, particularly in combination with other senolytic agents. Continued senolytic research framework expansion beyond original D+Q (dasatinib + quercetin) framework.

  • Tsai pterostilbene neuroprotectionMol Nutr Food Res 2017

    Preclinical neuroprotection evidence supporting potential applications in age-related cognitive decline and neurodegenerative conditions. Mechanism framework; human translation preliminary.