Effects of pterostilbene and resveratrol on brain and behavior

• This mini review highlights the effect of pterostilbene (PTE) and resveratrol (RES) on brain health.
• The paper examines the recent research on biosynthesis, bioavailability and in vitro and in vivo neuromodulatory effects.
• The review highlights the structural similarity between PTE and RES and their differential effect on the brain.
• The review also highlights the different neuro-signaling molecules affected by these compounds.

Age is the greatest universal risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases. During aging, these conditions progress from minor loss of function to major disruptions in daily life, loss of independence and ultimately death. Because approximately 25% of the world population is expected to be older than age 65 by 2050, and no treatments exist to halt or reverse ongoing neurodegeneration, the need for effective prevention strategies is more pressing that ever before. A growing body of research supports the role of diet in healthy aging, particularly diets rich in bioactive phytochemical compounds. Recently, stilbenes such as resveratrol (3, 5, 4′-trans-trihydroxystilbene) and its analogue, pterostilbene, have gained a significant amount of attention for their potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticarcinogenic properties. However, evidence for the beneficial effects of stilbenes on cerebral function is just beginning to emerge. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on the role of resveratrol and pterostilbene in improving brain health during aging, with specific focus on antioxidant and anti-inflammatory signaling and behavioral outcomes.