Acetyl-resveratrol supplements are purported to offer the same health benefits of the resveratrol found naturally in red wine extract, but with better bioavailability.
Adding an acetyl group to the resveratrol molecule is said to increase the potency of the effects of this natural supplement. As an acetylated form, this compound is assimilated into the body much faster and is more stable.
In its natural phenolic form, resveratrol is molecularly unstable; especially when exposed to light, heat and/or oxygen. This instability results from activated hydroxyls which break down chemical bonds.
By acetylating resveratrol, its hydroxyls are made inactive. The hydroxylic deactivation of resveratrol results in acetyl-resveratrol, and helps the molecules to remain stable. Additionally, it increases the bioavailability of resveratrol, and causes it to be more biologically active.
After being absorbed, acetyl-resveratrol is converted to the natural phenolic form of resveratrol through processes of metabolism. Various clinical studies have shown acetyl-resveratrol to exhibit stronger medicinal effects than non-acetylated resveratrol.



- Anti-oxidant used to fight signs of aging
- Improves mitochondrial health & energy metabolism
- Reduces inflammation & increases blood flow
Acetyl-Resveratrol: What is Acetyl?
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Acetyl (C2H3O) is a functional group in organic chemistry. It is a carbonyl joined to a methyl group with a single bond.
When an organic molecule is acetylated, it increases it ability to cross the selectively permeable BBB (blood brain barrier).
An example of this is L-Carnitine, which has relatively low penetration of the BBB, compared to Acetyl L-Carnitine, which has higher penetration of the BBB.
By making these substances more bioavailable in the brain, acetylation increases their effectiveness at lower dosage levels.
In the case of acetyl-resveratrol, this supplement is said to have improved anti-oxidant potential and to exhibit the other benefits of resveratrol at a significantly greater level.
What is Resveratrol?
Resveratrol (C20H18O6) is a medicinally beneficial substance that occurs naturally in certain sources of food; most notably peanut skins and grape skins. It is associated with fighting the advancement of aging and protecting from the damaging effects of oxidative free radicals.
Its chemical name is 1,3-Benzenediol,5-[2-[4-(acetyloxy)phenyl]ethenyl]-diacetate, and it has a molecular weight of 354.35. In its natural form, it is a white crystalline powder.
By activating a class of enzymatic proteins called sirtuins, acetyl-resveratrol protects cells from oxidizing damages caused by ROS (reactive oxygen species) as well as other free radicals. This may inhibit some forms of damage to DNA.
Resveratrol is widely used as a longevity-promoting supplement. This natural extract has been shown to increase lifespan in the fruit fly according to research studies.
However, there is no evidence that it can increase lifespan in humans. Rather, it may support general well-being and anti-aging effects that can improve quality of life without actually extending lifespan.
Benefits of Acetyl-Resveratrol
Acetyl-resveratrol demonstrates antioxidant, anticancer, chemoprotective, neuroprotective, cardioprotective, hepatoprotective, renoprotective, antidiabetic, anti-STD, antiobesity and metabolism-enhancing properties.
There is insufficient evidence to rate effectiveness for many of its attributed health benefits. While preliminary studies do demonstrate beneficial mechanisms of action in laboratory settings, more human research is needed to determine clinical efficacy. There have been limited studies looking at the effects in human populations.
Acetyl-resveratrol for Cancer:
Acetyl-Resveratrol is reported to have anti-cancer benefits, though these have not yet been demonstrated conclusively in humans. This supplement is not approved as a drug by the FDA for the treatment or prevention of cancer.
In research studies, oral resveratrol supplementation has been effective at disrupting all three stages of carcinogenesis: initiation, promotion and progression. Specific chemopreventive mechanisms of action include:
- Inhibiting the development of new blood supply vessels to tumors (antiangiogenic);
- Preventing rapid number increases in tumor cells (antiproliferative);
- Inducing apoptosis in tumor cells mediated by Fas/Fas ligand pathway actions;
- Altering the expression and activities of COX (cyclooxygenase);
- Modulating cell survival, transcription of DNA and cytokine synthesis via NF-kB control;
Acetyl-resveratrol continues to be studied for its antitumor and cancer-preventing traits.
Acetyl-resveratrol for Heart Disease;
Accumulations of fatty substances, like low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and triglycerides, are known to contribute to the development of arterial plaque; the primary cause of coronary artery disease.
As the circulatory system is affected by aging, the blood vessels and heart muscle become more susceptible to incurring damage. Over time, various factors may cause reduced cardiac efficacy; along with related adverse health conditions.
In animal and human testing, oral supplementation with acetyl-resveratrol has been shown to positively affect cardiovascular health in the following ways:
- Upregulate expression of eNOS (endothelial nitric oxide synthase), promoting generalized vasodilation;
- Discouraging the in-vitro production of NO in activated macrophages;
- Increasing the release and activity of nitric oxide in stimulated blood platelets;
- Upregulating VASP (vasodilator-activated protein) phosphorylation;
- Reducing the signs of senescence (aging) induced via TNF-alpha in incubated progenitor cells within endothelia;
- Decrease the oxidation of LDL-C;
- Inhibiting cardiac contraction responses to norepinephrine;
- Reducing blood pressure;
The routine use of an acetyl-resveratrol may help to reduce various factors associated with cardiovascular disease. By lowering plasma LDL-C and triglycerides, and by elevating HDL-C, the risk for developing atherosclerosis, hypercholesterolemia and other related conditions is reduced.
Additional Effects of Acetyl-Resveratrol
Resveratrol has been documented to have wide-ranging therapeutic effects in the body. It is theorized that acetyl-resveratrol will share many of these effects, since this supplement is converted back into resveratrol following ingestion.
Some of the effects linked to resveratrol supplementation in research studies include:
- Increasing sensitivity to insulin in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus;
- Modestly reducing fat mass in obese individuals;
- Increasing metabolism in limited cases;
- Inhibiting infections from HPV (human papillomavirus), HIV (human immunodeficiency virus and HSV (herpes simplex virus);
- Decreasing hyperactivate glutamatergic signaling;
- Protecting nerves from excitotoxicity and ammonia accumulations;
- Possibly protecting against damages from radiation exposure;
The acetylation of resveratrol increases the biological activity and the bioavailability of resveratrol. Ask your qualified health practitioner if supplementing with acetyl-resveratrol is right for your unique health situation.
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Article last updated on: March 25th, 2018 by Nootriment