Pterostilbene (trans-3,5-dimethoxy-4-hydroxystilbene) is an
antioxidant that is primarily found in blueberries. Studies suggest that
pterostilbene exhibits the hallmark characteristics of an effective
anticancer agent based on its
antineoplastic properties in several common
malignancies. In vitro models have shown that
pterostilbene inhibits
cancer growth through alteration of the cell cycle, induction of apoptosis, and inhibition of
metastasis. In vivo,
pterostilbene inhibits
tumorigenesis and
metastasis with negligible toxicity.
Pterostilbene has also been shown to be effective as an inducer of
antioxidant capacity in multiple
cancer cell lines that may facilitate its function as an anticarcinogenic compound. Additionally, preliminary studies show that
pterostilbene exhibits much greater bioavailability compared with other
stilbene compounds; however the exact pharmacologic mechanism of
pterostilbene and its effects in humans are still under investigation. In this review, we present a comprehensive summary of the
antineoplastic mechanisms of
pterostilbene based on the results of preclinical studies and highlight recent advances in the study of this dietary compound.