Pterostilbene Protects Against Colon and Digestive Cancers

Pterostilbene is garnering much attention as a powerful nutrient found naturally in the skin of many berries and fruit varieties. According to research published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, the compound is more potent than its close cousin, resveratrol in preventing the development of colon cancer.

Researchers found that pterostilbene was highly effective at increasing the expression of genes responsible for the generation of powerful protective antioxidant enzymes. The nutrient can be obtained by eating a diet largely based on raw vegetables and fruits or can be supplemented to dramatically reduce the risk of digestive cancers.

Pterostilbene is a Potent Natural Antioxidant That Aids Digestive Health

Pterostilbene has been found to be a potent antioxidant agent that targets the digestive tract and in this study was associated with decreased inflammation as well as modulation of the antioxidant signaling pathways in the colon. Researchers from the National Kaohsiung Marine University in Taiwan compared the effect of pterostilbene and resveratrol and commented their “findings strongly suggested the chemopreventive potential of dietary administration of pterostilbene against colonic tumorigenesis.” 

Extensive scientific studies have highlighted the health-promoting effects of resveratrol and suggested a strong link to life extension through its anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory effects. Resveratrol exerts powerful cardiovascular benefits, anti-diabetes potential, energy endurance enhancement, and protection against Alzheimer’s disease. Both nutrients have evolved to protect plants from the damaging effects of their environment and are now rapidly emerging as protective agents for the human body.

Pterostilbene Protects Against Colon and Digestive Cancers

Pterostilbene has many properties in common with resveratrol and this research provides evidence that it specifically works to prevent digestive system cancers, the second leading cause of cancer deaths that takes the lives of more than 50,000 Americans each year. Researchers noted both resveratrol and pterostilbene block cellular inflammation and oxidative stress, though “pterostilbene was a more potent chemopreventive agent than resveratrol for the prevention of colon cancer.” Pterostilbene was shown to specifically inhibit the initiation and proliferation of colon cancer cells in a dose dependent manner when compared with resveratrol.

Pterostilbene and resveratrol are naturally found in grapes, most berry species and red wine. Scientific research is showing that the closely-related nutrients work synergistically to aid human health, prevent digestive tumor formation and extend lifespan. Nutrition experts recommend 25 to 50 mg of each nutrient daily. Most health conscious people will need to take a quality supplement to achieve these levels for optimal protection against chronic disease.