Trans-Pterostilbene · 3,5-dimethoxy-4'-hydroxystilbene
More bioavailable resveratrol analogue with better half-life and CNS penetration.
FDA
Research Only
WADA
Not Listed
HALF-LIFE
~7 hours (vs ~1–3 for resveratrol)
ROUTE
Oral
SCHEDULE
Daily
In Plain English
More bioavailable resveratrol analogue with better half-life and CNS penetration.
Status & Legality
NATTY?
No Test ExistsNo established test exists for this compound.
FDA
Research OnlyFor research purposes only. Not FDA approved.
WADA
Not ListedNot currently on WADA prohibited list.
COMPOUNDING
Not from pharmaciesNot available from licensed compounding pharmacies.
PRESCRIBED
Not prescribedNot prescribed in conventional medicine.
ROUTE
OralAdministration via oral.
Sirtuin activation
Cognitive protection
Anti-aging
Metabolic support
Pterostilbene is a naturally occurring stilbene found in blueberries and Pterocarpus marsupium bark. It is structurally similar to resveratrol but with two methoxy groups that dramatically improve oral bioavailability (80% vs ~20% for resveratrol) and blood-brain barrier penetration. It activates SIRT1, reduces inflammation, and improves cognitive function in animal studies. Its longer half-life makes once-daily dosing effective.
Mild LDL increase at high doses in some studies (monitor lipids)
GI discomfort occasionally
Generally very well tolerated
Theoretical mild estrogenic effect at high doses
Using alongside full-dose resveratrol — they have the same mechanism; use pterostilbene as a replacement (1:3 dose ratio) or reduce both to half-dose when combining
Not monitoring LDL at high doses — some studies note modest LDL increases at doses above 250 mg; check lipids periodically
Expecting faster results than resveratrol due to better bioavailability — higher bioavailability means more reliable tissue levels, not faster onset of effect
Warfarin — similar mild anticoagulant effect as resveratrol; monitor INR at higher doses
CYP2C9 substrates — mild enzyme inhibition; check relevant drug interactions
Estrogen medications — same mild estrogenic activity concern as resveratrol at high doses
Pterostilbene is the practical upgrade from resveratrol — 80% bioavailability vs ~20%, longer half-life, and better CNS penetration. Use it as a 1:3 replacement (100 mg pterostilbene ≈ 300 mg resveratrol). The LDL note is worth tracking at higher doses. For the NMN + sirtuin activator stack, pterostilbene is the better long-term choice for most people.
Stats
Sources & Studies
McCormack D, McFadden D., Anticancer Res, 2012