Pterostilbene is a naturally-occurring dimethyl ether analog of resveratrol that is abundant in blueberries. Like resveratrol, pterostilbene acts as a powerful antioxidant, suppresses the synthesis of prostaglandin E2 from lipopolysaccharide-stimulated human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (IC50 = 1.0 μM for pterostilbene, 3.2 μM for resveratrol), and inhibits cell proliferation (IC50 = ~60 μM for both compounds). Pterostilbene blocks the activation of ERK1/2, p38 MAPK, and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways, reducing NF-κB and AP-1 transcriptional activation. Through these actions, pterostilbene evokes effects that prevent cancer, inflammation, and diabetes.
