Blueberry compound pterostilbene shown to boost fat burning in muscle cells

Scientists at Shinshu University investigated a range of dietary phytochemicals for their ability to curb intramuscular fat accumulation and discovered that pterostilbene, a polyphenol present in blueberries and grapes, markedly reduced lipid droplets in C2C12 mouse myocytes. Treated cells continued to differentiate normally while showing higher glycerol output and up-regulated genes linked to fatty-acid oxidation, suggesting that stored fat was being mobilised for energy.

Unlike synthetic activators that bind directly to the receptor, pterostilbene increased the cellular amount of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor δ (PPARδ) by blocking its breakdown via the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. This stabilization amplified PPARδ transcriptional activity and boosted lipid-metabolism pathways. The findings provide a molecular basis for developing functional foods or supplements targeting muscle fat metabolism, though further animal and human studies are required to confirm efficacy and safety. The research was published in the September 1, 2026 issue of Food Bioscience.