Long term induction by pterostilbene results in autophagy and cellular differentiation in MCF-7 cells via ROS dependent pathway

► Pterostilbene increases the intracellular neutral lipid accumulation thereby causing differentiation of MCF-7 cells. ► Pterostilbene causes the accumulation of oxysterols in MCF-7 cells on 72 h exposure. ► It inhibits 3β-hydroxylsterol-Δ7-reductase and thereby enhancing the intracellular accumulation of 7-dehydrocholesterol. ► Pterostilbene induces autophagy in MCF-7 cells.