Abstract
Pterostilbene is a chemical classified as a benzylidene compound (more specifically a stilbene) and is biologically classified as a phytoalexin, which are antimicrobial substances that are part of the plant’s defense system and are synthesized in response to pathogen infection. This monograph focuses on trans-pterostilbene. Stilbenes are low molecular weight (approximately 200-300 g/mol), naturally occurring polyphenol compounds produced by a variety of plants that secrete them in response to environmental challenges such as viral, microbial, and fungal infection or excessive ultraviolet exposure.1 Stilbenes are found in a wide range of plant families, including Vitis and Vaccinium.2,3 These molecules are synthesized via the phenylpropanoid pathway and are structurally similar to estrogen.4 Natural sources of pterostilbene include Vitis vinifera, Vaccinium spp., and Pterocarpus spp. Ayurvedic medicine cites Darakchasava as a well-known Indian herbal preparation of Vitis vinifera that contains pterostilbene and is prescribed as a cardiotonic.5 In addition, Pterocarpus marsupium has been used for many years in the treatment of diabetes mellitus. Pterostilbene was found to be one of the active constituents in the extracts (known as Vijyasar) of the Pterocarpus marsupium heartwood. It is suggested that pterostilbene might be one of the principal antidiabetic constituents in these extracts.6-9 Pterostilbene is known to have diverse pharmacological benefits for the prevention and treatment of a wide variety of diseases, including cancer,10-15 dyslipidemia,16 diabetes,8,17,18 cardiovascular degeneration,17 and pain.19 As a potent chemo preventive, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory agent, pterostilbene has the potential to ameliorate the effects of aging when used by healthy individuals.7 Pterostilbene may be effective in correcting the dyslipidemia that leads to atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease, as it can increase the HDL/ LDL cholesterol ratio.20 Colon cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer mortality in men and women in Western countries. Epidemiological studies have linked the consumption of fruits and vegetables to a reduced risk of colon cancer, in particular small fruits that are particularly rich sources of pterostilbene and other pharmacologically active stilbenes.14 Recent advances in the study of colon cancer have stimulated an interest in diet and lifestyle as an effective means of prevention. As constituents of small fruits such as grapes and berries and their products, stilbenes are under intense investigation as cancer chemopreventive agents.21 One of the best characterized stilbenes, resveratrol, is known to be an antioxidant and an anti-aging compound, as well as an anti-inflammatory agent.22 Pterostilbene is closely related structurally to resveratrol and shows many of the same characteristics, as well as its own unique therapeutic potential.21