Resveratrol is a naturally occurring antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound. It is classified as a polyphenol, which is a group of compounds found in many plant foods that includes flavonoids, phenolic acids, Lignans, and Stilbenes. Resveratrol can be found in peanuts, pistachios, grapes, red and white wine, blueberries, cranberries, and chocolate, but is most abundant in the skin of grapes. Therefore, the highest amounts of resveratrol can be found in natural grape juice and red wine.

Resveratrol has powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, glucose and lipid regulatory, neuro-protective, and cardiovascular protective effects. Therefore, it can protect against diverse chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, obesity, cancer, diabetes, arthritis, and Alzheimer’s disease. Resveratrol protects against oxidative stress, one of the primary contributors to many diseases. It has shown strong antioxidant properties in many studies.

In one study subjects with mild-moderate Alzheimer’s disease were given resveratrol twice daily for 52 weeks. The study concluded that resveratrol modulates neuro-inflammation and induces adaptive immunity in Alzheimer’s patients. Five of the primary causes of Alzheimer’s disease progression are protein misfolding, cellular metabolism, inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and telomere shortening. All have shown potential for control with targeted resveratrol treatment.

Resveratrol has also been shown to have positive effects on the vascular system. Studies utilizing cell cultures and pre-clinical models showed that resveratrol alleviates oxidative stress and inflammation. Another study indicated that resveratrol use significantly decreased total cholesterol. In clinical trials, resveratrol moderately diminished systolic blood pressure in hypertensive patients. This collective data suggests that resveratrol may have a potential cardio-protective effect. 

Resveratrol may also improve weight loss outcomes in obese individuals.  Its antioxidant properties can help reduce inflammation, improve metabolism, and promote weight loss. Resveratrol mimics calorie restriction by activating signaling proteins called sirtuins, which can regulate inflammation, repair DNA, and promote insulin sensitivity. One clinical study in patients with Type 2 diabetes revealed that daily oral supplementation of resveratrol for a period of three months significantly reduces A1C and fasting blood glucose. The study also revealed resveratrol reduces blood pressure, LDL cholesterol, total cholesterol, and total protein.

Resveratrol has been shown to have anti-tumor properties and is able to inhibit cancer formation. Resveratrol affects a variety of cancer stages from “initiation and promotion to progression.” It’s no wonder a simple search of “resveratrol and cancer” on The National Library of Medicine website yields over 8 million results. Clinical trials involving resveratrol and colon and liver cancers are ongoing and continue to yield encouraging results.

Recent research also suggests that resveratrol’s anti-inflammatory properties can help regulate the microbiome and protect the intestinal tract from inflammation and disease. Researchers believe it can help strengthen the tight junctions in the intestinal wall, improving nutrient absorption and preventing leaky gut, a condition which allows food particles, toxins, pathogenic bacteria and fungi to pass through and enter the bloodstream.

Resveratrol’s anti-inflammatory properties have been shown to slow down the degeneration of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. It has shown great potential in inhibiting the production of inflammatory molecules in the body and protecting joints from rheumatoid arthritis-related oxidative stress. Studies have also found it effective in treating knee osteoarthritis by reducing inflammation and cartilage degeneration.

Resveratrol is believed to reduce the negative effects of the aging process through its multiple biological activities. There is evidence that resveratrol activates certain genes that ward off the diseases of aging. Additionally, resveratrol has been shown to help the appearance of sagging and loose skin by stimulating collagen responsible for maintaining skin’s elasticity and firmness.

Consult with your healthcare provider before supplementation with resveratrol to determine the proper dosing and any potential drug interactions. You can also gain many health benefits by incorporating food sources of resveratrol in your diet.