Pterostilbene is a naturally occurring phenolic compound found in blueberries that supports healthy mind and body functions.
Through extensive research studies, pterostilbene has been shown to bring about hypolipidemic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects in the body. It reduces proteins, which become elevated in states of anxiety, as well as the buildup of fatty acids, and reduces lipid synthesis in the liver and adipose tissue. Pterostilbene is a promising natural compound for use in the treatment or reduction of body fat and cholesterol, oxidative stress, neurological dysfunctions associated with aging, anxiety, and obesity.
Patents were filed for these novel uses of pterostilbene, which included the work of Dr. Agnes Rimando for the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), and scientists from the University of Mississippi who took the lead on licensing the jointly developed technologies.
Pterostilbene is a promising natural compound for use in the treatment or reduction of body fat and cholesterol, oxidative stress, neurological dysfunctions associated with aging, anxiety, and obesity.
An American company, ChromaDex, has licensed three of the patents. Upon licensing the first two technologies, ChromaDex launched pterostilbene on the natural products market under the trade name pTeroPure® pterostilbene on April 26, 2010. In June 2011, the company launched Bl Science®, its new line of dietary supplements, which feature pTeroPure® pterostilbene and blueberry fruit extract in combination with other natural compounds to create products specifically targeting the health benefits. These new products encompassed the patent rights that are licensed from the University of Mississippi under license agreements between the university and the USDA.
The technology transfer has resulted in increased annual sales of pTeroPure® pterostilbene - from about a quarter million in 2009, to more than $3,000,000 in 2012. pTeroPure® pterostilbene is the first ingredient launched by ChromaDex, and it has significantly contributed to the company's growth. Frost & Sullivan, an independent market research company, recognized pTeroPure® as the winner of the 2010 North American Ingredients Most Promising Ingredient of the Year award.
The licenses have resulted in more than 30 dietary supplement products currently available for purchase through numerous consumer outlets. ChromaDex's consumer products under the Bl Science® line are now sold at major retail outlets, such as Walgreens, GNC, the McKesson conglomerate of independent pharmacies, and online at Drugstore.com. pTeroPure® pterostilbene, the branded ingredient from ChromaDex, is now in a wide array of market channels, including sports nutrition, major retail, direct to physician, multi-level marketing, direct to consumer, skincare, and food.