Pterostilbene has been previously shown to be effective in reversing cognitive behavioral deficits and as a potent modulator of cognition in animal models.  These results triggered our investigation of other neurological effects of pterostilbene, and thus explored its anxiolytic activity.  In the present study, pterostilbene was administered to mice by oral gavage at 1, 2, 5, and 10 mg/kg BW and the mice were subjected to the elevated-plus maze (EPM) test. Anxiolytic activity was observed at 1 and 2 mg/kg doses, demonstrated by increased percent permanence time and number of entries in open arms, which are critical determinants for anxiety.  This activity was comparable to that of diazepam at 1 and 2 mg/kg.  At the 5 and 10 mg/kg doses the anxiolytic effect was not manifested.  Pterostilbene was quantified in the serum and hippocampus following a single oral administration.  Western blot analysis corroborated the EPM observations and revealed a decrease in both ERK1 and ERK2 phosphorylation in hippocampal homogenates from mice treated with 1 and 2 mg/kg pterostilbene, suggesting that downregulation of ERK phosphorylation might be a downstream mediator of pterostilbene anxiolytic action.  The locomotor activity of the animals was unaffected at all doses.  Our results indicate that pterostilbene is a natural compound that has the potential to alleviate anxiety disorders.

Pterostilbene demonstrates antianxiety effect in animal model

246th National Meeting (2013)

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.