Resveratrol supplements are available as powders, liquids, tablets and capsules. Resveratrol is a natural polyphenol found in red wine. It is also contained in up to 70 different species of plants. Phenols like resveratrol help protect plants from mold, fungus and bacterial infections.
Resveratrol powder is taken as a dietary supplement for heart disease (atherosclerosis), cholesterol levels and preventing cancer. [2] It is also used for weight loss, modulating blood sugar levels, increasing lifespan (anti-aging effects) and reducing inflammation.
Resveratrol has been observed to cause a number of useful effects in laboratory and animal experiments, but human trials are largely lacking. More research is needed before the effect of resveratrol on humans is understood.
This article talks about the current state of the science and how users generally consume resveratrol powder and pills.



- Anti-oxidant used to fight signs of aging
- Improves mitochondrial health & energy metabolism
- Reduces inflammation & increases blood flow
Resveratrol Health-Boosting Properties
Related Topics
Resveratrol was identified by researchers in the 1940s, but it attracted a great deal of scientific interest in the 1990s when it was proposed as an answer for the so-called “French paradox” of heart disease.
The paradox refers to the fact that the French experience comparatively low rates of mortality caused by heart disease than other industrialized nations. This was considered all the more mysterious because France shares the same risk factors as other similar countries.
Researchers proposed that the consistent consumption of red wine might have an effect on the frequency of heart disease. Resveratrol extract, which is contained in red wine, was identified as one of the most likely constituents responsible for the French paradox.
Researchers have since concluded that many factors likely contribute to France’s lower instance of heart disease mortalities. But the research conducted on resveratrol powder has identified a number of useful properties of the compound—including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer and cardioprotective properties—that have continued to fuel research interest.
Resveratrol Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects
Resveratrol pills have been observed to affect a group of proteins called sirtuins, which play a number of important roles in maintaining cell health. These proteins are thought to help protect cells against attacks from reactive oxygen species (such as free radicals) that can damage the cell and its DNA.
Resveratrol also exhibits antioxidant effects in animal and laboratory experiments. It has been observed to activate enzymes that act as antioxidants and also act as an antioxidant on its own.
It is used to treat a number of health problems that are connected with oxidative stress (caused by free radical damage), including heart disease, diabetes and cancer. [3]
Resveratrol and Heart Disease
Resveratrol supplements are used to support cardiovascular health. More research is needed to rate the effectiveness of resveratrol for heart disease in humans. In animal and laboratory tests, resveratrol has been observed to exhibit cardioprotective effects via a number of different mechanisms.
For instance, resveratrol capsules have been observed to increase nitric oxide production. Nitric oxide can induce vasodilation or the relaxing of smooth muscle tissue in the veins and arteries. This allows blood vessels to widen, which can support blood flow.
It has also been observed to prevent the oxidation of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (so-called “bad” cholesterol) and stop the clumping of platelets. When LDL cholesterol becomes oxidized, it can damage surrounding tissue.
What’s more, it attracts the accumulation of lipids, immune-system cells and other inflammatory particles, which can begin to block arteries. When platelets clump together they can also work to block these important blood passage ways and can lead to conditions like atherosclerosis.
Resveratrol Powder for Type II Diabetes Mellitus
Available human studies investigating the effects of resveratrol on blood glucose and other markers of diabetes have been mixed. In one study, 5 mg of resveratrol powder taken twice a day for four weeks did not impact insulin resistance in diabetic patients. However, this is a very low dosage.
In another study, a specific supplement containing 250 mg of resveratrol was taken over a three-month period. Individuals receiving the supplement exhibited lower resting blood glucose, lower blood pressure and an improved lipid profile compared to the placebo group. [2]
More research is needed to understand the effect of resveratrol powder on humans. In animal and laboratory tests, it has been observed to help increase insulin sensitivity and researchers theorize that its mechanism of action may allow it to also reduce insulin resistance. Research is ongoing.
Additionally, researchers are interested in the relationship between chronic or long-term inflammation and the onset of pro-inflammatory disorders like type II diabetes. Resveratrol’s anti-inflammatory properties are sometimes used to ward off similar inflammatory conditions.
Resveratrol and Cancer
Resveratrol pills are sometimes used to ward off the development of cancer because of its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The development of some cancers is becoming increasingly connected to prolonged, chronic inflammation.
Users sometimes take resveratrol in the hopes that its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties will help reduce or prevent chronic inflammation and associated pro-inflammatory conditions.
The ability of resveratrol powder to prevent the development of cancer has not been studied in human populations.
Resveratrol has exhibited anti-tumor properties in animal and laboratory experiments, but no human trials have been conducted.
As the Sloan Kettering Cancer Center notes, in animal studies resveratrol has been observed to prevent some tumor cells from dividing. However, the Centre also notes that resveratrol will not reduce your risk of dying from heart disease or cancer. [1]
Resveratrol and Life Extension
Resveratrol powder is sometimes consumed to extend life. This is largely based on the observation that resveratrol extended the lifespan of yeast microbes in laboratory experiments. However, these results have not been observed in human populations.
Using Resveratrol Powder
The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database rates resveratrol as “Likely Safe” when taken orally in doses of up to 250 mg a day for three months.
Resveratrol exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects and has been observed to affect the cardiovascular, renal, hepatic, metabolic and neurologic systems. More research is needed before the therapeutic effects of resveratrol can be established.
Resveratrol powder appears to be well tolerated by otherwise healthy individuals. Passing gastrointestinal upset has been reported. Up to 5 g/day has been used for prolonged periods without significant side effects. There may be a slight laxative effect for those just beginning to use resveratrol.
Resveratrol may interact with a number of prescription and over-the-counter medications. Speak with your doctor before beginning to supplement with resveratrol pills, powder or liquid drops to avoid possible interactions and make sure it is safe for you.
- Integrative Medicine: Resveratrol. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. 2015 December 30.
- Resveratrol: Professional Monograph. Natural Medicines Therapeutic Research. Reviewed 2013 Mar 11, Updated 2015 Aug 26.
- University of Maryland Medical Center. Grape Seed. Complementary and Alternative Medicine Guide. 2015 Jan 1
- Cardullo N, Spatafora C, Musso N, Barresi V, Condorelli D, Tringali C. Resveratrol-Related Polymethoxystilbene Glycosides: Synthesis, Antiproliferative Activity, and Glycosidase Inhibition. J Nat Prod. 2015 Nov 5. [Epub ahead of print]
- Liu J, Fan C, Yu L, et al. Pterostilbene exerts an anti-inflammatory effect via regulating endoplasmic reticulum stress in endothelial cells. Cytokine. 2015 Nov 6;77:88-97.
- Date AA, Destache CJ Natural polyphenols: potential in the prevention of sexually transmitted viral infections. Drug Discov Today. 2015 Nov 4. pii: S1359-6446(15)00416-X.
- Pereira S, Park E, Moore J, Faubert B, Breen DM, Oprescu AI, Nahle A, Kwan D, Giacca A, Tsiani E. Resveratrol prevents insulin resistance caused by short-term elevation of free fatty acids in vivo Appl Physiol Nutr Metab. 2015 Nov;40(11):1129-36.
- Zhou Y, Lin S, Zhang L, Li Y. Resveratrol prevents renal lipotoxicity in high-fat diet-treated mouse model through regulating PPAR-? pathway. Mol Cell Biochem. 2015 Sep 30.
- Bagul PK, Dinda AK, Banerjee SK. Effect of resveratrol on sirtuins expression and cardiac complications in diabetes. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2015 Oct 27. pii: S0006-291X(15)30825-1.
- Cencioni C, Spallotta F, Mai A, et al. Sirtuin function in aging heart and vessels. J Mol Cell Cardiol. 2015 Jun;83:55-61.
Article last updated on: March 13th, 2018 by Nootriment