UM Researchers to Launch Clinical Trial on Dietary Supplement Pterostilbene

… Compound shows promise to deliver several health benefits

OXFORD, Miss. – A promising botanical compound is undergoing clinical study this fall to determine whether it improves cardiovascular health, glucose levels and cognitive function.

The compound, pterostilbene (tero-STILL-bean), is found in blueberries, grapes and other small fruits, as well as the bark of some trees. It was licensed from the University of Mississippi for commercial development earlier this year by ChromaDex Corp., which holds worldwide patent rights to the natural product and is marketing it as pTeroPure (TM).ChromaDex

The clinical trial is being conducted at the UM Medical Center in Jackson, where investigators hope to evaluate the compound in patients with lipid (cholesterol) disorders. Patients enrolled in the study will receive high and low doses of pterostilbene, with and without  grape extract, or a placebo, said Daniel Riche (Pharm.D.), assistant professor of pharmacy practice and medicine, and the study’s principal investigator.

“In addition to cholesterol and blood pressure, we will be evaluating urine tests and monitoring for inflammatory markers,” Riche said. “Reductions in these markers may correlate with improvements in oxidative stress.”

Helping Riche with the study are Justin J. Sherman, associate professor of pharmacy practice, and Dr. C. Andrew Brown, professor of medicine.pTeroPure

“We are pleased that the University of Mississippi has agreed to collaborate with ChromaDex on this study, which is based on the pterostilbene technology we licensed from the University of Mississippi,” said CEO Frank L. Jaksch Jr. “The commencement of our pTeroPure pterostilbene clinical study is another significant milestone delivered by ChromaDex, and we look forward to its progress under the guidance of the University of Mississippi and Dr. Riche.”

Pterostilbene is chemically related to resveratrol, a compound that is plentiful in the skins of red grapes. Resveratrol is thought to be at least partly responsible for the health benefits often attributed to drinking red wine.

“We are excited and gratified to work with ChromaDex to explore the potential of this compound to improve the health and well-being of people in the U.S. and around the globe,” said Barbara G. Wells, dean of the UM School of Pharmacy.

Based in California, ChromaDex is a leader in the development of phytochemical and botanical reference standards and the creation of associated intellectual property. The company is committed to sustainable “green chemistry” and provides the dietary supplement, food, beverage, nutraceutical and cosmetic industries with the novel ingredients, analytical tools and services to meet product regulatory, quality, efficacy and safety standards.

The UM School of Pharmacy has earned international recognition for accomplishments in education; basic, translational and clinical research; and professional and community service. Its students learn to provide medication therapy management using a patient-centered approach. Pharmacy students complete a portion of their professional program in Jackson at the UM Medical Center under the direction of Department of Pharmacy Practice faculty members and preceptors, who are heavily involved in patient care and research in a variety of health systems and community settings.

For more information about ChromaDex, visit http://www.chromadex.com/ or follow the company on Twitter @ChromaDex.

Visit http://www.pharmacy.olemiss.edu for more information on the UM School of Pharmacy.