Resveratrol is a compound found in grapes and is famous as a component of red wine.
Many users are interested in buying grape seed extract as a source of resveratrol.
However, unlike many other compounds which have the highest concentration in the seeds of the grape, resveratrol is found mainly in the skin.
Although this phytochemical can be found in other plants such as spruce and eucalyptus, the highest concentrations are found in wine grapes. Resveratrol is found in most parts of the plant but the skin provides the best concentration.
While grape seed extract is not the best source of this anti-aging supplement, it does contain other anti-oxidants and oligomeric proanthocyanidin complexes (OPCs) which can improve circulation, brain health, and even prevent tooth decay.
But if you are looking to obtain the benefits of resveratrol, it is best to seek out a supplement that is specifically designed to deliver high enough dosages of this compound. You should also be looking for the trans-resveratrol version of the ingredient, as this is the active form.



- Anti-oxidant used to fight signs of aging
- Improves mitochondrial health & energy metabolism
- Reduces inflammation & increases blood flow
Resveratrol from Grapes
Related Topics
Resveratrol is what is termed a stilbenoid and a naturally occurring phenol.
It was isolated in Japan in 1939 and its beneficial medicinal properties are still far from being understood.
Currently, the actions it performs are considered as possibly increasing longevity. Other research is investigating its influence on calorie restrictions and how it may aid weight loss.
The action of resveratrol on biochemistry indicates that both effects are due to the compound naturally triggering the health benefits of a calorie restricted diet. This diet has been proven to promote longevity in animal studies.
Resveratrol did not attract the attention of western science until the mid 1990s. The relationship between wine loving France and the low incidence of heart disease even taking into consideration a high fat diet, was noticed.
The French are noted for their high consumption of red wine rather than white. Since the fruit skins of the red grape is left to ferment longer than the white, then the concentration of resveratrol in red wine is higher.
The science however is not substantiating the hypothesis. To date it has not been found that French people have a higher amount of resveratrol in their body comparative to other nationalities.
However, studies have found that certain European groups naturally get more resveratrol in their diets than those in North America.
What Does Resveratrol do
For the grape plant, resveratrol is a life-saver because it acts as an antibiotic against disease. In humans, the benefits are less well substantiated. Scientific investigation is in its infancy with regard to research of this compound.
However there are several areas of potential which are being researched:
Cardiovascular Benefits: Some studies indicate that resveratrol (whether from grape seed extract or the skins of the grapes) has high antioxidant properties and, quite possibly, better effects than vitamins C and E. Supportive evidence in humans has yet to produce findings of any significance.
However the French Connection still holds true: death rates from heart disease in France are currently about a quarter of that than in the UK. The effects of red wine consumption in reducing CDV have not, and are not likely to any time soon, to be given up without exhaustive research.
Longevity and Anti-aging: Research currently undertaken in this area is certainly not conclusive. Most studies have compared the beneficial effects of resveratrol against those of a high-fat or low-calorie diet. Such studies have been carried out on mice rather than humans.
In some cases, high doses of resveratrol have been found to extend average lifespan, but there has yet to be a long-term study published looking at the results for humans. Generally findings have been either inconclusive or contradictory. There is though evidence that it may produce similar beneficial effects and research is on-going.
Cancer Prevention and Treatment: Research into the effects of grape seed extract and resveratrol in preventing or treating cancer cells is currently on-going. Most of the earlier studies were performed on rodents and have since led to clinical trials in humans. The evidence suggests that resveratrol will be examined in respect of its effectiveness both as a cancer treatment and preventative measure.
Resveratrol in Cosmetics: The anti-oxidant and subsequently anti-aging properties of resveratrol have been utilized extensively by the cosmetics industry.
The anti-oxidant element is said to produce good results in inhibiting inflammation which is significantly beneficial to consumers. As a result, it has started to be included not only in cosmetics but also in skin care products and promoting the anti-aging effects.
Not only has it been used in moisturizers as an anti-aging compound but also as a skin brightening agent and wrinkle reducer. Additional research has been on-going looking into the effects of resveratrol as a sun-screen and the restorative effects on sun-damage skin.
Resveratrol and Acne: Research is also investigating the benefits to acne sufferers and the results have proved positive. Although the study proved that resveratrol was effective in isolation, it worked better when combined with a preparatory medication.
When combined with benzoyl peroxide (BP), not only did the preparation resolve the acne significantly, but it also reduced the side effects of BP when used on its own.
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How Much Does Resveratrol Cost?
The average price for capsules of resveratrol without any additional ingredients costs around $0.32 per 200 mg dose. The product market is somewhat confused however by the inclusion of French Red Wine Extract.
This product is not resveratrol in isolation, although some manufacturers are now including it and using the compound to further promote the product. Although this product initially appears to be much cheaper, around $0.08 per dose, the capsule size usually starts at around 60 mg.
Some are also including resveratrol with grape seed extract products. There may be synergistic benefits when combining multiple anti-oxidants together.
Another option is to combine resveratrol with pterostilbene, which is a flavonoid found to be three times more powerful than resveratrol as an anti-oxidant. The side effects of resveratrol are believed to be mild, but more research needs to be done in this area.
This is because there has been little time to monitor the effects of long-term usage and clearance from the system. Speak to your doctor before taking resveratrol or grape seed extract to ensure you are not contraindicated for this product.
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Article last updated on: May 12th, 2018 by Nootriment
1 Comment
What item should I purchase for greatest benefit? How extensive will be the benefit? I do not wish to pay for something which will only be of minimal benefit Also is the same or greater benefit less expensively found in other items? Thank you.