If we can't get enough resveratrol from food, should we try to get it from supplements? As you might expect, Dr. Sinclair takes resveratrol in supplement form, and has for the last ten years. He's not an MD, so he says he can't recommend it to you and me.

That makes taking a resveratrol supplement a bit of an experiment—sort of like the tests on lab mice. A big difference is that mice have researchers assessing their response to resveratrol, but we don't. If you take a resveratrol supplement, or plan to, let your doctor know so you both can be alert for any possible harms.

If you want to get some resveratrol from red wine, go ahead but keep it moderate: no more than one drink day for women, and no more than two drinks a day for men. The same advice holds true for other alcoholic beverages. But if you're looking for longevity from resveratrol, you won't find it at the bottom of your wine glass or, at least for now, in a supplement bottle.

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Men's Health. Medical Research Nutrition. Free Healthbeat Signup Get the latest in health news delivered to your inbox! Resveratrol is a natural polyphenol compound in certain plants and fruits, including grapes, berries, apples, and peanuts.

In supplement form, most resveratrol extracts are derived from the root of Polygonum cuspidatum , also known as the Japanese knotweed plant. Resveratrol is rich in antioxidant , anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties that may help relieve joint pain and benefit cardiovascular, brain, and metabolic health.

This article discusses resveratrol's potential uses, benefits, and side effects. Unlike drugs, dietary supplements are not regulated in the United States, meaning the Food and Drug Administration FDA does not approve them for safety and effectiveness before products are marketed. Whenever possible, choose a supplement tested by a trusted third party, such as USP, ConsumerLab, or NSF.

Even when supplements are third-party tested, they are not necessarily safe for all or effective in general. Talk to your healthcare provider about any supplements you plan to take and check in about potential interactions with other supplements or medications.

Alternate name s : 3,5,4'-Trihydroxy-trans-stilbene. Legal status: Resveratrol is available as a dietary supplement in the United States and is not regulated by the FDA as a drug. However, the FDA does require that all dietary supplements have nutritional facts on their labels.

Suggested dose : The appropriate dose of resveratrol can vary depending on the condition it is used for. As a dietary supplement, typical daily doses range from 50— milligrams mg.

However, higher doses have been given to subjects in some studies. Follow the product label's dosing instructions or take the dosage your healthcare provider recommends.

Safety considerations : Resveratrol is generally considered safe and well-tolerated when taken daily. Some people may experience side effects such as stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Resveratrol may cause liver dysfunction in people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

It may interact with certain medications and increase the risk of bruising and bleeding when taken with blood thinners, antiplatelet, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs NSAIDs. Resveratrol has many potential health benefits due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Resveratrol has been studied extensively for its potential benefits for heart health, including its ability to lower blood pressure and improve cholesterol levels. Several studies show that resveratrol's antioxidant effects can help reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure in people with hypertension high blood pressure and may protect against stroke.

Other research suggests that resveratrol may improve the function of the endothelium—the inner lining of blood vessels—helping reduce vascular oxidative stress and stiffness in arteries, which helps promote healthy blood flow and protects against heart disease. Resveratrol has also been shown to improve blood lipid cholesterol levels, reducing total cholesterol and triglycerides a type of fat.

High blood lipid fat levels are associated with increased heart disease and stroke risk. Resveratrol has been shown to decrease low-density lipoprotein LDL , often called "bad" cholesterol, which may help protect against heart disease. Resveratrol may boost cognitive function and protect against certain neurodegenerative disorders , such as Alzheimer's disease.

Resveratrol has potent antioxidant activity that helps protect neurons brain cells against the effects of harmful free radicals—chemicals associated with the development of Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and Huntingdon's.

Resveratrol has also been shown to improve the function of the hippocampus—the part of the brain responsible for memory, learning, and spatial navigation. Research shows that resveratrol's anti-inflammatory properties may protect cognitive function in older adults, helping maintain memory and cognitive function as you age.

One study found that resveratrol reduced the accumulation of amyloid-beta plaques in the brain—a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. The study found that a mg daily dose of resveratrol for 52 weeks significantly reduced amyloid-beta levels in the cerebrospinal fluid of individuals with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease, which suggests that resveratrol may help slow disease progression.

Research investigating the effects of resveratrol on metabolic function suggests that it may benefit metabolic health by helping regulate blood sugar levels and reducing insulin sensitivity, which may lower the risk of type 2 diabetes and other metabolic conditions.

Resveratrol may help manage type 2 diabetes, according to some research. One study found that resveratrol supplementation improved insulin sensitivity and reduced blood sugar glucose levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes.

Another study found that resveratrol lowers oxidative stress in people with diabetes, which may help protect against diabetes-related complications like heart disease.

Additional studies found that resveratrol supplementation of mg daily for 12 weeks reduced body weight, waist circumference, and markers of inflammation in individuals with metabolic syndrome a group of conditions that can increase your risk of stroke, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes.

Study participants had significantly improved insulin sensitivity, reduced blood pressure, and improved metabolism of lipids a type of fat. Resveratrol has powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which may help promote joint health and reduce joint pain and damage in people with certain types of arthritis.

Research suggests that resveratrol may be an effective complementary therapy and help reduce joint pain in people with osteoarthritis. In one study, a mg daily dose of resveratrol supplementation significantly reduced joint pain in people with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis when paired with standard treatment.

In another study, resveratrol effectively relieved joint inflammation and damage in people with rheumatoid arthritis RA. It was thought to protect against certain complications of RA, such as periodontitis gum disease and interstitial pneumonia. Resveratrol has been investigated for its potential use in preventing cancer and as an adjuvant additional therapy for cancer treatments.

Test tube and animal studies show that resveratrol may have anticancer properties that may help prevent or fight certain types of cancer, including breast, colon, gastric, pancreas, prostate, ovarian, and endometrial cancers. Research shows that resveratrol may:. In addition to the health benefits listed above, resveratrol may have other benefits.

More research is needed to determine if resveratrol offers the following benefits:. Resveratrol is considered safe and well-tolerated when taken in recommended doses, but like any supplement, it may cause side effects in some people.

Side effects are more common at high doses and may include:. While resveratrol is generally safe, especially when consumed in foods, not everyone should take resveratrol supplements. People with the following conditions should avoid resveratrol supplements:. Always speak with a healthcare provider before taking a supplement to ensure that the supplement and dosage are appropriate for your needs.

The appropriate dosage of resveratrol varies, depending on the specific supplement product and intended use. Studies show that doses up to 5 grams 5, mg daily are safe, but side effects are more common with doses above 2.

Some research suggests that taking smaller doses is better than taking one large dose, as resveratrol is metabolized quickly. Speak with a healthcare provider before you take resveratrol supplements.

They can help you determine the best supplement and dosage based on your needs. There is no established upper limit or recommended intake for resveratrol, and there have been no reports of toxicity or overdose in humans from dietary or supplemental sources.

However, studies in rodents have shown that extremely high doses of resveratrol can lead to kidney and liver damage. If you take very high doses of resveratrol, you may experience side effects or adverse events such as:.

Seek medical attention if you suspect you have taken too much resveratrol. Resveratrol can interact with certain medications, herbs, and supplements, potentially causing adverse effects and changing how these medicines work in your body.

Resveratrol may interact with the following:. Supplements and herbs that have similar effects or potential interactions with resveratrol include:. Many supplements come with recommended storage suggestions on the product label, though not all do.

Resveratrol supplements should be stored:. If your supplement has expired or shows signs of deterioration, such as changes in color or capsules clumping together, it should be discarded.

If you are unsure how to store a particular resveratrol supplement, ask for guidance from your healthcare provider or contact the manufacturer directly. Similar supplements to resveratrol include:. Like resveratrol, each of these supplements has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may benefit cardiovascular health, joint health, and cognitive function.

Many of these compounds are being studied for their potential anti-cancer effects. Taking these supplements alongside resveratrol is generally safe, but it is important to be mindful of possible interactions or side effects.

Resveratrol is found in several dietary sources, including red wine, grapes, berries, and peanuts. The amounts of resveratrol in these sources vary, and research shows that it is not possible to absorb the recommended therapeutic doses of resveratrol through diet alone.

Therefore, supplements may be a more reliable way to ensure you get the therapeutic benefits of resveratrol. Resveratrol is a natural compound found in various plant-based foods, particularly in the skins of red grapes and berries. Common food sources of resveratrol include:.

Resveratrol is available in capsule, tablet, powder, liquid, and gummy forms. Capsules and tablets are the most commonly used and can be taken with water. Liquids may be a good option if you have difficulty swallowing pills or prefer to add resveratrol to your food or drinks.

There is no evidence to suggest that one form of resveratrol is superior to others in terms of efficacy. The supplement's potency can vary, depending on the amount of resveratrol in the supplement and manufacturer.

When shopping for resveratrol supplements, look for a high-quality product from a reputable brand. Resveratrol is a naturally occurring polyphenol compound in grape skins, berries, and peanuts.

It is also available as a dietary supplement. Packed with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer compounds, resveratrol may benefit cardiovascular, joint, and metabolic health and improve cognitive function.

If you are considering using resveratrol to support your health, talk to a healthcare provider to determine if it is safe for you, especially if you have any health conditions or are taking medications. When shopping for resveratrol supplements, choose a reputable brand, and follow the recommended dosage guidelines.

Koushki M, Amiri-Dashatan N, Ahmadi N, Abbaszadeh HA, Rezaei-Tavirani M. Resveratrol: A miraculous natural compound for diseases treatment. Food Sci Nutr. Oregon State University. Salehi B, Mishra AP, Nigam M, et al. Resveratrol: a double-edged sword in health benefits.

Cheng CK, Luo JY, Lau CW, Chen ZY, Tian XY, Huang Y. Pharmacological basis and new insights of resveratrol action in the cardiovascular system. Br J Pharmacol. Li H, Xia N, Hasselwander S, Daiber A.

Resveratrol and vascular function. Int J Mol Sci. Singh A, Kukreti R, Saso L, Kukreti S.

While cells that line the digestive tract are exposed to unmetabolized resveratrol, other tissues are likely exposed to resveratrol metabolites.

At present, little is known about the biological activity of resveratrol metabolites. Yet, if some tissues are capable of converting resveratrol metabolites back to resveratrol, stable resveratrol conjugates in tissues could serve as a pool in the body from which resveratrol might be regenerated 6 , The biological significance of resveratrol has been primarily investigated in test tubes and cultured cells, and to a lesser extent, in animal models.

Of note, a recent publication by Tomé-Carneiro et al. It is important to keep in mind that many of the biological activities discussed below were observed in cells cultured in the presence of resveratrol at higher concentrations than those likely to be achieved in humans consuming resveratrol orally see Metabolism and Bioavailability.

In the test tube, resveratrol effectively scavenges neutralizes free radicals and other oxidants 17, 18 and inhibits low-density lipoprotein LDL oxidation 19, However, there is little evidence that resveratrol is an important antioxidant in vivo. Upon oral consumption of resveratrol, circulating and intracellular levels of resveratrol in humans are likely to be much lower than that of other important antioxidants, such as vitamin C , uric acid , vitamin E , and glutathione.

Moreover, the antioxidant activity of resveratrol metabolites , which comprise most of the circulating resveratrol, may be lower than that of resveratrol Endogenous estrogens are steroid hormones synthesized by humans and other mammals; these hormones bind to estrogen receptors within cells.

The estrogen-receptor complex interacts with unique sequences in DNA estrogen response elements; EREs to modulate the expression of estrogen-responsive genes The chemical structure of resveratrol is very similar to that of the synthetic estrogen agonist, diethylstilbestrol Figure 2 , suggesting that resveratrol might also function as an estrogen agonist, i.

However, in cell culture experiments, resveratrol was found to act either as an estrogen agonist or as an estrogen antagonist depending on such factors as cell type, estrogen receptor isoform ERα or ERβ , and the presence of endogenous estrogens Most recently, resveratrol was shown to improve endothelial wound healing through an ERα-dependent pathway in an animal model of arterial injury Some compounds are not carcinogenic until they have been metabolized in the body by phase I biotransformation enzymes , especially cytochrome P enzymes 2.

By inhibiting the expression and activity of certain cytochrome P enzymes 25, 26 , resveratrol might help prevent cancer by limiting the activation of procarcinogens. In contrast, increasing the activity of phase II detoxification enzymes generally promotes the excretion of potentially toxic or carcinogenic chemicals.

Resveratrol has been found to increase the expression and activity of NAD P H:quinone oxidoreductase-1 NQO1 in cultured cells 27 and may be a weak inducer of other phase II enzymes Following DNA damage, the cell cycle can be transiently arrested to allow for DNA repair or activation of pathways leading to cell death apoptosis if the damage is irreparable Defective cell cycle regulation may result in the propagation of mutations that contribute to the development of cancer.

Moreover, unlike normal cells, cancer cells proliferate rapidly and are unable to respond to cell death signals that initiate apoptosis. Cancerous cells invade normal tissue aided by enzymes called matrix metalloproteinases.

Resveratrol has been found to inhibit the activity of at least one type of matrix metalloproteinase 30, To fuel their rapid growth, invasive tumors must also develop new blood vessels by a process known as angiogenesis.

Resveratrol has been found to inhibit angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo Inflammation promotes cellular proliferation and angiogenesis and inhibits apoptosis Resveratrol has been found to inhibit the activity of several inflammatory enzymes in vitro , including cyclooxygenases and lipoxygenases 37, Resveratrol may also inhibit pro-inflammatory transcription factors , such as NFκB or AP-1 39, Atherosclerosis is an inflammatory process in which lipids deposit in plaques known as atheromas within arterial walls and increase the risk of myocardial infarction One of the earliest events in the development of atherosclerosis is the recruitment of inflammatory white blood cells from the blood to the arterial wall by vascular cell adhesion molecules Resveratrol has been found to inhibit the expression of adhesion molecules in cultured endothelial cells 43, The proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells VSMCs plays an important role in the progression of hypertension , atherosclerosis , and restenosis when treated arteries become blocked again.

Resveratrol has been found to inhibit the proliferation of VSMCs in culture , as well as in vivo Resveratrol appeared to reduce VSMC proliferation via an ERα-dependent mechanism, hence preventing the narrowing of vessels in a mouse model of arterial injury Endothelial nitric oxide synthase eNOS is an enzyme that catalyzes the formation of nitric oxide NO by vascular endothelial cells.

NO is needed to maintain arterial relaxation vasodilation , and impaired NO-dependent vasodilation is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease Because physiological concentrations of resveratrol were found to stimulate eNOS activity in cultured endothelial cells , resveratrol might help maintain or improve endothelial function in vivo see Cardiovascular disease.

Platelet aggregation is one of the first steps in the formation of a blood clot that can occlude a coronary or cerebral artery, resulting in myocardial infarction or stroke , respectively. Resveratrol has been found to inhibit platelet activation and aggregation in vitro Age-related mood alterations and memory deficits result from a decrease in the function of the hippocampus in the elderly.

Resveratrol was shown to stimulate neurogenesis and blood vessel formation in the hippocampus of healthy old rats. These structural changes were associated with significant improvements in spatial learning, memory formation, and mood function Senile plaques are toxic to cells, resulting in progressive neuronal dysfunction and death.

Resveratrol was found to facilitate the clearance of β-amyloid peptide and promote cell survival in primary neurons in culture and neuronal cell lines Resveratrol also reduced senile plaque counts in various brain regions of a transgenic AD mouse model Abnormally activated microglia and hypertrophic astrocytes around the senile plaques in AD brains release cytotoxic molecules, such as proinflammatory mediators and ROS , which enhance the formation and deposition of β-amyloid peptides and further damage neurons Resveratrol was found able to inhibit the inflammatory response triggered by β-amyloid peptide-induced microglial activation in microglial cell lines and in a mouse model of cerebral amyloid deposition A decreased occurrence of microglial activation and astrocyte hypertrophy was also reported in healthy aged rats treated with resveratrol Resveratrol counteracted oxidative stress and β-amyloid peptide-induced toxicity in cultured neuroblastoma Resistance against oxidative stress-related damage in primary neuronal cells treated with resveratrol has been associated with the induction of heme oxygenase-1 HO-1 , an enzyme that degrades pro-oxidant heme In an experimental model of stroke , resveratrol limited infarct size during ischemia -reperfusion in wild-type mice but not in mice lacking the HO-1 gene Also, resveratrol was able to correct experimentally induced oxidative stress and the associated cognitive dysfunction in rats Resveratrol has been found to inhibit the proliferation of a variety of human cancer cell lines, including those from breast, prostate , stomach, colon, pancreatic , and thyroid cancers 2.

The anti-cancer effects of resveratrol in rodent models involved the reduction of cell proliferation, the induction of apoptosis , and the inhibition of angiogenesis , tumor growth, and metastasis reviewed in Yet, a few animal studies have reported a lack of an effect of oral resveratrol in inhibiting the development of lung cancer induced by carcinogens in cigarette smoke 70, 71 , and the study of resveratrol administration on colon cancer has given mixed results The low bioavailability of resveratrol reported in human studies limits the clinical evaluation of possible systemic health effects of resveratrol in humans see Metabolism and Bioavailability.

Yet, in a pilot study , unmetabolized resveratrol and conjugates have been detected in colorectal tumor tissues from 20 cancer patients following daily oral supplementation with either 4 g or 8 g of resveratrol for 29 days.

Resveratrol appeared to be well tolerated and significantly, though modestly, reduced cell proliferation compared to baseline A micronized formulation of resveratrol named SRT , which was meant to increase resveratrol delivery to target tissues, was given for 14 days to 6 patients with colorectal cancer and liver metastasis in a small randomized , double-blind , placebo -controlled trial Unmetabolized resveratrol was measurable in the liver of five out of six patients who consumed 5 g of SRT, and SRT administration resulted in an increased detection of the apoptotic marker, cleaved caspase-3, in hepatic tumor tissues.

Yet, in an unrandomized and unblinded trial in patients with multiple myeloma, the administration of SRT was associated with a number of serious adverse effects, including kidney failure, such that the trial was halted Since kidney failure is a frequent complication in myeloma patients, it is unclear whether kidney failure cases should be solely attributed to the use of SRT Nevertheless, there is a need to find safe ways to increase resveratrol bioavailability in humans before exploring its putative benefits in clinical settings 6 , Significant reductions in cardiovascular disease risk have been associated with moderate consumption of alcoholic beverages Red wine contains variable and usually low concentrations of resveratrol see Sources and higher concentrations of flavonoids like procyanidins.

These polyphenolic compounds have displayed antioxidant , anti-inflammatory, and other potentially anti-atherogenic effects in the test tube and in some animal models of atherosclerosis The results of epidemiological studies addressing this question have been inconsistent.

While some large prospective cohort studies found that wine drinkers were at lower risk of cardiovascular disease than beer or liquor drinkers , others found no difference Socioeconomic and lifestyle differences between people who prefer wine and those who prefer beer or liquor may explain part of the additional benefit observed in some studies: people who prefer wine tend to have higher incomes, more education, smoke less, and eat more fruit and vegetables and less saturated fat than those who prefer other alcoholic beverages Although moderate alcohol consumption has been consistently associated with reductions in coronary heart disease risk, it is not yet clear whether red wine polyphenols confer any additional risk reduction.

Interestingly, studies that administered alcohol-free red wine to rodents noted improvements in various parameters related to cardiovascular disease 93, 94 , and a placebo -controlled human study found that heart disease patients administered red grape polyphenol extract experienced acute improvements in endothelial function Endothelial dysfunction is usually associated with the presence of cardiovascular risk factors e.

Endothelial dysfunction is characterized by abnormal vasoconstriction, leukocyte adherence to vascular endothelial cells , platelet activation and aggregation, smooth muscle cell proliferation, vascular inflammation , thrombosis clot formation , impaired coagulation , and atherosclerosis Experimental studies : Resveratrol has been found to exert a number of protective effects on the cardiovascular system in vitro , including inhibition of both platelet activation and aggregation 53 , 98, 99 , promotion of vasodilation by enhancing the production of nitric oxide NO 52 , and control of the production of inflammatory lipid mediators 38 , , However, the concentrations of resveratrol required to produce these effects are often higher than those measured in human plasma after oral consumption of resveratrol 9.

Some animal studies also suggested that high oral doses of resveratrol could decrease the risk of thrombosis and atherosclerosis , , although one study found increased atherosclerosis in animals fed resveratrol Other protective effects of resveratrol in vivo include the reduction of cardiac hypertrophy and the lowering of blood pressure in various models, as well as the limitation of infarct size in post myocardial infarction rats reviewed in Resveratrol supplementation resulted in improved values of flow-mediated dilation FMD of the brachial artery, a surrogate marker of vascular health.

Yet, FMD returned to baseline values within three months after discontinuing resveratrol One study limitation was that the resveratrol formulation contained additional compounds i. In a few additional studies, resveratrol was shown to improve endothelial function by reducing vascular inflammation and endothelial activation.

A randomized, double-blind , placebo-controlled study in 41 healthy subjects found that daily supplementation with resveratrol mg , grapeseed extract mg , and quercetin mg , for one month significantly reduced the expression of interleukin-8 IL-8 and cell adhesion molecules ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 in endothelial cells, suggestive of a protective effect against endothelial dysfunction The daily intake of a resveratrol-rich grape supplement was compared to resveratrol-free grape supplement in a year-long, randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled study in 75 individuals at high risk for cardiovascular disease CVD.

The decreased concentrations of two CVD risk markers, oxidized low-density lipoprotein oxLDL and apolipoprotein B ApoB after six months further suggested a cardioprotective effect of resveratrol Supplementation of patients with stable coronary heart disease with the same regimen also improved the profile of circulating inflammatory markers and reduced the expression of proinflammatory genes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells PBMCs The expression of microRNAs and cytokines specifically involved in atherogenic and pro-inflammatory signals were also found to be downregulated in the PBMCs of supplemented patients While preliminary human studies suggest that resveratrol may have beneficial effects on cardiovascular health, there is currently no convincing evidence that these effects can be achieved in the amounts present in one to two glasses of red wine see Sources.

For more information regarding resveratrol and cardiovascular disease, see Caloric restriction is known to extend the lifespan of a number of species, including yeast, worms, flies, fish, rats, and mice In yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae , caloric restriction stimulates the activity of an enzyme known as Silent information regulator 2 protein Sir2 or sirtuin Yeast Sir2 is a nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide NAD -dependent deacetylase enzyme that removes the acetyl group from acetylated lysine residues in target proteins see the article on Niacin.

Resveratrol feeding also extended the lifespan of worms Caenorhabditis elegans and fruit flies Drosophila melanogaster by a similar mechanism Additionally, resveratrol dose-dependently increased the lifespan of a vertebrate fish Nothobranchius furzeri Resveratrol was also found to extend the lifespan of mice on a high-calorie diet such that their lifespan was similar to that of mice fed a standard diet Although resveratrol increased the activity of the Sir2 homologous human sirtuin 1 SIRT1 in the test tube , there are no epidemiological data to link resveratrol, SIRT1 activation, and extended human lifespan.

Moreover, the supraphysiological concentrations of resveratrol required to increase human SIRT1 activity were considerably higher than concentrations that have been measured in human plasma after oral consumption. Based on a lack of correlation with baseline inflammatory markers, cardiovascular disease and cancer incidence, and all-cause mortality, the authors concluded that higher versus lower quartiles of urinary resveratrol metabolite concentrations did not predict risk of chronic disease or mortality.

However, key experts identified several limitations regarding the quality of the research , Specifically, the use of single measures of total urinary resveratrol metabolites at baseline has been highlighted as being unlikely to reflect lifetime consumption of wine or exposure to dietary resveratrol Similar to the effect of caloric restriction, resveratrol was found to improve obesity and diabetes -related metabolic deregulations via the activation of metabolic sensors, including SIRT and the AMP-activated protein kinase AMPK , as well as to promote the AMPK-dependent clearance of β-amyloid peptide in the brain of an AD mouse model Resveratrol has also exhibited additional neuroprotective properties in cultured cells and animal models see Biological Activities.

Although resveratrol bioavailability to the brain is uncertain 78 , a randomized , double-blind , placebo -controlled study has reported an increase in cerebral blood flow in the prefrontal cortex of healthy young subjects ages, years following a single oral dose of mg of resveratrol.

However, resveratrol intake did not improve performance in cognitively demanding tasks undertaken during the post-administration period Additional evidence of the potential of resveratrol to mimic the metabolic benefits of caloric restriction on cognitive health may come from ongoing clinical trials in both healthy older individuals and AD patients More than one out of three American adults has impaired glucose tolerance also known as prediabetes , which places them at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes Impaired glucose tolerance is associated with insulin resistance in skeletal muscle — the major peripheral tissue for insulin -mediated glucose uptake — as well as defective insulin secretion by pancreatic β-cells.

Muscle insulin resistance, which is thought to be the earliest stage in the development of type 2 diabetes, is characterized by excess lipid exposure, impaired insulin receptor signaling , impaired glucose uptake, mitochondrial dysfunction, reduced fatty acid oxidation , and increased expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines.

In humans, short-term supplementation with resveratrol has been associated with beneficial effects on glucose and lipid metabolism in individuals with type 2 diabetes.

Comparison of changes between baseline and end-of-study measures between placebo and intervention groups showed that resveratrol significantly lowered both fasting glucose and fasting insulin concentrations and improved measures of glycemic control HbA1c level and insulin sensitivity HOMA-IR.

In addition, the level of HDL -cholesterol was increased while the level of LDL -cholesterol and systolic blood pressure were significantly reduced. No changes were found in measures of diastolic blood pressure , total cholesterol , triglycerides , and markers of liver function During the three-month study period, changes in biochemical and clinical parameters, including fasting glucose concentration, HbA1c level, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, and LDL-cholesterol, were significantly improved with resveratrol compared to control i.

A few clinical studies have evaluated the effects of resveratrol on key metabolic variables in overweight or obese subjects with no overt metabolic dysfunction and found little or no metabolic benefits following resveratrol treatment Yet, at present, there is no available evidence to suggest whether overweight or obese individuals with impaired glucose tolerance could benefit from resveratrol supplements and reduce their risk of developing type 2 diabetes Current data suggest that resveratrol could improve specific metabolic variables in individuals with type 2 diabetes , , but more research is needed to assess its effect in individuals at risk for diabetes, including obese subjects with impaired glucose tolerance.

Resveratrol is found in grapes, wine, grape juice, peanuts, cocoa, and berries of Vaccinium species, including blueberries, bilberries, and cranberries In grapes, resveratrol is found only in the skins The amount of resveratrol in grape skins varies with the grape cultivar, its geographic origin, and exposure to fungal infection The amount of fermentation time a wine spends in contact with grape skins is also an important determinant of its resveratrol content.

Because grape skins are removed early during the production process of white and rosé wines, these wines generally contain less resveratrol than red wines 4.

Therefore, because of variations between types of wine, vintages, and regions, it is very difficult to provide accurate estimates of resveratrol content in the thousands of wines from worldwide wineries.

Yet, it appears that resveratrol content in wine is usually low, highly variable and unpredictable, and resveratrol is only a minor compound in the complete set of grape and wine polyphenols The predominant form of resveratrol in grapes and grape juice is trans -resveratrolO-β-glucoside trans -piceid , and wines contain significant amounts of resveratrol aglycones, thought to be the result of sugar cleavage during fermentation 3 , Many wines also contain significant amounts of cis -resveratrol see Figure 1 above , which may be produced during fermentation or released from viniferins resveratrol polymers Red wine is a relatively rich source of resveratrol, but other polyphenols are present in red wine at considerably higher concentrations than resveratrol see the article on Flavonoids Estimates of resveratrol content of some beverages and foods are listed in Table 1 and Table 2.

These values should be considered approximate since the resveratrol content of foods and beverages can vary considerably.

Most resveratrol supplements available in the US contain extracts of the root of Polygonum cuspidatum , also known as Fallopia japonica , Japanese knotweed, or Hu Zhang Red wine extracts and grape extracts from Vitis vinifera containing resveratrol and other polyphenols are also available as dietary supplements.

Resveratrol supplements may contain anywhere from less than 1 milligram mg to mg of resveratrol per tablet or capsule, but it is not known whether there is a safe and effective dosage for chronic disease prevention in humans also see the section on Safety. Resveratrol is not known to be toxic or cause significant adverse effects in humans, but there have been only a few controlled clinical trials to date reviewed in A trial evaluating the safety of oral trans -resveratrol in 10 subjects found that a single dose of 5, mg resulted in no serious adverse effects Mild diarrhea was also reported in six out of eight individuals who consumed 2, mg of resveratrol twice daily for two periods of eight days in an open-label and within subject-control study The safety of resveratrol-containing supplements during pregnancy and lactation has not been established Because there is no known safe amount of alcohol consumption at any stage of pregnancy , pregnant women should avoid consuming wine as a source of resveratrol.

Until more is known about the estrogenic activity of resveratrol in humans, women with a history of estrogen-sensitive cancers , such as breast, ovarian, and uterine cancers, should avoid resveratrol supplements see Estrogenic and anti-estrogenic activities Resveratrol has been found to inhibit human platelet aggregation in vitro 53 , Theoretically, high intakes of resveratrol i.

Cytochrome P CYP enzymes are phase I biotransformation enzymes involved in the metabolism of a broad range of compounds, from endogenous molecules to therapeutic agents. The most abundant CYP isoform in the human liver and intestines is cytochrome P 3A4 CYP3A4 , which catalyzes the metabolism of about half of all marketed drugs in the US Resveratrol has been reported to inhibit CYP3A4 activity in vitro , and in healthy volunteers Therefore, high intakes of resveratrol i.

Some of the many drugs metabolized by CYP3A4 include HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors statins , calcium channel antagonists felodipine, nicardipine, nifedipine, nisoldipine, nitrendipine, nimodipine, and verapamil , anti-arrhythmic agents amiodarone , HIV protease inhibitors saquinavir , immunosuppressants cyclosporine and tacrolimus , antihistamines terfenadine , benzodiazepines midazolam and triazolam , and drugs used to treat erectile dysfunction sildenafil.

Of note, a recently completed clinical trial NCT examined the potential for single and multiple doses of resveratrol 1, mg to interfere with the metabolism of midazolam in healthy volunteers, and results are soon to be published Other CYP enzymes e.

Finally, resveratrol was found to be a weak inducer of the expression and activity of CYP1A2, which catalyzes the metabolism of several drugs, including acetaminophen paracetamol and the antidepressant drugs, clomipramine and imipramine 28 , This suggests that resveratrol may interfere with CYP1A2-mediated drug metabolism by increasing drug clearance, possibly lowering circulating drug concentrations below therapeutic levels.

Originally written in by: Jane Higdon, Ph. Linus Pauling Institute Oregon State University. Updated in May by: Victoria J. Drake, Ph. Updated in May by: Barbara Delage, Ph.

Reviewed in May by: Juan Carlos Espín, Ph. Soleas GJ, Diamandis EP, Goldberg DM. Resveratrol: a molecule whose time has come? And gone? Clin Biochem. Aggarwal BB, Bhardwaj A, Aggarwal RS, Seeram NP, Shishodia S, Takada Y. Role of resveratrol in prevention and therapy of cancer: preclinical and clinical studies.

Anticancer Res. Romero-Perez AI, Ibern-Gomez M, Lamuela-Raventos RM, de La Torre-Boronat MC. Piceid, the major resveratrol derivative in grape juices.

J Agric Food Chem. Siemann EH, Creasey LL. Concentration of the phytoalexin resveratrol in wine. Am J Enol Vitic. Renaud S, de Lorgeril M. Wine, alcohol, platelets, and the French paradox for coronary heart disease.

Walle T. Bioavailability of resveratrol. Ann N Y Acad Sci. Burkon A, Somoza V. Mol Nutr Food Res. Goldberg DM, Yan J, Soleas GJ.

Absorption of three wine-related polyphenols in three different matrices by healthy subjects. Walle T, Hsieh F, Delegge MH, Oatis JE, Jr.

High absorption but very low bioavailability of oral resveratrol in humans. Drug Metab Dispos. Boocock DJ, Faust GE, Patel KR, et al. Phase I dose escalation pharmacokinetic study in healthy volunteers of resveratrol, a potential cancer chemopreventive agent.

Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. Brown VA, Patel KR, Viskaduraki M, et al. Repeat dose study of the cancer chemopreventive agent resveratrol in healthy volunteers: safety, pharmacokinetics, and effect on the insulin-like growth factor axis.

Cancer Res. Patel KR, Andreadi C, Britton RG, et al. Sulfate metabolites provide an intracellular pool for resveratrol generation and induce autophagy with senescence. Sci Transl Med. Tome-Carneiro J, Larrosa M, Gonzalez-Sarrias A, Tomas-Barberan FA, Garcia-Conesa MT, Espin JC.

Resveratrol and clinical trials: the crossroad from in vitro studies to human evidence. Curr Pharm Des. Vitaglione P, Sforza S, Galaverna G, et al. Bioavailability of trans-resveratrol from red wine in humans. Vaz-da-Silva M, Loureiro AI, Falcao A, et al.

Effect of food on the pharmacokinetic profile of trans-resveratrol. Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther. la Porte C, Voduc N, Zhang G, et al. Steady-State pharmacokinetics and tolerability of trans-resveratrol mg twice daily with food, quercetin and alcohol ethanol in healthy human subjects.

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Arcwell No reviews. Natural Factors. New Roots. Filters Availability. View results. Buy high-quality resveratrol supplements at best price Resveratrol, a polyphenol found in red grapes and other fruits, has been the subject of numerous scientific studies over the past decade.

What are the potential health benefits of Resveratrol supplements? How should Resveratrol supplements be taken? What are the benefits of taking resveratrol? Some potential health benefits of taking resveratrol supplements include: Anti-aging effects: Resveratrol has been shown to have antioxidant properties, which may help protect cells from damage and slow down the aging process.

Cardiovascular health: Resveratrol may help improve cardiovascular health by reducing inflammation, improving blood flow, and lowering blood pressure. Neuroprotection: Some studies suggest that resveratrol may have neuroprotective effects and may help protect against neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's.

Anti-inflammatory effects: Resveratrol has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce inflammation throughout the body. Consumers will be pleased to see that blood pressure levels and overall cardiovascular system can get support from resveratrol.

After isolating the aortic smooth muscle cells of a rat, the researchers were able to use resveratrol to reduce protein oxidation, which was especially helpful to blood pressure levels while experiencing oxidative stress.

Considering that cardiovascular disease is the biggest cause of death in the world, consumers might be interested in using resveratrol to improve diastolic function and vascular function, which is what this study supported in mice.

However, further research is needed to have a clear connection with humans and lower blood pressure. That means that users can essentially reduce oxidative stress and support the widening of blood vessels.

Other research also connects resveratrol use to lower cholesterol levels. When it comes to brain health, the effects of resveratrol are well-documented and frequently cited by other studies. Consumers who struggle with diabetes or obesity might experience benefits while using resveratrol as well.

As an antioxidant, one of the benefits that consumers can count on is its role as an anti-inflammatory agent. In a study, researchers found that resveratrol greatly helps consumers with joint issues, protecting the joints from deterioration.

The main reason that resveratrol was able to take on such a dramatic form of support is because of the reduced inflammation and protection from degradation.

Through the last two decades alone, the scientific community has continually researched the support that consumers can get from this polyphenol.

Much of the previous research only used the information offered through animal studies, but the priority that human clinical studies have taken changes everything. While trans-resveratrol makes this substance easier for consumers to absorb, look for supplements that also include black pepper extract, which increases bioavailability during digestion.

With so many options on the market today, finding the best dosage of resveratrol can seem overwhelming. Every supplement is different, but they can offer as little as 50 mg or as much as mg in every serving, according to WebMD.

Generally, users should look for products that have at least mg per serving to make a difference, though some people think that just 10 mg could help. While consumers might gravitate towards higher levels, that may not benefit them the most.

For the most part, resveratrol is quite safe for consumers, but they have to follow the instructions of their chosen product. It should never be used by anyone younger than 18 years old without the approval of a doctor.

When users take the highest concentration possible, the most common side effect is blood clotting, as demonstrated in several studies cited by WebMD. Consumers who currently take blood-thinning medications or are at a heightened bleeding risk might want to avoid these products.

Though generally tolerated well, using too much resveratrol can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, and liver dysfunction. Always follow the directions provided with the supplement to ensure that this risk is managed.

While consuming natural sources of resveratrol, the concentration is not potent enough to create any unwanted effects. Resveratrol is a type of polyphenol, which is a type of antioxidant that can eradicate free radicals. Based on current research, this polyphenol can reduce the risk of cell damage that could lead to heart disease, cancer, and more.

It is found in peanuts, red wine, the skin of red grapes, berries, and some other foods. When sold in the United States, the majority of resveratrol is sourced from Polygonum cuspidatum, which is an Asian plant.

However, each brand listed above has its own sources. It can come from red grapes and their skins, some varieties of peanuts, and many types of berries. When consumers introduce resveratrol or any polyphenol to their body, they can reduce inflammation and promote better oxidation.

As a result, the antioxidant support improves heart health as it helps with cholesterol levels and nitric oxide production. It can also be used to promote weight loss, eliminate toxins, and more. Red wine is an excellent source of polyphenols.

Though users should always drink in moderation, research shows that periodic consumption can provide the heart with enough polyphenols to reduce the risk of coronary artery disease, according to the Mayo Clinic.

However, there is no correlation between drinking red wine and stopping heart attacks. While they acknowledge that there are many studies that praise resveratrol as an anti-cancer compound, the most significant impact is seen when it is combined with other types of treatment, like chemotherapy and targeted therapy.

Possibly, yes. One of the main benefits of using resveratrol is the stimulation for nitric oxide production. Nitric oxide is a known vasodilator, helping to relax the muscles within blood vessels and improve blood flow.

It is possible. With this support, users can reduce their risk of blood clots as well, but the studies are still mixed on the intensity of this effect. However, a study in shows that a combination of resveratrol with rifampicin an antibiotic for tuberculosis, meningitis, and other conditions can promote cognition as it eliminates oligomers a pathogen from the brain.

Further research is needed to link resveratrol to the support of these conditions. As insulin is better used by the body, less glucose is converted to stored fat, which means users reduce their risk of weight gain.

Some of the age-related conditions impacted by resveratrol use include sarcopenia, cardiovascular disease, infertility, and osteoporosis.

Most people who want to experience a significant difference when they use this polyphenol will get it from a supplement, which often compresses it into a capsule or powder. The main benefits that consumers use resveratrol to get are weight loss, support for heart health, and cancer.

The strong antioxidant support has a positive effect on the appearance of aging skin and on the effect that aging has on the brain and organs. It can be used to reduce inflammation, so it is often found in formulas that soothe inflammatory conditions.

Resveratrol can come from many sources, though some have it in a higher concentration than others. Consumers can get resveratrol from the skin of grapes, seeds of grapes, pistachios, peanuts, mulberries, blueberries, and cranberries in incredible abundance. However, stomach acid causes much of the nutrients found in these foods to deteriorate and eating enough to match what users get in most resveratrol supplements is next to impossible.

Consumers who want to experience the most intense effects might want to use a supplement instead. While every resveratrol supplement is different, the products in this guide are all capable of offering the support that consumers need. Some people might need to try a few products before they find the one that works for their needs because every person is different.

Luckily, these supplements come with money-back guarantees to give users a brief period to determine if it is effective. As long as the user takes it daily, they should get the results that their particular supplement conveys. If they are using a natural source, it is up to the user to decide how they want to integrate those foods.

While every brand varies, sources say that the average amount is 0. Most supplements provide mg per serving. However, the exact amount will be found on the label.

To elicit the desired effects during scientific studies, researchers sometimes use up to 2, mg to see the effect. However, these studies also note that the recommended amount is no more than 1, mg daily. Resveratrol is a polyphenol with antioxidant benefits. Trans-resveratrol is typically the active ingredient that consumers find in resveratrol supplements because the body can digest it with greater ease without losing effectiveness.

Users get all of the same benefits that they already find in resveratrol sources. The main difference is that the effects will be more potent and sustainable with trans-resveratrol.

According to WebMD, using resveratrol daily is perfectly safe for up to three months when using doses of no more than 1, mg per day.