Scientists have discovered the role of pterostilbene from berries in the fight against muscle fat

The natural substance pterostilbene, found in blueberries, grapes and other berries, can prevent excess fat accumulation inside muscle cells. This was reported by scientists whose work was published in the journal Food Bioscience (FB).

The researchers tested the effects of a range of plant compounds on laboratory-grown skeletal muscle cells from mice. Pterostilbene showed the most pronounced effect: it reduced the amount of fat deposits inside cells without interfering with their normal growth and development.

Scientists have found that the substance does not block the flow of fatty acids into muscle cells, but helps break down the fat that has already accumulated in them and stimulates its further use. This effect was associated with the PPARδ protein, which is involved in the regulation of fat metabolism. Pterostilbene prevented the destruction of this protein and thereby increased the activity of genes responsible for the breakdown of fatty acids.

Excessive accumulation of fat in muscles can interfere with normal muscle function and contribute to the development of insulin resistance. The authors believe that pterostilbene could potentially be used in the development of functional products to support healthy metabolism.