By Gene Bruno, MS, MHS, Dean of Huntington College of Health Sciences, www.hchs.edu
Resveratrol is a natural constituent of plants including grapes, peanuts and Japanese knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum) (1). It gained attention in supplements because of its association, alongside other red-wine polyphenols, with the “French paradox”: low cardiovascular disease rates despite a high-fat diet (3). Interest grew as research suggested antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antiviral and anti-ageing activity. Weight loss and improved athletic performance have also been observed among users, as described in the source.
Cardiovascular health
Resveratrol has cardiovascular protective effects. In vitro and animal experiments showed anticoagulant activity and inhibition of platelet aggregation. This matters because aggregation can form clots and obstruct blood vessels, impairing circulation and potentially causing heart attack or stroke (4). Resveratrol supports vasodilation by increasing production of nitric oxide (5). Animal studies suggest high doses may reduce venous thrombosis (clot formation) and atherosclerosis risk (6)(7).
Antioxidant properties
Animal research demonstrated antioxidant activity (8). It remains unclear whether the effects are direct or arise from increased production of the body’s antioxidant enzymes. An in vitro study showed prevention of LDL (“bad cholesterol”) oxidation through metal binding and reduced free-radical production (9).
Anti-inflammatory activity
Cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes perform several functions, including inflammation, a normal healing process in a healthy body. When uncontrolled, as in arthritis and other chronic inflammatory diseases, inflammation causes persistent pain and discomfort. Resveratrol inhibits COX and other inflammatory substances, including hydroperoxidases and 5-lipoxygenase (10)(11)(12)(13), and inflammatory cytokines (14). Some evidence cited by the source suggests stronger anti-inflammatory activity than NSAIDs such as aspirin, ibuprofen or indomethacin (15)(16). In an animal study, resveratrol injections reduced inflammation and cartilage destruction (17).
Anticancer effects
In vitro, resveratrol inhibited proliferation of human breast, prostate, stomach, colon, pancreatic and thyroid cancer cells (18). Animal studies showed inhibition of chemically induced breast (19), oesophageal (20) and bowel cancer (21). One mechanism is inhibition of angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels supplying a growing tumour (22). Another is suppression of both cyclooxygenase forms. Research cited in the source suggests long-term cyclooxygenase inhibition significantly reduces the risk of several cancers (23).
Antiviral activity
Resveratrol showed antiviral activity in vitro. For example, it blocked the influenza virus’s transport of certain proteins, restricting replication (24). It also suppressed herpes simplex viral protein activation and reduced viral DNA production (25), and improved the effectiveness of some anti-AIDS drug treatments (26).
Anti-ageing
Studies showed significantly prolonged lifespan in lower organisms such as yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) (27), worms (Caenorhabditis elegans) and fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster). Similar lifespan effects were reported in short-lived fish, alongside improved cognition and performance such as swimming. Another study found improved survival and health in mice on a high-calorie diet (30). The source states that the mechanism of resveratrol’s antioxidant effects is unknown but may involve protein production by the SIR2 gene.
Potential for weight loss and athletic performance
At the cellular level, obesity involves increased number and size of fat cells developing from preadipocytes in adipose tissue. Resveratrol has been shown to inhibit preadipocyte production, helping reduce formation of new fat cells.
In animals and humans, the SIR2 gene produces sirtuin 1, or SIRT1, which contributes to fat mobilisation in adipose tissue. Resveratrol activates SIRT1. Mouse research showed anti-obesity effects and improved insulin resistance (33), and SIRT1 stimulation improved blood-glucose control (34). Whether humans experience similar effects remains an interesting question requiring further research. Resveratrol remains an intriguing natural substance with weight-loss potential.
In another study, mice fed resveratrol for 15 weeks had greater treadmill endurance than controls, supporting a role in SIRT1 activation (35).
Would these effects also occur in humans? Future studies are needed.
Resveratrol dose, safety and availability
Because most studies were in vitro or in animals, an appropriate human dose is difficult to establish. In an interview, resveratrol researcher Dr Johan Auwerx (36) said he personally took 40 mg daily. The source reports no human adverse effects at doses up to 5,000 mg (37), and a similar safety profile in animal studies.
Dietary sources rich in resveratrol include:
• Red wine (5 glasses): about 0.30–1.07 mg.
• One cup of peanuts: about 0.01–0.26 mg.
• One cup of red grapes: about 0.24–1.25 mg.
Conclusions:
Further research, especially in humans, is needed on resveratrol’s activities. Meanwhile, it has shown many potential health benefits and is considered safe in the source for individuals wishing to try it.
References:
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