Adjusted units in a FAQ
We didn't use the same units consistently in the drawbacks FAQ (we switched between mg and g). We rewrote this FAQ so that we didn't jump between units in the answer.
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Resveratrol is a bioactive molecule found in plant sources such as grapes, peanuts, blueberries, and, famously, red wine. Resveratrol has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that benefit cardiovascular function, glycemic control, and lipid metabolism. Although it’s promoted for lifespan extension, there’s no evidence for this in humans and limited evidence in animals.
Resveratrol is most often used for
Last Updated:June 3, 2024
Resveratrol is a compound in plants such as grapes, peanuts, and blueberries. It’s popularly known for its presence in red wine — which is also used as a possible explanation for the phenomenon called the “French Paradox”, which refers to the low incidence of cardiovascular disease among the French population despite their high intake of dietary fat. This low disease incidence was thought to be attributed to their intake of red wine.[3]
Resveratrol is best known for its cardiovascular health benefits. In humans, resveratrol improves endothelial function[4][5] and may have a blood-pressure-lowering effect in some populations.[6][7][8] In vitro, resveratrol protects against atherosclerosis.[9][10][11]
In adults with type 2 diabetes, resveratrol improves fasting glucose, HbA1c, and insulin sensitivity but doesn’t appear to benefit adults without the disease.[7][12][13] Resveratrol consistently reduces the inflammatory cytokines C-reactive protein (CRP) and TNF-alpha.[14][15]
Despite the plausibility of resveratrol’s potential effects on blood lipids and body composition, resveratrol doesn’t appear to improve blood lipids in adults with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)[16][17][18] or body composition in adults with cardiometabolic conditions.[6]
Resveratrol has poor bioavailability due to its rapid and extensive metabolism.[19][20]
Human studies suggest resveratrol can be supplemented at dosages up to 5,000 mg (5 grams) daily with few to no side effects outside of some intestinal upset and nausea.[1][2]
Resveratrol doses of 1,000 mg/day or more may interfere with the biological effects of commonly administered drugs by inhibiting cytochrome p450 isoenzymes. For example, resveratrol inhibits enzymes that play a role in the metabolism of statins, calcium channel blockers, immunosuppressants, antifungals, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), anticoagulants, beta-blockers, antidepressants, opioid analgesics, and antihistamines, among others.[21] If you take any medication, consult your doctor before supplementing with resveratrol, no matter the dose.
The cardioprotective effects of resveratrol are primarily due to its ability to protect cells against oxidative damage by scavenging free radicals and inhibiting their production. Resveratrol also increases antioxidant levels[22] and inhibits the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (i.e., TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6).[23][24][25] Resveratrol also appears to have anti-fibrotic and anti-hypertrophic effects in the heart[26][27] and may improve mitochondrial biogenesis and function.[28][29]
Regarding its lipid-lowering and glucose-lowering effects, resveratrol activates the metabolic regulators AMPK and Sirt1, thereby improving lipid metabolism and fat accumulation in the liver[18] and increasing glucose uptake into skeletal muscle (i.e., improving insulin sensitivity) — explaining resveratrol’s potential to treat nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), type 2 diabetes, and related conditions.
Adjusted units in a FAQ
We didn't use the same units consistently in the drawbacks FAQ (we switched between mg and g). We rewrote this FAQ so that we didn't jump between units in the answer.
Reviewed By
Large FAQ and database update
We modified the FAQs on reseratrol's main drawbacks, how resveratrol works, and added FAQs about longevity and red wine. Additionally we added about 60 new studies to the database. The take-home messages remain largely consistent with what we previously knew about this topic.