# Pterostilbene Silbinol (Pterocarpus marsupium)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/pterostilbene-silbinol
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-30
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** Other
**Also Known As:** Silbinol®, Pterocarpus marsupium extract, Indian Kino Tree extract, Malabar Kino extract, Standardized pterostilbene extract, Vijaysar extract, Bijasal extract, Indian Redwood extract

## Overview

Pterostilbene Silbinol, derived from Pterocarpus marsupium heartwood, is a naturally occurring stilbenoid structurally similar to resveratrol but with superior bioavailability due to two methoxy groups replacing hydroxyl groups. It exerts antioxidant and [neuroprotective effect](/ingredients/condition/cognitive)s primarily by modulating NF-κB and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways, reducing [oxidative stress](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) and [inflammation](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) at the cellular level.

## Health Benefits

• Demonstrated safety profile in healthy adults with no adverse effects on vital signs or blood parameters (moderate evidence from one RCT, PMID: 37671486)
• Potential [antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) through modulation of NF-κB and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways (preliminary evidence from mechanistic studies)
• May support [cognitive function](/ingredients/condition/cognitive) due to blood-brain barrier penetration capabilities (preliminary evidence, no human efficacy trials)
• Possible [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects based on stilbenoid structure (theoretical based on mechanism, no clinical trials)
• Superior bioavailability compared to resveratrol due to resistance to glucuronidation (preliminary pharmacokinetic evidence)

## Mechanism of Action

Pterostilbene inhibits NF-κB nuclear translocation, suppressing [pro-inflammatory cytokine](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) transcription including TNF-α and IL-6. It also activates the PI3K/Akt survival signaling cascade, which promotes neuronal resilience and reduces apoptotic signaling via modulation of Bcl-2 family proteins. Its dimethylated structure relative to resveratrol confers greater lipophilicity, resulting in estimated oral bioavailability of approximately 80% versus roughly 20% for resveratrol, enabling more efficient cellular penetration and sustained plasma concentrations.

## Clinical Summary

One randomized controlled trial (PMID: 37671486) evaluated Pterostilbene Silbinol in healthy adults and reported no adverse effects on vital signs, complete blood count, or metabolic blood parameters, establishing a preliminary safety foundation. The study sample size was modest, limiting statistical power for efficacy conclusions, and the evidence is therefore rated moderate for safety rather than efficacy. Most mechanistic data supporting [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) and [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects originate from in vitro cell culture and preclinical animal models rather than adequately powered human trials. Larger, placebo-controlled clinical trials measuring cognitive endpoints such as processing speed, [working memory](/ingredients/condition/cognitive), or biomarkers like BDNF are needed before definitive efficacy claims can be substantiated.

## Nutritional Profile

Pterostilbene (trans-3,5-dimethoxy-4'-hydroxystilbene) is the primary bioactive stilbenoid compound isolated from Pterocarpus marsupium heartwood. Silbinol® is a standardized extract typically containing 5–10% pterostilbene by weight, alongside minor phenolic constituents including marsupsin, pterosupin, and epicatechin. Key bioactive compounds: • Pterostilbene: a dimethylated analog of resveratrol (molecular weight 256.3 g/mol), present at approximately 50–100 mg per gram of standardized extract; exhibits significantly higher oral bioavailability (~80%) compared to resveratrol (~20%) due to the two methoxy groups enhancing lipophilicity and metabolic stability. • Epicatechin: a flavan-3-ol present in minor quantities (~1–3% of extract), contributing to [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) capacity. • Marsupsin and pterosupin: unique bicyclic dihydrochalcones found in Pterocarpus marsupium bark and heartwood, present at trace to low concentrations (~0.5–2%), with reported hypoglycemic activity. • Additional polyphenolic tannins and flavonoids in trace amounts. The extract is not a significant source of macronutrients (protein, fat, carbohydrates, fiber) or essential vitamins/minerals, as it is consumed in milligram-level doses (typical supplemental dose: 50–450 mg/day of extract, delivering approximately 25–250 mg pterostilbene). Bioavailability notes: Pterostilbene has a half-life of approximately 77–105 minutes in humans, undergoes Phase II hepatic [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) primarily via glucuronidation and sulfation, and demonstrates capacity to cross the blood-brain barrier. Its lipophilic nature (logP ~3.0) facilitates cellular membrane permeability and tissue distribution, particularly to brain, liver, and adipose tissue. Peak plasma concentrations are reached within 1–2 hours post-oral ingestion. Co-administration with food or lipid-based carriers may further enhance absorption, though specific food-effect data in humans remain limited.

## Dosage & Preparation

The clinically studied dose of Silbinol® is 200 mg/day (standardized to >90% pterostilbene), taken as 100 mg capsules twice daily with meals, based on the 60-day safety trial. No other dosage forms or therapeutic doses have been clinically evaluated. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Based on available clinical data (PMID: 37671486), Pterostilbene Silbinol appears well-tolerated in healthy adults at studied doses, with no significant changes in hematological or biochemical markers. Because pterostilbene inhibits certain CYP450 enzymes in preclinical models, theoretical interactions with drugs metabolized by CYP2C9 and CYP2C19—such as warfarin, phenytoin, or certain statins—cannot be ruled out and warrant caution. Pterostilbene's structural similarity to resveratrol raises a theoretical concern regarding additive effects when co-administered with anticoagulants or antiplatelet agents like aspirin or clopidogrel. Safety data in pregnant or lactating women, children, and individuals with hepatic impairment are absent, and use in these populations should be avoided until further research is available.

## Scientific Research

The primary human evidence comes from a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled safety study (n=60 healthy adults) showing Silbinol® at 200 mg/day for 60 days produced no significant changes in hematological, lipid, glycemic, [thyroid](/ingredients/condition/hormonal), liver, or renal profiles (PMID: 37671486). No efficacy trials for therapeutic outcomes were identified, with researchers calling for more human studies to establish clinical benefits.

## Historical & Cultural Context

No historical or traditional medicine context for Pterocarpus marsupium or pterostilbene use was documented in the available research. The compound appears to be primarily studied as a modern nutraceutical ingredient.

## Synergistic Combinations

Resveratrol, Curcumin, Green Tea Extract, [NAD+ precursor](/ingredients/condition/longevity)s, Quercetin

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is the difference between pterostilbene and resveratrol?

Pterostilbene and resveratrol are both stilbenoid polyphenols, but pterostilbene has two methoxy groups where resveratrol has hydroxyl groups, making it significantly more lipophilic. This structural difference gives pterostilbene an estimated oral bioavailability of approximately 80% compared to roughly 20% for resveratrol, allowing it to reach higher plasma concentrations and persist longer in tissues. Both compounds modulate NF-κB and SIRT1 pathways, but pterostilbene's superior pharmacokinetic profile may make it more effective at equivalent doses.

### What dose of pterostilbene is used in human studies?

Human clinical studies on pterostilbene have most commonly used doses ranging from 50 mg to 250 mg per day, with some cognitive and metabolic trials employing 100–200 mg daily split into two doses. The safety RCT referenced in PMID: 37671486 assessed Pterostilbene Silbinol specifically in a healthy adult population and reported no adverse hematological or vital sign changes at the studied dose. Optimal dosing for cognitive support has not yet been established through large-scale phase II or III trials.

### Does pterostilbene improve memory or cognitive function?

Preclinical studies in rodent models show pterostilbene improves spatial working memory and reduces amyloid-beta accumulation, likely through PI3K/Akt neuroprotection and BDNF upregulation. However, robust human clinical trial data specifically measuring cognitive endpoints such as processing speed, episodic memory, or executive function remain limited as of current published literature. The existing human safety study (PMID: 37671486) was not powered to assess cognitive outcomes, so cognitive benefit claims should be considered preliminary pending larger trials.

### Is Pterostilbene Silbinol from Pterocarpus marsupium safe to take daily?

Available evidence from one RCT (PMID: 37671486) indicates that Pterostilbene Silbinol is safe for short-term daily use in healthy adults, with no clinically significant changes in blood pressure, heart rate, liver enzymes, kidney function markers, or complete blood count. Long-term safety data beyond the duration of the reported trial are not yet published, so chronic supplementation beyond a few months should be approached cautiously. Individuals taking CYP2C9-metabolized medications such as warfarin should consult a healthcare provider before use due to theoretical enzyme inhibition interactions.

### What plant does Pterostilbene Silbinol come from and why does it matter?

Pterostilbene Silbinol is derived from the heartwood of Pterocarpus marsupium, a deciduous tree native to South and Southeast Asia traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine to support blood sugar balance and metabolic health. The heartwood is particularly rich in pterostilbene alongside other bioactive flavonoids such as epicatechin and marsupin, which may contribute synergistic antioxidant activity. The specific botanical source matters because extraction quality and pterostilbene concentration can vary significantly between suppliers, affecting both potency and the presence of co-occurring phytochemicals.

### How does Pterostilbene Silbinol compare to other pterostilbene extracts on the market?

Pterostilbene Silbinol is a branded extract specifically derived from Pterocarpus marsupium, which may offer a standardized pterostilbene content compared to generic pterostilbene sources. The Pterocarpus marsupium plant source is traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine and may provide synergistic compounds beyond pterostilbene alone. However, direct head-to-head comparative studies between different pterostilbene branded extracts are limited, making it difficult to establish superiority claims.

### Does Pterostilbene Silbinol interact with common medications or supplements?

While Pterostilbene Silbinol has demonstrated a favorable safety profile in clinical studies with no reported adverse effects on blood parameters, specific drug-drug interaction studies with common medications are lacking. Given its potential effects on signaling pathways like PI3K/Akt and NF-κB, individuals taking medications affecting these pathways or those with diabetes should consult a healthcare provider. If you are taking prescription medications, especially blood thinners or diabetes medications, discuss pterostilbene supplementation with your doctor before use.

### What is the evidence quality for Pterostilbene Silbinol's antioxidant and neuroprotective claims?

Current evidence for Pterostilbene Silbinol's antioxidant activity comes from preliminary mechanistic studies showing modulation of NF-κB and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways, rather than robust human clinical trials. While one randomized controlled trial confirmed safety in healthy adults, larger, longer-duration human studies specifically measuring antioxidant biomarkers or neuroprotective outcomes are needed to substantiate marketing claims. The blood-brain barrier penetration capability is theoretically promising but requires human neuroimaging or cognitive performance trials for validation.

---

*Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com*
*License: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — Attribution required. Commercial use: admin@hermeticasuperfoods.com*