A plant compound from Japanese knotweed and grape skins.
Why it’s used: A polyphenol antioxidant studied for its role in healthy ageing.
Resveratrol is a polyphenol, a type of plant compound that plants make to protect themselves against stress, injury and fungal infection. It is found in the skins of red grapes, and in smaller amounts in red wine, peanuts, blueberries and cranberries. It became famous through interest in the so-called French paradox, though the amount in a glass of wine is very small.
Most resveratrol in supplements comes from the root of Japanese knotweed, Polygonum cuspidatum, a plant used in traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine that is naturally rich in it. Some is extracted from grapes, and some is made synthetically or by fermentation. Look for trans-resveratrol on the label, which is the form found in plants and the one most studied.
Resveratrol is a polyphenol antioxidant studied for its role in healthy ageing. Researchers have investigated it in laboratory and animal studies, and in a range of small human trials, with mixed results. It is sold in capsules and tablets, often alongside NMN, quercetin or other healthy-ageing ingredients.
3 findings behind this ingredient. Hover a card for the detail and the source.
Umbrella meta-analysis of 19 meta-analyses covering 81 randomised trials and 4,088 people. Resveratrol reduced BMI, waist circumference, CRP and TNF-α; body weight and IL-6 did not change overall.
24-month randomised, double-blind crossover trial in 125 postmenopausal women aged 45 to 85, taking 75 mg trans-resveratrol or placebo twice daily for 12 months each. Cognitive performance, cerebral blood flow and insulin sensitivity improved.
Same 24-month crossover trial in postmenopausal women. After 12 months of 75 mg twice daily, lumbar spine and femoral neck bone density rose and a bone breakdown marker fell 7.24% versus placebo.
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Trans-resveratrol is the natural, more stable form of resveratrol made by plants, and the form most studied. It can convert to cis-resveratrol when exposed to light. Look for trans-resveratrol on the label, and keep supplements away from heat and sunlight.
Red wine contains resveratrol, but in very small amounts, and the alcohol carries its own health risks. Grapes, peanuts, blueberries and cranberries also contain a little. Food amounts are far below those used in supplements and research.
It can. EFSA noted possible interactions with medicines processed by certain liver enzymes, and resveratrol may add to the effect of blood thinners. EU-authorised products must say that people taking medicines should use them only under medical supervision.
Videos from doctors, research scientists and registered dietitians, for general education. They are independent of Nutra Formulations, do not refer to our products and are not medical advice for you.
Resveratrol for Anti-Ageing Skin Care: Dermatologist
Dr Dray (Dr Andrea Suarez), MD, board-certified dermatologist · Dr Dray on YouTube
Information only, not medical advice. If you take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, speak to your GP or pharmacist first.
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