Pterostilbene as a potent chemopreventive agent in cancer

Abstract

Pterostilbene (Pter, trans-3,5-dimethoxy-40-hydroxystilbene), a natural analog of resveratrol accumulated in grapevine leaves and blueberries, has attracted immense interest in the scientific community due to its potent biological properties, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, and anticancer effects. This chapter focuses on summarizing the up-to-date information related to the pharmacological effects and cellular/molecular mechanisms of pterostilbene with an emphasis on cancer. Numerous preclinical studies have reported on the proapoptotic and anticancer properties of pterostilbene against a variety of cancers, both in vitro and in vivo. Pterostilbene, like resveratrol, acts through various mechanisms, targeting specific signaling pathways and affecting epigenetic regulators of cell growth and metastasis. Pterostilbene has also been reported to sensitize cancer cells to standard chemotherapy. Pterostilbene’s protective and therapeutic effects have been observed in different cancers, including breast, colorectal, lung, and prostate, among others. Pterostilbene, with improved bioavailability, conferring a superior pharmacokinetic profile and greater anticancer efficacy, may become a stronger candidate than resveratrol for clinical development with potential applications in cancer. Clinical trials examining the chemopreventive and therapeutic potential of pterostilbene are warranted.