Intervention

Pterostilbene

Last updated Sat May 30 2026 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Pre-clinical— Bioavailability beats resveratrol; outcomes thinner

What it is

Pterostilbene is a naturally occurring dimethyl-ether analog of resveratrol found in blueberries and the heartwood of Pterocarpus marsupium. The two methyl groups dramatically improve oral bioavailability and half-life.

Why it’s in many supplements

Pterostilbene is the polyphenol paired with nicotinamide riboside in Elysium Health’s Basis. The pairing rationale: NR raises NAD⁺, pterostilbene activates sirtuins (modest), together purportedly optimising sirtuin-mediated effects.

What the human evidence shows

Improves lipid markers in some trials; raises LDL in others.
Modest blood-pressure reduction.
Cognitive effects in older adults inconsistent.
No hard-endpoint data.

LDL signal

A 2013 RCT (Riche et al.) reported LDL elevation of ~9% on 125 mg twice daily in patients with hyperlipidaemia. If using pterostilbene long-term, monitor lipids.

References

McCormack, D. & McFadden, D. A review of pterostilbene antioxidant activity and disease modification. Oxid. Med. Cell. Longev. 2013, 575482 (2013).