Home Ingredients Piceatannol (Passion Fruit Stilbene)
AntioxidantMetabolic Health

Piceatannol (Passion Fruit Stilbene)

Evidence Level
Limited
4 Clinical Trials
5 Documented Benefits
2/5 Evidence Score

Piceatannol is a stilbene, a plant polyphenol closely related to resveratrol. It carries one extra hydroxyl group, and in laboratory tests it is a potent antioxidant and free radical scavenger. It is found in passion fruit seeds, the usual source for supplements, and also in grapes, white tea and Japanese knotweed. Most of what is known comes from cell and animal studies, where it clears reactive oxygen species and acts on the SIRT1 and AMPK energy pathways. Human research is limited and comes mainly from small trials funded by the ingredient's maker. In one eight week trial, insulin and blood pressure markers improved only in a subgroup of overweight men. Other small trials reported more skin moisture and a higher SIRT1 gene marker in blood. Piceatannol is studied separately from resveratrol and pterostilbene, and it is not a treatment for any disease.

Studied Dose Human trials used 5 to 100 mg a day of piceatannol from passion fruit seed extract for 2 to 8 weeks: 20 mg a day in the metabolic trial, 5 and 10 mg a day in the skin trials, and 100 mg a day for 2 weeks in the SIRT1 marker trial. Doses are given in milligrams, and no effective dose is established.
Active Compound Piceatannol, a hydroxylated stilbene analog of resveratrol that carries one more hydroxyl group, usually sourced from passion fruit (Passiflora edulis) seeds.

Benefits

Insulin sensitivity and blood sugar markers

In an eight week randomized trial of 39 adults, piceatannol at 20 mg a day did not change the main glucose and insulin sensitivity measures across the whole group. In a subgroup of overweight men it lowered fasting insulin, an insulin resistance score (HOMA-IR), blood pressure and heart rate, while women and normal-weight participants saw no change. The trial was funded by the ingredient's maker.

Supported by Trial 1

Antioxidant and free radical scavenging activity

In cell and chemical studies piceatannol neutralizes reactive oxygen species and raises cellular glutathione, and it scavenges free radicals in test tube assays. In the one human trial that measured blood markers of oxidative stress, piceatannol did not change them, so the laboratory antioxidant activity has not yet been confirmed in people.

Supported by Trial 1, Trial 3

SIRT1 activity and metabolic signaling

SIRT1 is a cellular enzyme involved in energy and fat handling. In muscle cell studies piceatannol raised SIRT1 and switched on genes for mitochondrial activity and fat use, more than resveratrol did. In a two week trial, adults taking 100 mg a day had higher SIRT1 gene activity in blood than placebo. This is a laboratory marker, not a measured health outcome.

Supported by Trial 3

Skin moisture and the look of fine lines

Two small trials in Japanese women used passion fruit seed extract supplying 5 or 10 mg of piceatannol a day for eight weeks. Facial skin moisture rose compared with placebo, and in the larger trial wrinkle grades improved. Both trials were run by the ingredient's maker and measured skin readings over a short period.

Supported by Trial 2, Trial 4

Fat handling and energy pathways in cell and animal work

In mice on a high fat diet, piceatannol by mouth improved glucose tolerance and raised liver SIRT1 and insulin signaling proteins, matching or beating resveratrol in the same study. Cell work shows it lowers fat buildup and promotes mitochondrial activity. These are animal and cell results that have not been reproduced as outcomes in people.

Supported by Trial 3, Trial 1

Mechanism of action

1

Stilbene structure with an added hydroxyl group

Piceatannol is a hydroxylated analog of resveratrol with one more hydroxyl group on its stilbene backbone. In laboratory assays this extra group contributes to its antioxidant and free radical scavenging activity.

2

SIRT1 and AMPK energy sensors

In cell and animal studies piceatannol raises SIRT1 and activates AMPK, pathways linked to mitochondrial activity and fat metabolism. A human trial found higher SIRT1 gene activity in whole blood, but another found no change in SIRT1 or AMPK in isolated immune cells, so the effect in people is uncertain.

3

Reactive oxygen species and glutathione

In skin cell studies piceatannol raised glutathione levels and suppressed the reactive oxygen species generated by UVB light. These are cell findings that describe how it might protect tissue, not measured outcomes in people.

4

Rapid metabolism and limited human data

Laboratory work shows piceatannol is rapidly processed in the liver, mainly to a glucuronide conjugate with some sulfation. Its absorption, blood levels and effective dose in people are not well defined, which is a main gap in the human evidence.

Clinical trials

1
Piceatannol and Metabolic Markers: 39-Person RCT
PubMed

Eight week randomized, placebo-controlled crossover trial of piceatannol 20 mg a day on glucose metabolism and related markers, funded by the ingredient's maker. (Kitada et al. 2017, Nutrients)

39 adults: 10 overweight men, 9 overweight women, 10 non-overweight men and 10 non-overweight women.

The main glucose and insulin sensitivity outcomes did not improve across the whole group. In the subgroup of overweight men, piceatannol lowered fasting insulin, HOMA-IR, blood pressure and heart rate; women and non-overweight participants showed no change. Oxidative stress, lipids, inflammation, endothelial function and immune-cell SIRT1 and AMPK were unchanged.

2
Passion Fruit Seed Piceatannol and Skin Moisture: 32-Woman RCT
PubMed

Eight week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of passion fruit seed extract supplying 5 mg a day of piceatannol in women with dry skin, run by the ingredient's maker. (Maruki-Uchida et al. 2018, J Nutr Sci Vitaminol)

32 healthy Japanese women aged 35 to 54 with dry skin.

Facial skin moisture rose within the extract group at 4 and 8 weeks, and was higher than placebo in a subgroup with the driest skin. Transepidermal water loss fell but not significantly. Questionnaire ratings of perspiration and fatigue improved versus placebo. A short trial of skin readings in a small group.

3
Piceatannol and SIRT1 Gene Activity: Cell Study with a 2-Week Human Trial
PubMed

Muscle cell experiments plus a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of a food containing 100 mg piceatannol for 2 weeks, run by the ingredient's maker. (Tanaka et al. 2024, Life (Basel))

C2C12 muscle cells, and adults of varying age and body mass index in the human part.

In muscle cells piceatannol raised SIRT1 and genes for mitochondrial activity and fat use more than resveratrol, and reduced fat accumulation. In the human part, SIRT1 gene activity in whole blood was higher with piceatannol than placebo. These are laboratory markers, not health outcomes.

4
Piceatannol Drink and Skin Hydration: 82-Woman RCT
PubMed

Eight week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of a drink with 10 mg a day of piceatannol from passion fruit seeds, run by the ingredient's maker. (Seto et al. 2026, Front Nutr)

Healthy Japanese women aged 30 to 59; 82 of 86 enrolled were analyzed.

Facial stratum corneum hydration rose significantly versus placebo, and wrinkle grades improved significantly versus placebo. The trial measured skin readings over eight weeks and was run by the ingredient's maker.

Side effects and drug interactions

Common Potential side effects

In the short human trials piceatannol was generally well tolerated and no serious side effects were reported. The trials lasted only 2 to 8 weeks and were small, so little is known about longer or higher-dose use.
Human bioavailability, safe upper limits and long-term safety have not been established; most of the safety picture comes from cell and animal studies.
Piceatannol can bind estrogen receptors in laboratory studies; people with hormone-sensitive conditions should talk to a doctor before using it.
It has not been studied in pregnancy or breastfeeding, so it is best avoided then.

Important Drug interactions

Piceatannol is rapidly processed by the liver conjugation enzymes (glucuronidation, with some sulfation) that also handle many compounds, based on laboratory studies; formal drug interaction studies in people are lacking, so caution is sensible if you take prescription medicines.
Because related stilbenes can affect platelets, combining high doses with blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs carries a theoretical bleeding risk; no human interaction data exist.
In one small trial piceatannol lowered blood pressure and heart rate in overweight men; if you take blood pressure medicines, watch for additive effects.

More Antioxidant Ingredients

Antioxidant
Green Tea
Green tea comes from the leaves of Camellia sinensis and is rich in catechins, especially…
Antioxidant
Lutein
Lutein is a yellow carotenoid that collects in the retina, where, together with zeaxanthin…
Antioxidant
Curcumin/Turmeric
Curcumin, the main bioactive compound in turmeric (Curcuma longa), is usually taken as a s…
Antioxidant
NAC (N-Acetylcysteine)
N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a modified form of the amino acid cysteine. The body uses cystei…

Explore Other Ingredients

Cardiovascular
Potassium
Potassium is the main mineral inside the body's cells and an essential nutrient for the el…
Cardiovascular
Spirulina
Spirulina is a blue-green algae celebrated as a nutrient-dense superfood, packed with prot…
Cardiovascular
CoEnzyme Q10
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a fat-soluble compound the body makes for itself. It carries elect…

Frequently asked questions about Piceatannol (Passion Fruit Stilbene)

What is piceatannol?

Piceatannol is a plant polyphenol in the stilbene family, closely related to resveratrol. It is found in passion fruit seeds, grapes, white tea and Japanese knotweed, and supplements usually come from passion fruit seed extract. In the laboratory it is a potent antioxidant, but it has been tested in far fewer people than resveratrol.

How is it different from resveratrol and pterostilbene?

All three are stilbenes. Piceatannol has an extra hydroxyl group and in lab tests raised SIRT1 more than resveratrol, while pterostilbene is a methylated form studied for better absorption. Resveratrol and pterostilbene have more human studies; piceatannol's human evidence is still small and mostly from one supplement maker.

How much do people take?

Human trials used 5 to 100 mg a day of piceatannol from passion fruit seed extract for 2 to 8 weeks. There is no established effective dose, and safe long-term intakes are not known. Follow the product label and ask your doctor if you take medicines or are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Does it help blood sugar or weight?

The evidence is early. In one small maker-funded trial, insulin and blood pressure markers improved only in a subgroup of overweight men, with no change in women or normal-weight people. Animal studies suggest effects on glucose and fat handling, but these have not been confirmed as outcomes in people.

Is the antioxidant benefit proven in people?

Not yet. Piceatannol is a potent antioxidant in cell and chemical tests, but the one human trial that measured blood markers of oxidative stress found no change. Human skin trials reported more moisture and fewer visible wrinkles, which the researchers linked in part to its antioxidant action.

What is Piceatannol used for?

Piceatannol is researched primarily for Antioxidant and Metabolic Health. In an eight week randomized trial of 39 adults, piceatannol at 20 mg a day did not change the main glucose and insulin sensitivity measures across the whole group.

What is the recommended dosage of Piceatannol?

The clinically studied dose is Human trials used 5 to 100 mg a day of piceatannol from passion fruit seed extract for 2 to 8 weeks: 20 mg a day in the metabolic trial, 5 and 10 mg a day in the skin trials, and 100 mg a day for 2 weeks in the SIRT1 marker trial. Always follow the product label and check with a healthcare provider for personal advice.

Is Piceatannol safe, and does it have side effects?

For most healthy adults, Piceatannol is well tolerated at studied doses. Reported effects can include: In the short human trials piceatannol was generally well tolerated and no serious side effects were reported. The trials lasted only 2 to 8 weeks and were small, so little is known about longer or higher-dose use. It may also interact with some medications. Piceatannol is not right for everyone, so check with a healthcare provider first if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a medical condition, or take prescription medication.

Does Piceatannol interact with any medications?

Possible interactions include: Piceatannol is rapidly processed by the liver conjugation enzymes (glucuronidation, with some sulfation) that also handle many compounds, based on laboratory studies; formal drug interaction studies in people are lacking, so caution is sensible if you take prescription medicines. If you take prescription medication, check with a pharmacist or doctor before using it.

How strong is the scientific evidence for Piceatannol?

NutraSmarts rates the evidence for Piceatannol as Limited (2 out of 5). It is backed by 4 clinical trials and 8 cited references summarized on this page. A higher rating reflects more, larger, and better-designed human studies.

References(8 citations)

Evidence ratings on NutraSmarts are based on the totality of human clinical research, with emphasis on randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews. The references below directly support claims made throughout this page.

  1. Kitada M, Ogura Y, Maruki-Uchida H, Sai M, Suzuki T, Kanasaki K, Hara Y, Seto H, Kuroshima Y, Monno I, Koya D. The Effect of Piceatannol from Passion Fruit (Passiflora edulis) Seeds on Metabolic Health in Humans. Nutrients. 2017;9(10):1142. doi: 10.3390/nu9101142.PubMedUsed to support: Randomized, placebo-controlled crossover trial in 39 adults (20 mg/day piceatannol for 8 weeks): the primary glucose and insulin sensitivity outcomes did not improve overall; in a subgroup of overweight men, serum insulin, HOMA-IR, blood pressure and heart rate fell, with no benefit in women or non-overweight participants. Oxidative stress, lipids, inflammation, endothelial function and immune-cell SIRT1/AMPK were unchanged. Capsules supplied by the maker Morinaga, which employed two authors.
  2. Maruki-Uchida H, Morita M, Yonei Y, Sai M. Effect of Passion Fruit Seed Extract Rich in Piceatannol on the Skin of Women: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind Trial. J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo). 2018;64(1):75-80. doi: 10.3177/jnsv.64.75.PubMedUsed to support: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in 32 Japanese women aged 35 to 54 with dry skin (passion fruit seed extract supplying 5 mg piceatannol for 8 weeks): skin moisture rose within the extract group at 4 and 8 weeks, and above placebo in those with the driest skin; transepidermal water loss fell non-significantly; questionnaire-rated perspiration and fatigue improved versus placebo. All authors were affiliated with the maker Morinaga.
  3. Tanaka K, Kawakami S, Mori S, Yamaguchi T, Saito E, Setoguchi Y, Matsui Y, Nishimura E, Ebihara S, Kawama T. Piceatannol Upregulates SIRT1 Expression in Skeletal Muscle Cells and in Human Whole Blood: In Vitro Assay and a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Parallel-Group Comparison Trial. Life (Basel). 2024;14(5):589. doi: 10.3390/life14050589.PubMedUsed to support: Cell experiments plus a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled human trial (food with 100 mg piceatannol for 2 weeks): in C2C12 muscle cells piceatannol raised SIRT1, mitochondrial-biogenesis and fatty-acid-use genes and mitochondrial DNA more than resveratrol and reduced fat accumulation; in people, whole-blood SIRT1 mRNA was higher than placebo. SIRT1 gene expression is a laboratory marker, not a health outcome. Nearly all authors were employees of the maker Morinaga.
  4. Seto Y, Tsukiashi M, Yamaguchi T, Kawakami S, Maruki-Uchida H, Nishimura E, Mori S, Ito M, Jin K, Maeda K, Iemoto N. Oral supplementation with piceatannol improves skin hydration and reduces wrinkle severity: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Front Nutr. 2026;13:1765478. doi: 10.3389/fnut.2026.1765478.PubMedUsed to support: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in healthy Japanese women aged 30 to 59 (82 of 86 analyzed), a drink with 10 mg/day piceatannol from passion fruit seeds for 8 weeks: facial stratum corneum hydration rose significantly and wrinkle grades improved significantly versus placebo. A short skin-reading trial; most authors were employees of the maker Morinaga.
  5. Piotrowska H, Kucinska M, Murias M. Biological activity of piceatannol: leaving the shadow of resveratrol. Mutat Res. 2012;750(1):60-82. doi: 10.1016/j.mrrev.2011.11.001.PubMedUsed to support: Review: piceatannol is a naturally occurring hydroxylated analog of resveratrol (positions 3,3',4,5') found in grapes, passion fruit, white tea and Japanese knotweed, with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity and effects on NF-kB and other signaling in cell studies. It is rapidly metabolized in the liver to a glucuronide conjugate (with some sulfation in vitro), and the authors note more data are needed on its bioavailability and toxicity in humans.
  6. Maruki-Uchida H, Kurita I, Sugiyama K, Sai M, Maeda K, Ito T. The protective effects of piceatannol from passion fruit (Passiflora edulis) seeds in UVB-irradiated keratinocytes. Biol Pharm Bull. 2013;36(5):845-9. doi: 10.1248/bpb.b12-00708.PubMedUsed to support: Cell study: passion fruit seed extract and its component piceatannol raised glutathione in human keratinocytes dose-dependently and suppressed UVB-induced reactive oxygen species, and piceatannol pretreatment reduced downstream MMP-1 activity. Laboratory evidence that piceatannol is the active antioxidant in passion fruit seed extract. Authors affiliated with the maker Morinaga.
  7. Kawakami S, Morinaga M, Tsukamoto-Sen S, Mori S, Matsui Y, Kawama T. Constituent Characteristics and Functional Properties of Passion Fruit Seed Extract. Life (Basel). 2021;12(1):38. doi: 10.3390/life12010038.PubMedUsed to support: Review of passion fruit (Passiflora edulis) seeds: the seeds are rich in stilbene polyphenols, especially piceatannol, and seed extracts have shown antioxidant effects, skin-condition improvement, fat-burning promotion and blood-sugar-lowering activity in prior studies. Authors affiliated with the maker Morinaga.
  8. Lee HJ, Kang MG, Cha HY, Kim YM, Lim Y, Yang SJ. Effects of Piceatannol and Resveratrol on Sirtuins and Hepatic Inflammation in High-Fat Diet-Fed Mice. J Med Food. 2019;22(8):833-840. doi: 10.1089/jmf.2018.4261.PubMedUsed to support: Animal study in high-fat-diet mice (piceatannol or resveratrol 10 mg/kg/day for 4 weeks): both improved glucose tolerance; piceatannol raised hepatic insulin receptor and AMPK and increased SIRT1, SIRT3 and SIRT6 and downstream targets, outperforming an equal dose of resveratrol on sirtuins and insulin signaling. Both had minimal effect on hepatic oxidative-stress markers. A rodent metabolic model, not a human outcome.