Pterostilbene for Dogs: A Blueberry-Derived Compound with Powerful Health Benefits

As pet parents, we're always on the lookout for natural ways to support our dogs' health and well-being. And while blueberries are often touted as a superfood for humans, it turns out they may offer some impressive benefits for our canine companions too - thanks to a powerful compound called pterostilbene.

Pterostilbene is a natural polyphenol found primarily in blueberries and grapes. It's chemically similar to resveratrol, another well-known antioxidant, but with some unique advantages. Pterostilbene is more bioavailable than resveratrol, meaning it's better absorbed and utilized by the body.

And that's good news for dogs, because emerging research suggests that pterostilbene may offer a host of health benefits - from fighting inflammation to protecting the brain to even potentially battling cancer. While most of the studies have been done in lab animals or other species, the results are promising for our furry friends.

Let's take a closer look at what the science says about pterostilbene and how it may help keep your dog feeling their best.

What is Pterostilbene?

Pterostilbene is a type of stilbenoid, a class of compounds known for their potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It's found naturally in a few plant foods, most notably blueberries and grapes.

In plants, pterostilbene acts as a protective compound, helping to defend against environmental stressors and pathogens. When consumed by animals, it appears to offer similar protective benefits.

Pterostilbene is structurally similar to resveratrol, another well-studied stilbenoid found in red wine and grapes. However, pterostilbene has a few key advantages:

• It's more bioavailable than resveratrol, meaning it's better absorbed and remains in the body longer.
• It's more potent than resveratrol in some biological activities, such as reducing inflammation and oxidative stress.
• It crosses the blood-brain barrier more easily than resveratrol, allowing it to exert neuroprotective effects.

These unique properties make pterostilbene a promising compound for supporting health and preventing disease - not just in humans, but potentially in our canine companions too.

Potential Benefits of Pterostilbene for Dogs

So, what does the research say about pterostilbene and dog health? While studies in canines are limited, there's a growing body of evidence from other animal models and cell culture experiments that hint at some exciting potential benefits:

1. Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects

Oxidative stress and chronic inflammation are two major drivers of disease in both humans and dogs. Pterostilbene's potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties may help combat these processes and support overall health. For example:

• In a study on broiler chickens, pterostilbene supplementation reduced intestinal damage and inflammation caused by bacterial endotoxin exposure. The compound improved markers of oxidative stress and modulated the expression of inflammatory genes.
• Another study in chickens found that pterostilbene protected against liver injury and oxidative stress induced by a toxic herbicide. The supplement enhanced antioxidant enzyme activity and reduced markers of liver damage.
• A review of pterostilbene's biological activities highlighted its ability to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in various disease models, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes.

By helping to neutralize harmful free radicals and calm overactive inflammatory responses, pterostilbene may support your dog's cellular health and resilience in the face of environmental stressors and aging.

2. Neuroprotective Properties

As dogs age, they can become prone to cognitive decline and neurological disorders. Some evidence suggests that pterostilbene may offer neuroprotective benefits:

• In a study on aged rats, chronic supplementation with pterostilbene improved cognitive performance and memory consolidation. The compound increased levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and other proteins involved in synaptic plasticity.
• Pterostilbene has been shown to cross the blood-brain barrier more readily than resveratrol, allowing it to exert direct effects on brain cells. In various animal models, it has demonstrated ability to reduce neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and neuronal damage.
• A review of pterostilbene's potential therapeutic applications noted its promise for preventing and treating neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, thanks to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

While more research is needed to confirm these effects in dogs, the available evidence suggests that pterostilbene may be a valuable tool for supporting brain health and cognitive function as our furry friends age.

3. Metabolic and Cardiovascular Benefits

Obesity, insulin resistance, and heart disease are growing concerns in the canine population. Some research suggests that pterostilbene may help support metabolic and cardiovascular health:

• In a review of pterostilbene's biological activities, the compound was noted to improve various markers of metabolic health in animal models, including reducing body weight, blood sugar, insulin resistance, and inflammation.
• A study in mice found that pterostilbene supplementation attenuated weight gain, fat accumulation, and insulin resistance induced by a high-fat diet. The compound appeared to work by activating AMPK, a master regulator of cellular energy balance.
• Pterostilbene has also been shown to have cardioprotective effects in animal models, such as reducing blood pressure, improving lipid profiles, and preventing atherosclerosis.

While more research is needed to translate these findings to dogs, the metabolic and cardiovascular benefits of pterostilbene are promising and may be especially relevant for overweight or senior canines.

Is Pterostilbene Safe for Dogs?

Based on the available evidence, pterostilbene appears to be generally safe and well-tolerated in animal models. However, there are a few important considerations:

• Pterostilbene may interact with certain medications by inhibiting enzymes involved in drug metabolism. If your dog is on any medications, talk to your vet before giving pterostilbene supplements.
• The optimal dose of pterostilbene for dogs has not been established. It's important to follow the recommended dosage on the supplement label and not exceed it without veterinary guidance.
• While rare, some dogs may be allergic to pterostilbene or the ingredients in pterostilbene supplements. If you notice any signs of an allergic reaction (such as itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing), discontinue use and contact your vet.

As with any new supplement, it's always best to talk to your veterinarian before giving pterostilbene to your dog. They can help you weigh the potential benefits and risks and determine if it's appropriate for your individual pup.

The Bottom Line

Pterostilbene is a promising natural compound that may offer a range of health benefits for dogs. From fighting oxidative stress and inflammation to supporting brain health and metabolism, this blueberry-derived powerhouse shows exciting potential as a supplement for canine wellness.

While more research is needed to fully understand its effects in dogs, the available evidence from other animal models and cell culture studies suggests that pterostilbene is safe, well-tolerated, and may be a valuable addition to a holistic health plan for many pups.

As always, consult with your veterinarian before starting your dog on any new supplement. With their guidance and a commitment to sourcing high-quality, pure pterostilbene products, you can feel confident in supporting your furry friend's health and longevity.

Because at the end of the day, we all want our dogs to live their best, most vibrant lives - and if a little blueberry extract can help make that happen, it's worth exploring. With pterostilbene on your side, you can give your pup a natural boost towards a brighter, healthier future.

References:

1. Zhang, H., Chen, Y., Chen, Y., Li, Y., Jia, P., Ji, S., Zhou, Y., & Wang, T. (2019). Dietary pterostilbene supplementation attenuates intestinal damage and immunological stress of broiler chickens challenged with lipopolysaccharide1. Journal of animal science, 97(12), 5064–5076. https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skz373
2. Chen, Y., Chen, Y., Zhang, H., & Wang, T. (2020). Pterostilbene as a protective antioxidant attenuates diquat-induced liver injury and oxidative stress in 21-day-old broiler chickens. Poultry science, 99(12), 6752–6760. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psj.2020.01.021
3. Park, B., & Lee, Y. (2021). Pterostilbene Improves Stress-Related Behaviors and Partially Reverses Underlying Neuroinflammatory and Hormonal Changes in Stress-Challenged Mice. Journal of medicinal food, 24(7), 711–720. https://doi.org/10.1089/jmf.2020.4766
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This article is for informational purposes only. It is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional medical or veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should never be relied upon or perceived as specific medical or veterinary advice.

We recognize there may be different points of view or opinions on some aspect or even the premise of this article. Our goal at LongTails is to provide the best, clearest, and most helpful information possible to help keep your dog happy, healthy and safe.