New Cancer Inhibitor in the Limelight: Pterostilbene, Move Aside Resveratrol

Pterostilbene (pronounced “tare-o-STILL-bean”) is a compound found in a genus of shrubs that includes many types of berries (including blueberries) and grapes that has been cited for its many health benefits:

• pterostilbene can help lower cholesterol and prevent heart disease
• pterostilbene is a powerful antioxidant that shows cancer-fighting properties similar to those of resveratrol

Such studies have been led by USDA/ARS Chemist Agnes Rimando.

Her recent study with colleagues at Poland’s University of Medical Science which tested pterostilbene (a derivative of resveratrol) and other resveratrols confirmed pterostilbene’s anti-cancer properties.

”…targeted an enzyme called cytochrome P450, which sets off a variety of compounds–known as “procarcinogens–that can turn substances such as cigarette smoke and pesticides into cancer-causing agents. Cytochromes are a factor in people’s varying responses to drugs and toxins entering their bodies.

While more studies are needed to explain the process, in this study, pterostilbene showed strong inhibitory activity (much more than resveratrol) against a particular form of cytochrome P450.

Source: USDA/ARS

[Photo Credit: www.cpq.net]