Pterostilbene on Metabolic Parameters: A Randomized, Double-Blind, and Placebo-Controlled Trial

Researchers gave 80 adults with high cholesterol either pterostilbene, a compound found in blueberries and grapes, or a placebo, an inactive pill. The trial lasted about 6 to 8 weeks, and neither the participants nor researchers knew who received which pill. The higher pterostilbene dose lowered systolic blood pressure, the top number in a blood pressure reading, by about 8 points. Pterostilbene alone slightly increased LDL cholesterol, often called bad cholesterol, in some participants.

What this means for you: This small, short study does not show that pterostilbene improves overall health or helps people live longer. It is not strong enough evidence to justify buying the supplement, especially because LDL cholesterol may rise.