Spain—New data published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry confirm previous results suggesting that pterostilbene may benefit weight loss.Rats were fed a diet intended to cause weight gain as well as 15 or 30 mg of pterostilbene per kg of body weight every day for six weeks. The researchers found that pterostilbene reduced adipose tissue mass by 15% in the 15 mg group and by 23% in the 30 mg group. It also decreased various enzymes and fatty acid synthase activities, which may lead to adipose tissue formation. Insulin levels in the 15 mg pterostilbene group also dropped 31.6%.

The researchers concluded “Pterostilbene shows antiobesity properties due, at least in part, to reduced lipogenesis in adipose tissue and increased fatty acid oxidation in liver.” The authors were affiliated with various groups, including the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU) and Lucio Lascaray Research Center in Spain, the Institute of Health Carlos III in Spain, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. 

Published in WholeFoods Magazine, February 2015 (online 1/12/2015)