Resveratrol - NutraPedia

Back to Table of Contents

Resveratrol: Overview of Uses and Effects

1. Conditions Resveratrol Has Been Studied For

Resveratrol has been studied for an array of health conditions, including but not limited to:

  • Cardiovascular diseases
  • Cancer
  • Diabetes
  • Neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's
  • Obesity
  • Inflammation
  • Aging and longevity

2. Efficacy in Treating Conditions

The effectiveness of resveratrol in treating these conditions is still a subject of research. Some studies suggest possible benefits, but many agree that more extensive clinical trials are needed to establish its efficacy. As of now, resveratrol is not conclusively proven to treat any of the conditions listed above.

3. Health Benefits of Resveratrol

Resveratrol is believed to have several health benefits, including:

  • Antioxidant properties that help protect the body against damage from free radicals
  • Potential to improve heart health by reducing inflammation and "bad" LDL cholesterol
  • May improve blood sugar control and insulin sensitivity
  • Could have a positive effect on brain health and protect against cognitive decline
  • Possibly extends lifespan in certain organisms (though this has not been conclusively proven in humans)

4. Possible Downsides of Resveratrol

While resveratrol is generally considered safe, some potential downsides include:

  • Gastrointestinal disturbances such as nausea or diarrhea when taken in high doses
  • May interact with blood-thinning medications and increase the risk of bleeding
  • Potential to interact with other medications and alter their efficacy
  • Lack of regulation in supplements, which may lead to inconsistent dosages and purity

5. Genetic Variations and Resveratrol

The impact of resveratrol might be influenced by individual genetic variations. For example:

  • Certain genetic polymorphisms may affect the metabolism and bioavailability of resveratrol
  • Genetic differences can influence the effectiveness of resveratrol in improving health conditions
  • More research is needed to understand the interaction between resveratrol and genetic variations fully
However, specific beneficial or harmful genetic interactions with resveratrol have not been conclusively identified and are still under investigation.

Resveratrol Research Summary

The French Paradox suggests that moderate red wine consumption may contribute to lower cardiovascular disease in the French population, despite their high intake of saturated fats. This is thought to be due to red wine's components, such as alcohol, resveratrol, and polyphenols, which have various cardiovascular benefits. However, excessive consumption is harmful, and caution is advised when recommending alcohol.

Resveratrol (RV), a plant compound found in red wine, has been studied for its protective effects on human endothelial cells against oxidative stress and aging. It enhances SirT1 protein expression, associated with longevity and anti-aging processes, thereby reducing cellular aging signs and oxidative stress.

Additional research on resveratrol's antioxidative properties demonstrates its ability to protect human low-density lipoprotein (LDL) from oxidative damage. It significantly reduces LDL oxidation, suggesting a potential role as a free radical scavenger.

In hypertensive and diabetic models, resveratrol has been shown to reduce blood pressure, improve bone strength, enhance blood vessel function, and control blood sugar levels. It acts through various mechanisms such as improving endothelium-dependent vascular relaxation, increasing insulin sensitivity, and protecting pancreatic β-cells from oxidative stress.

Human clinical trials have explored resveratrol's impact on metabolic health in conditions like type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and coronary heart disease (CHD), showing improvements in glycemic control, insulin sensitivity, and cardiovascular risk factors. However, its effects on insulin sensitivity in overweight adults have been inconsistent.

Resveratrol has also been found to mimic calorie restriction effects in obese individuals, leading to changes in energy metabolism and metabolic profile, similar to those achieved through dieting.

While resveratrol is safe and tolerable at doses up to 5 grams per day, its effectiveness in pharmaceuticals is limited due to low systemic availability, poor solubility, and low bioavailability. Nonetheless, it remains a subject of interest due to its significant antioxidant properties and potential health benefits, including anti-inflammatory, anticarcinogenic, and cardioprotective effects.

References:


  1. Moderate red wine consumption and cardiovascular disease risk: beyond the "French paradox"
  2. Resveratrol protects human endothelium from H(2)O(2)-induced oxidative stress and senescence via SirT1 activation
  3. Effects of resveratrol on oxidative modification of human low density lipoprotein
  4. Resveratrol inhibits copper ion-induced and azo compound-initiated oxidative modification of human low density lipoprotein
  5. Resveratrol attenuates ovariectomy-induced hypertension and bone loss in stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats
  6. Chronic resveratrol enhances endothelium-dependent relaxation but does not alter eNOS levels in aorta of spontaneously hypertensive rats
  7. Hypoglycemic effect of resveratrol in type 2 diabetic model db/db mice and its actions in cultured L6 myotubes and RIN-5F pancreatic β-cells
  8. Resveratrol improves insulin sensitivity, reduces oxidative stress and activates the Akt pathway in type 2 diabetic patients
  9. The effects of resveratrol on metabolic status in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and coronary heart disease
  10. No effect of resveratrol supplementation after 6 months on insulin sensitivity in overweight adults: a randomized trial
  11. Calorie restriction-like effects of 30 days of resveratrol supplementation on energy metabolism and metabolic profile in obese humans
  12. Clinical trials of resveratrol
  13. Phase I randomized, double-blind pilot study of micronized resveratrol (SRT501) in patients with hepatic metastases--safety, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics
  14. Resveratrol: A Double-Edged Sword in Health Benefits


Upload Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) raw DNA data today and take a deep dive into your genome!

Or if you only have standard microarray data currently, upload raw DNA data to get started with your free DNA raw data analysis today!