What is Resveratrol: Doses, Effects and Side Effects

Resveratrol is a proven anti-aging supplement that can boost the health of your brain and promote a longer lifespan.

Resveratrol is a stilbenoid and a type of natural phenol substance that is produced by several different types of plants. This includes the Japanese Knotweed, from which it is extracted commercially.

It is also found in grape seed extract, the skin of red grapes and in other fruits. Red wine also contains small amounts of Resveratrol and this ingredient is sold as a nutritional supplement both on its own and in life extension stacks.

Much of the current research shows that this supplement acts as an anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory. Although this supplement is very well absorbed by the human body, it also has a fairly low bioavailability since it is rapidly metabolized and eliminated.

Scientists have been interested in exploring this supplement since 1992, when it was discovered to be an ingredient in red wine, but more recently it has been highlighted in the media for its longevity benefits.

Some user reviews also report increased focus, concentration and mental clarity when taking Resveratrol on its own or in a nootropic stack.

Resveratrol

Anti-Oxidant Supplement

Anti-Aging

Heart Health

Energy Metabolism

How It Works:

• Anti-oxidant used to fight signs of aging
• Improves mitochondrial health & energy metabolism
• Reduces inflammation & increases blood flow

Dosage:

Between 150 - 500 mg per day

Safety:

Rated Likely Safe

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Resveratrol Effects:

How exactly does Resveratrol work?

There is still some debate on this, but it does appear to act as a type of anti-oxidant. In laboratory studies, it is an effective free radical scavenger, along with a number of other oxidants.

It also has been shown to inhibit low density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation.

This supplement also helps to activate important cellular anti-oxidant defenses by producing a number of internal enzymatic anti-oxidants like glutathione, catalase, and others.

It is interesting to note that this action appears to be very dose dependent. When taken in a high dose, Resveratrol may actually promote oxidation.

There a number of other competing theories about how Resveratrol might work, but these still need to be more thoroughly studied. It is thought to possibly inhibit platelet aggregation and also promote vasodilation, or the opening/widening of blood vessels. This is done through the production of Nitric Oxide.

In terms of its effects on cognitive enhancement, resveratrol is known to stimulate norepinephrine release at a moderate level. Norepinephrine is one of the adrenal hormones that promotes sensations of mental alertness and heightens our attention and perceptual awareness.

This could explain why users feel that their concentration and mental stamina is boosted when taking this supplement. Resveratrol is also an MAO-Inhibitor and a serotonin agonist. As such, it may improve mood, reduce anxiety and even lead to better sleep quality.

While the effects of Resveratrol are relatively short-lived compared to other nootropics, the diverse mechanism of action means that this supplement should synergize well with stronger cognitive enhancers.

Resveratrol Benefits:

Resveratrol’s most well-known benefit is that it can extend the life span of certain cells by as much as 70%.

This compound has been observed to induce changes in gene expression that may lead to significant prolongation of life in humans.

This effect may be due to the fact that Resveratrol mimics the effects of a calorie restricted diet in cellular function. The result is a slower rate of aging and growth in your cells as well as increased insulin sensitivity, improved physical endurance and greater cellular energy production.

There is preliminary research indicating that Resveratrol could be effective as a weight loss aid. These studies are indicating that this supplement may stimulate the expression of adiponectin, which is an hormone shown to possess anti-obesity properties and also fight insulin resistance.

Other studies have also indicated that Resveratrol may help to speed up the metabolism and counteract the formation of fat cells.

There is some evidence to suggest that Resveratrol may hold promise as an anti-cancer supplement as well.

In several studies the supplement actually was found to suppress breast cancer progression in its earliest stages. It is thought to work by preventing estrogen from reacting with DNA molecules and forming compounds that mark the beginning of cancer cell formation.

Resveratrol has also been considered capable of decreasing LDL or ‘bad’ cholesterol. Along with this, it may prevent the hardening of the arteries and either lower blood pressure or at least keep it in check.

When studied as a component of red wine, Resveratrol is also thought to show promise in fighting against age-related disorders like inflammation and neuro-degenerative diseases.

The most interesting of these benefits is probably the potential reduction in inflammation, since this is thought to play a major role in almost every type of disease we incur. Inflammation and the hardening of blood vessels in the brain may contribute to the development of Alzheimer’s.

Resveratrol Dosage:

The medical community has not yet established a definitive recommended dose for Resveratrol.

Studies and evidence indicate that for those who are unhealthy and looking to improve their overall cardiovascular health, insulin sensitivity, and longevity, starting with as little as 10 mg per day can be helpful.

For otherwise healthy adults, anywhere between 100 and 500 mg is acceptable. As with anything new, always begin with the lowest effective dose. Only increase your dosage once becoming familiar with its effects, and even then do so carefully in a slow and controlled manner.

Resveratrol Side Effects:

Resveratrol does appear to be a fairly safe supplement which is very well-tolerated in humans. In fact, doses as high as 5 grams (certainly NOT recommended) have been taken with only a bit of mild stomach upset and nausea. No dangerous side effects have been reported so far when taking Resveratrol.

Resveratrol Review:

The best course of action for someone interested in gaining the potential benefits of Resveratrol would be to begin by taking a very small dose, say 10 mg per day. Although it is still too soon to say exactly how much this supplement can do for you, there is certainly a great deal of promise and potential.

It does offer some nootropic benefits related to boosting brainpower and it can improve the health of your cells while reducing signs of aging. If you are designing a comprehensive nootropic stack, consider combining Resveratrol with the similar compound Pterostilbene for best results.

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