Resveratrol is a safe supplement, but there have been some negative effects reported in a small number of cases.
Some of the Resveratrol side effects are avoidable if you choose certain types of supplements.
This polyphenol is found in foods such as grapes, red wine, berries, nuts and pomegranates as well as Japanese Knotweed which can be harvested year round.
Those supplements sourced from Japanese Knotweed Polygonum cuspidatum that comprise more than 50 percent of the product sold in the USA today can cause side effects. This is because emodin is a component of the Japanese Knotweed plant which is a laxative and can cause nausea and severe diarrhea.
If the Resveratrol is not at least 98 percent pure when sourced from grapes, it may also contain emodin or other contaminants. A recent news story has shown some major chain stores are selling herbal supplement with fillers and contaminants. This practice was discovered when these supplements were tested in a laboratory.
Purchasing high quality trans-resveratrol supplements sourced from grapes is the best way to stay safe when taking this product.



- Anti-oxidant used to fight signs of aging
- Improves mitochondrial health & energy metabolism
- Reduces inflammation & increases blood flow
What is Resveratrol being Used for?
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This supplement is used as a cream to treat cold sores, severe acne and ultraviolet radiation damage in aging skin.
It has shown good results in the treatment of skin cancers and is being studied as a treatment for prostate cancer as it has a protective element for the male reproductive system.
In a study in 2008 it showed it prevented eosinophil reactions that caused bronchoconstriction in Asthma and allergic reactions in dermatitis and rhinitis.
It has been studied on its effect against the negative results of obesity. It lowers bad cholesterol and regulates blood pressure. It has also been shown to protect against hardening of the arteries and insulin resistance which leads to diabetes.
In another study, this supplement prolonged the life of aging rats and delayed the onset of biomarkers in the brain for Alzheimer’s. It also helps prevent plaque from forming on the nerve cells which leads to Alzheimer’s and it increased blood flow to the brain. This can have a positive impact on memory and mental performance with long-term use.
Resveratrol Contraindications
There are some people who shouldn’t take this supplement.
Resveratrol thins the blood and keeps blood pressure in check. It might slow blood clotting, and if it is taken along with similar acting medications it might increase the chances of bruising and bleeding.
Below is a list of conditions, herbal remedies and medicines that interact with Resveratrol supplements to cause side effects:
- If taking any of these medications that slow blood clotting, don’t take this supplement. These medicines include: Aspirin, Clopidogrel (Plavix), Diclofenac (Voltaren, Cataflam), Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), Naproxen (Anaprox, Naprosyn), Dalteparin (Fragmin), Enoxaparin (Lovenox), Heparin and Warfarin (Coumadin).
- If taking medications that change in the liver, such as Mevacor, Nizoral, Sporanox, Allegra and Halcion avoid this supplement.
- Resveratrol may inhibit cytochrome 3A4, (enzyme in the body, mainly found in the liver and in the intestine) which may cause interactions with HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, calcium channel agonists and anti-arrhthmic agents.
- HIV protease inhibitors and immunosuppressants.
- Antihistamines.
- Erectile dysfunction medications.
- Herbal supplements St. John’s Wort, garlic and ginkgo biloba.
- Avoid if allergic to grapes, wine, or any of the ingredients used in the supplement.
- If being treated for cancer, or any condition made worse by estrogen, such as breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids.
- Taking MAOI (Monoamine-oxidase inhibitor) anti-depressants. These include: Isocarboxazid (Marplan), Nialamide (Niamid), Phenelzine (Nardil, Nardelzine), Hydracarbazine, Non-Hydrazines: Tranylcypromine (Parnate, Jatrosom), Moclobemide (Aurorix, Manerix), Pirlindole (Pirazidol) (Russia), Toloxatone, (Humoryl) (France), Rasagiline (Azilect), Selegiline (Deprenyl, Eldepryl, Emsam) and Linezolid an antibiotic drug with weak MAO inhibiting activity.
- Antiviral or antifungal medication.
- Anti-angiogenesis (anti-tumor) effect may not allow tendons and muscles a chance to heal because it suppresses the growth of blood vessels. It is suggested to discontinue supplement for three days to allow healing.
- Resveratrol should be stopped at least 2 weeks before surgery.
Other Resveratrol Side Effects
Some people who take the supplement have experienced insomnia, pain in joints, in the hands, legs and hip-joint as well as Achilles tendinitis.
It is thought resveratrol increases the NAD+ to NADH ratio. If there is an insufficient niacin or niacinamide as a precursor to manufacture NAD+, tendon pain may be the result.
This can be countered by taking niacinamide or a Vitamin B complex. The suggested dose is 250 mg three hours after taking resverarol. With this time interval it won’t block resveratrol’s effects on the sirtuin genes (linked to longevity), but it still provides a source for NAD+.
Others have experienced Resveratrol side effects including diarrhea, stomach pain and loss of appetite and nausea. Other symptoms have included dark-colored urine, flu like symptoms, thinning of blood and outbursts of acne.
It is thought to be safe during Pregnancy and breast-feeding if taken from food and supplements sources, but not from consuming alcohol.
Knowing Resveratrol side effects can prevent any known risks to taking the supplement. Always discontinue a supplement if you do experience any unwanted symptoms to be safe.
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Article last updated on: May 10th, 2018 by Nootriment
3 Comments
However there are resveratrol side effects and I made a point on mentioning this fact on my Home Page , but my research and experience tells me they are minimal in number. If you feel any of these resveratrol side effects, in particular high blood pressure and heart palpitations then cease immediately and consult your family doctor.
I developed iron deficiency anemia after taking a resveratrol supplement over the course of a year.
minha nossa