PTEROSTILBENE: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF ITS PHARMACOLOGICAL EFFECTS AND THERAPEUTIC POTENTIAL

Abstract

Pterostilbene is a bioactive phenolic compound belonging to the stilbene class; it is structurally analogous to resveratrol but possesses superior pharmacokinetic properties—such as higher oral bioavailability, metabolic stability, and a prolonged plasma half-life—that enhance its therapeutic potential. This study aimed to systematically analyze the pharmacological effects of pterostilbene, emphasizing its molecular mechanisms of action and identifying gaps in the scientific literature. A systematic review was conducted using indexed databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar) and employing both controlled descriptors and free-text terms in Portuguese and English. Experimental and clinical studies published within the last fifteen years were included and analyzed using a narrative and comparative approach. The results demonstrate that pterostilbene exerts pleiotropic effects, modulating pathways related to oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and cellular energy metabolism. Key mechanisms include activation of the Nrf2/ARE pathway, reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines (such as TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6), and inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression. Its high lipophilicity facilitates cellular permeability and crossing of the blood-brain barrier, expanding its potential application in cardiovascular, neurodegenerative, metabolic, and neoplastic diseases. However, significant limitations remain, such as a scarcity of randomized clinical trials, methodological heterogeneity, and a lack of standardized dosing. Consequently, robust translational studies are required to confirm the efficacy, safety, and clinical applicability of pterostilbene, thereby consolidating its role as a promising candidate for contemporary therapeutic use.