Last verified: 17 days ago
Pterostilbene
Also known as: PTE, trans-pterostilbene, 3,5-dimethoxy-4'-hydroxystilbene, blueberry stilbene
Evidence under review. — Not yet rated
Resveratrol cousin found in blueberries. Early human trials show liver and antioxidant benefits; most evidence still preliminary.
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What it does
Pterostilbene is a natural polyphenol found in blueberries and grapes, structurally similar to resveratrol but with better absorption and metabolic stability. In early human trials, it has been...
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Evidence quality
Evidence base hasn't been formally rated yet. See research below.
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Clinical dose
10-200 mg daily based on study doses
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Found in
What the Science Says
Pterostilbene is a natural polyphenol found in blueberries and grapes, structurally similar to resveratrol but with better absorption and metabolic stability. In early human trials, it has been studied mostly in combination with nicotinamide riboside (NR), where the pair showed reductions in liver enzyme markers (ALT and GGT) in people with fatty liver disease and increased NAD+ levels in patients with acute kidney injury. A small pilot study in healthy men found it appeared safe at 10–100 mg daily over 12 weeks and altered certain blood microRNA markers, though the clinical meaning of those changes is unclear.
What It Doesn't Do
Won't reverse fatty liver on its own — the liver studies used it combined with nicotinamide riboside. No evidence it builds muscle or speeds muscle recovery after injury. Don't expect anti-aging miracles — the NAD+ and longevity angle is mostly animal and lab data. Cancer-fighting claims are based entirely on lab and animal studies, not human trials.
Evidence-Based Benefits
May lower liver enzyme levels (ALT and GGT) in adults with fatty liver disease when combined with nicotinamide riboside.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: 150 mg/d pterostilbene + 300 mg/d NR (as NRPT 1x dose)
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
Raises NAD+ levels in the blood when combined with nicotinamide riboside, even in people with acute kidney injury.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: 50–200 mg/d pterostilbene combined with NR
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
Appears safe with no reported adverse events at doses up to 100 mg/day over 12 weeks in healthy adults.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: 10–100 mg/d
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
Absorption & Bioavailability
Good — pterostilbene is noted across studies to have higher bioavailability and metabolic stability than resveratrol due to its methoxy groups, though direct human pharmacokinetic data was not provided in the supplied papers.
Red Flags to Watch For
- Most human trials tested pterostilbene combined with nicotinamide riboside (NR), making it impossible to separate pterostilbene's individual contribution from NR's effects.
- The largest human trials used it as part of a commercial product (Basis), creating potential industry bias.
- Dose-dependent effects were not observed in the NAFLD trial — the double dose did not outperform the standard dose, suggesting the dose-response relationship is poorly understood.
- Over 1,000 supplement products on the market contain pterostilbene, but human clinical evidence remains very limited — only 5 clinical trials indexed.
- Several promising applications (cancer, radiation protection, wound healing, antibacterial) are based entirely on lab, animal, or in vitro studies with no human data.
Products Containing Pterostilbene
See how Pterostilbene is used in these analyzed products:
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Pterostilbene do?
Resveratrol cousin found in blueberries. Early human trials show liver and antioxidant benefits; most evidence still preliminary.
What is the effective dose of Pterostilbene?
10-200 mg daily based on study doses
Is Pterostilbene safe?
Most human trials tested pterostilbene combined with nicotinamide riboside (NR), making it impossible to separate pterostilbene's individual contribution from NR's effects.
What doesn't Pterostilbene do?
Won't reverse fatty liver on its own — the liver studies used it combined with nicotinamide riboside.
Research Sources
- PubMed
- NIH DSLD
This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen. Last updated: 2026-05-25