Pterostilbene: A review on its pharmacological activities

Pterostilbene is a type of stilbenoids, a phenolic compound found in various plant species. It is an antimicrobial phytoalexins produced in plants to protect against fungal infection and toxins. In this review, the biological effects of pterostilbene are discussed. It is reported to have wide array of actions including anticancer, neuroprotective, antidiabetic, antiobesity, antihyperlipidemic, anti-atherosclerotic, cardioprotective, antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic, antioxidant, anti-allergic, anti-anxiety, anti-androgenic and antifungal activity. Its anticancer potential is more widely explored. These results are seen in-vitro, in-vivo including animal studies as well as clinical human trials.