Resveratrol

Related Terms

Acetylated derivatives of resveratrol (mono, di, tri), Ban-Ji-Ryun, Banjiryun, Ban-Zhi-Lian, Bauhinia racemosa, Belamcanda chinensis, bergenin, betulin, betulinic acid, bilberries, blueberries, cis-piceid, cis-resveratrol (cis-3,4,5-trihydroxystilbene), Cissus quadrangularis, DMU 212, Elephantorrhiza goetzei, epsilon-Viniferin (a dimer of resveratrol), Erythrophleum lasianthum (Caesalpinioidae, Leguminosae), Eucalyptus sideroxylon, Eucalyptus wandoo, extrait de vin (French), extrait de vin rouge (French), flavanoid, French paradox, gnetin H (a resveratrol analog), Gnetum montanum, grape polyphenols, grape seed proanthycyanidin extract (GSPE), grape skin, heyneanol A (a resveratrol tetramer), hu zhang, hydroxystilbene, hydroxystilbene-1, ko-jo-kon, Liliaceae, Longevinex?, lyophilized grape powder (LGP), mangiferonic acid, mulberries, nonflavanoid polyphenol, nuts, Paeonia lactiflora Pall. (Paeoniaceae), pallidol, parthenocissine A, peanuts, phenolic antioxidant, phytoalexin, phytoalexine, phytoantitoxin, phytoestrogens, phytohormones, phyto-oestrog?ne (French), phytostilbene, Picea excelsa, piceatannol, pilule de vin, Polygonum cuspidatum, polyphenol, prenylflavanone, protykin, purple grape juice, quadrangularin, red grape skins, red grapes, red wine, red wine polyphenol, RESV, resverol, resveratrol 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside, resveratrol disulfate, resveratrol sulfate glucuronide, resveratrol-3-O-glucuronide, resveratrol-3-O-sulfate, resveratrol-4'-O-glucuronide, resveratrol-4'-O-sulfate, resveratrol triphosphate, ResVida?, Revidox?, Reynoutria japonica, RSV, RSVL, Scutellaria barbata D.Don (Lamiaceae), Sophora moorcroftiana Benth., Sophora tomentosa L., spruce, SRT501, stilbene, stilbene derivative resveratrol (RES), stilbene phytoalexin, stilbene polyphenol, stilbenoid, Stilvid?, suffruticosol B (a resveratrol analog), trans-3,4,5'-trihydroxystibene, trans-3,4',5-trihydroxystilbene, transhydroxystilbene, trans-piceid, trans-resveratrol, trans-resveratrol-3-sulfate, tyrphostin, vatdiospyroidol (a resveratrol tetramer), Vaticapauciflora, Vatica rassak (Dipterocarpaceae), vaticanol C (a resveratrol tetramer), vaticaphenol A, Veratrum taliense, viniferin (a resveratrol analog), Vitis vinifera L.

Background

Resveratrol is a natural compound that is found in more than 70 plant species, including nuts, grapes, pine trees, and certain vines, as well as in red wine. It is thought to play a role in preventing heart disease. Much research has focused on the potential health benefits of resveratrol due to the "French paradox," the finding that death rates from heart disease are lower in France, where red wine consumption is common.
Early studies have shown that resveratrol has antioxidant, anticancer, antifungal, antiviral, and antibacterial effects. Since resveratrol is found in grapes and wines, early research focused on linking resveratrol to the potential heart health benefits of moderate wine drinking. However, this research has expanded to examine the effects of resveratrol on many medical conditions, including cancer, bacterial and viral infections, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease.
Although some research suggests that drinking wine may reduce the risk of cancer or heart disease, high-quality human studies that support this benefit are lacking at this time.
According to a report, Dr. D. K. Das, a lead researcher in the field of resveratrol and heart health, has been found guilty of fabrication and falsification of data. Some of the studies in this monograph were authored or partially authored by Dr. Das. He is currently associated with scientific controversy, as is the brand of resveratrol Longevinex?.

Evidence Table

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *


Early research suggests that resveratrol applied to the skin may benefit people who have acne. More studies are needed before conclusions can be made.

 C


Early research suggests that resveratrol applied to the skin may benefit people who have acne. More studies are needed before conclusions can be made.

 C


There is some evidence suggesting that compounds that contain resveratrol, such as red wine or grape powder, may decrease inflammation. Research has been done to better understand the potential anti-inflammatory benefits of resveratrol. However, information is limited, and further research is needed before conclusions can be made.

 C


There is some evidence suggesting that compounds that contain resveratrol, such as red wine or grape powder, may decrease inflammation. Research has been done to better understand the potential anti-inflammatory benefits of resveratrol. However, information is limited, and further research is needed before conclusions can be made.

 C


Early research suggests that resveratrol may help reduce inflammation associated with chronic obstructive lung disease. Other studies found that a combination product containing resveratrol improved symptoms. Further research is needed.

 C


Early research suggests that resveratrol may help reduce inflammation associated with chronic obstructive lung disease. Other studies found that a combination product containing resveratrol improved symptoms. Further research is needed.

 C


Early evidence suggests that resveratrol may increase blood flow, but there are mixed results as to whether resveratrol may affect cognitive function. Further research is needed.

 C


Early evidence suggests that resveratrol may increase blood flow, but there are mixed results as to whether resveratrol may affect cognitive function. Further research is needed.

 C


Although the topic has not been well studied in humans, early research suggests that resveratrol may increase insulin sensitivity and reduce blood sugar levels in people who have diabetes. More research is needed before conclusions can be made.

 C


Although the topic has not been well studied in humans, early research suggests that resveratrol may increase insulin sensitivity and reduce blood sugar levels in people who have diabetes. More research is needed before conclusions can be made.

 C


Preliminary evidence suggests that a mixture including resveratrol may result in decreased heart rate associated with exercise. Further research is required on exercise performance with resveratrol alone.

 C


Preliminary evidence suggests that a mixture including resveratrol may result in decreased heart rate associated with exercise. Further research is required on exercise performance with resveratrol alone.

 C


Early studies examined the use of a combination therapy that included resveratrol for heart disease risk, but the effect of resveratrol alone cannot be determined from these. A patented product (Stilvid?) containing resveratrol-enriched grape extract was found to offer some beneficial effects on heart disease risk factors. In other research, resveratrol improved heart function in healthy, exercising people. More studies are needed.

 C


Early studies examined the use of a combination therapy that included resveratrol for heart disease risk, but the effect of resveratrol alone cannot be determined from these. A patented product (Stilvid?) containing resveratrol-enriched grape extract was found to offer some beneficial effects on heart disease risk factors. In other research, resveratrol improved heart function in healthy, exercising people. More studies are needed.

 C


Resveratrol has been included in many herbal supplements that are meant to increase lifespan and prevent aging. However, reliable human research is lacking, and more high-quality studies are needed to determine the effects of resveratrol alone.

 C


Resveratrol has been included in many herbal supplements that are meant to increase lifespan and prevent aging. However, reliable human research is lacking, and more high-quality studies are needed to determine the effects of resveratrol alone.

 C


Early research suggests that resveratrol supplementation may enhance the effects of the seasonal flu vaccine. More high-quality studies are needed.

 C


Early research suggests that resveratrol supplementation may enhance the effects of the seasonal flu vaccine. More high-quality studies are needed.

 C


Early research suggests that resveratrol may not affect body mass but may still contribute to weight loss by improving metabolism. More research is needed.

 C


Early research suggests that resveratrol may not affect body mass but may still contribute to weight loss by improving metabolism. More research is needed.

 C
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)

Tradition / Theory

The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.

Dosing

Adults (over 18 years old)
Resveratrol is found in many foods and drinks.
To treat heart disease, 100 milligrams of resveratrol (Longevinex?) has been taken by mouth once daily for three months. A single dose of 30, 90, or 270 milligrams of resveratrol (resVidaT) has been taken by mouth. A dose of 500 milligrams of resveratrol (98% pure trans-resveratrol) has been taken by mouth daily for three weeks.
To treat diabetes, 5 milligrams of resveratrol has been taken by mouth twice daily for four weeks. A dose of 1-2 grams of resveratrol has been taken by mouth daily for four weeks.
To enhance the effects of a vaccine, a supplement based on resveratrol has been taken by mouth for four consecutive 20-day cycles, with the first cycle starting five days before the vaccination.
To promote weight loss, 150 milligrams of resVida? has been taken by mouth once daily for 30 days.
To treat acne, a resveratrol-containing gel has been applied to the face once daily in the evening for 60 days.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Interactions

Interactions with Drugs
Resveratrol may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with drugs that increase the risk of bleeding. Some examples include aspirin, anticoagulants (blood thinners) such as warfarin (Coumadin?) or heparin, antiplatelet drugs such as clopidogrel (Plavix?), and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (Motrin?, Advil?) or naproxen (Naprosyn?, Aleve?).
Resveratrol may affect insulin sensitivity and blood sugar levels. Caution is advised when using medications that may also affect insulin sensitivity and blood sugar. People taking drugs for diabetes by mouth or insulin should be monitored closely by a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist. Medication adjustments may be necessary.
Resveratrol may cause low blood pressure. Caution is advised in people taking drugs that lower blood pressure.
Resveratrol may interfere with the way the body processes certain drugs using the liver's cytochrome P450 enzyme system. As a result, the levels of these drugs may be increased in the blood and may cause increased effects or potentially serious adverse reactions. People using any medications should check the package insert and speak with a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist, about possible interactions.
Resveratrol may also interact with agents that may affect blood vessel width, agents that may affect heart rate, agents that may affect the immune system, agents that may affect the nervous system, agents that may treat arthritis, agents that may treat heart disorders, agents that may treat kidney disorders, agents that may treat liver disorders, agents that may treat lung disorders, agents that may treat skin disorders, agents that may treat stomach disorders, antibiotics, anticancer agents, antidepressants (MAOIs), antifungals, anti-inflammatory agents, antivirals, cholesterol-lowering agents, cyclosporin A, estrogens, fertility agents, pain relievers, protease inhibitors, UDP-glucuronosyl transferase (UGT)-1A1-metabolized agents, and weight loss agents.

Attribution

This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

Bibliography

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