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Resveratrol supplements are often used to promote longevity of life and to fight signs of aging in the body. While there are no research studies showing that resveratrol can extend lifespan in humans, there is evidence of general health benefits and anti-oxidant effects.
Resveratrol is the common name for red wine catechins, a group of phenols contained in the skin of grapes like Vitis vinidera. Red wine catechins like those in resveratrol dietary supplements are extracted from the skin of red wine grapes.
Resveratrol is naturally produced in more than 70 plant species, such as raspberries, red grapes and peanuts. Phenols like resveratrol help plants ward off bacterial or fungal infections.
In the case of resveratrol, it is manufactured in the skin of the grape plant and is thought to help prevent the development of gray molds. When ingested by humans, this supplement may improve cardiovascular health, reduce inflammation and improve energy metabolism.
Anti-Aging
Heart Health
Energy Metabolism- Anti-oxidant used to fight signs of aging
- Improves mitochondrial health & energy metabolism
- Reduces inflammation & increases blood flow
Resveratrol Supplements
Related Topics
Resveratrol was first discovered in the 1940s but became a popular research topic in the 1990s after it was proposed as a solution to the “French paradox” of heart disease.
The French paradox refers to the low incidence of heart disease in France compared to other industrialized nations with similar risk profiles. Researchers hypothesized that it was the frequent and consistent consumption of red wine that helped the French maintain strong heart health.
Of the many constituents of red wine, resveratrol was identified as the component most likely to contribute to the “French paradox”.
Resveratrol supplements are now used for a number of indications, including atherosclerosis, high cholesterol, aging skin and preventing cancer. [1]
Resveratrol is also used as a life extension supplement (it has been observed to help extend the life span of a number of bacterial and animal models in laboratory experiments) and to slow the effects of aging. It is also used for blood sugar (diabetes), weight loss and heart disease.
Resveratrol Supplement Mechanisms of Action
Resveratrol appears to exhibit a number of potentially therapeutic mechanisms. For example, resveratrol supplements exhibit antioxidant effects in laboratory and animal experiments.
Antioxidants scavenge and neutralize free radicals that could otherwise damage cells and DNA. In the case of resveratrol, it appears to both trigger other antioxidant molecules and act as an antioxidant.
It has also been observed to exhibit anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anti-platelet, anti-microbial and anti-cancer effects in laboratory experiments. These are only a small sampling of the observed effects during scientific studies. Resveratrol also interacts with cells of the immune system.
In general, resveratrol appears to interact with a number of molecules that may explain its wide array of effects. For example, it has been observed to activate sirtuins (proteins that regulate a number of cellular functions) and other compounds that may increase cell survival. [1]
Best Sources of Resveratrol
Resveratrol is contained in red wine, some forms of chocolate, berries (raspberries, mulberries, and blueberries) and nuts (peanuts and pistachios).
Resveratrol concentrations will vary between natural products, but 4 oz. of red wine contains approximately 320 mcg (micrograms) of resveratrol.
Benefits of Resveratrol Supplements
The benefits of resveratrol supplements have not been scientifically established in a human population.
In laboratory and animal experiments, resveratrol has been observed to trigger a number of health benefits, but there are comparatively few studies conducted on human populations. Also, the studies that have been conducted have been quite short, meaning the long-term effects of resveratrol remain unknown.
Resveratrol is sometimes used for cancer. In laboratory studies it has been observed to exhibit anti-tumor properties. In animal studies it has shown the ability to prevent the differentiation of cancer cells.
However, the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center notes that human studies have not been conducted concerning resveratrol supplementation and human cancer. The Center also notes that eating a diet high in resveratrol does not “lower the risk of dying from cancer or heart disease.” [2]
A great deal of research has been conducted on the relationship between resveratrol and heart disease. Resveratrol’s antioxidant properties may help protect against atherosclerosis (the thickening and hardening of the arteries). [2]
Resveratrol is also used to reduce cholesterol, but this has not been verified in human studies.
Consumers should be aware that further research is necessary before the relationship between resveratrol and heart disease can be established in human populations. In addition, even the best resveratrol supplement may also have little to no effect on high blood pressure. Studies regarding the efficacy of resveratrol for weight loss have been inconsistent and research is ongoing.
Resveratrol Supplement Side Effects
The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database rates resveratrol supplements as “Likely Safe” when taken orally in doses of up to 250 mg a day for up to three months. [1]
Always follow the label instructions for use and dosages for the particular product you are purchasing. Resveratrol is often combined with other supplements. In addition, the concentration of resveratrol in supplements may vary from brand to brand.
Resveratrol supplements may interact with a number of prescription and over-the-counter medications.
Resveratrol has been observed to affect androgen and estrogen receptors. As a result, individuals suffering from hormone-sensitive cancers should avoid resveratrol. In addition, resveratrol has been observed to exhibit anti-platelet properties and may interact with anti-platelet medications.
Consumers are advised to follow label instructions to establish a proper dose. Clinical trials indicate that resveratrol is well tolerated, but long-term effects on humans have yet to be established.
Consult with your doctor before taking resveratrol supplements to make sure it is right for you.
- Resveratrol: Professional Monograph. Natural Medicines Therapeutic Research. Reviewed 2013 Mar 11, Updated 2015 Aug 26.
- Integrative Medicine: Resveratrol. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. 2015 December 30.
- Lippi G, Franchini M, Favaloro EJ, Targher G. Moderate red wine consumption and cardiovascular disease risk: beyond the "French paradox". Semin Thromb Hemost. 2010 Feb;36(1):59-70.
- Mezzano D, Leighton F, Strobel P, et al. Mediterranean diet, but not red wine, is associated with beneficial changes in primary haemostasis. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2003 Mar;57(3):439-46.
- Mezzano D, Leighton F, MartÃnez C, et al. Complementary effects of Mediterranean diet and moderate red wine intake on haemostatic cardiovascular risk factors. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2001 Jun;55(6):444-51.
- Gurusamy N, Lekli I, Mukherjee S, et al. Cardioprotection by resveratrol: a novel mechanism via autophagy involving the mTORC2 pathway. Cardiovasc Res. 2010 Apr 1;86(1):103-12.
- Baur JA, Sinclair DA. Therapeutic potential of resveratrol: the in vivo evidence. Nat Rev Drug Discov. 2006 Jun;5(6):493-506.
- Poulsen MM, Fjeldborg K, Ornstrup MJ, et al. Resveratrol and inflammation: Challenges in translating pre-clinical findings to improved patient outcomes. Biochim Biophys Acta. 2015 Jun;1852(6):1124-36.
- Laliberte R. Resveratrol: The new weight-loss supplement? Fitness Magazine.
Article last updated on: March 13th, 2018 by Nootriment