Resveratrol

Resveratrol (Trans-resveratrol) is a polyphenolic constituent with beneficial health effects and found naturally in trace amounts in the skins of grapes, red wine, and peanuts.1 Japanese knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum) is one of the most concentrated sources of trans-resveratrol.

Major Health Benefits

The French Paradox (the low incidence of cardiovascular disease despite high fat consumption in France) has led investigators to suggest that adequate intake of resveratrol from daily red wine intake (common in France) may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.2

Resveratrol is known to act as an antioxidant that decreases cellular oxidative stress.2 Resveratrol has also been found to contribute to improving insulin sensitivity and glucose utilization as well as inhibiting excessive blood clotting and inflammation.2-5 It has been suggested in preclinical and clinical studies that resveratrol may have anti-cancer effects through its ability of suppressing various types of tumor cell growth.6

Cautions

High intake of Resveratrol (more than 1,000 mg/d for 29 consecutive days) may cause symptoms such as: nausea, diarrhea, and stomach pain.7 Due to its anti-platelet function, resveratrol may increase bruising and bleeding for individuals taking anticoagulant drugs (e.g., warfarin/coumadin or heparin), anti-platelet drugs (e.g., clopidogrel/Plavix or dipyridamole/Persantine) , and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including aspirin, ibuprofen, diclofenac, or naproxen.8 It is recommended for women with the history of estrogen sensitive cancers to consult with the doctor before taking Resveratrol supplement.7

References

  1. Higdon, J. Resveratrol. Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University. 2005. (Reviewed by Espin, JC in 2015). (Summary/Food Sources) http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/dietary-factors/phytochemicals/resveratrol Accessed in July 2015.
  2. Lippi G, Franchini M, Favaloro EJ, Targher G. Moderate red wine consumption and cardiovascular disease risk: beyond the “French paradox”. Semin Thromb Hemost. 2010 Feb;36(1):59-70.PMID: 20391297.
  3. Donnelly LE, Newton R, Kennedy GE, et al. Anti-inflammatory effects of resveratrol in lung epithelial cells: molecular mechanisms. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol. 2004 Oct;287(4):L774-83. Epub 2004 Jun 4.PMID: 15180920.
  4. Wang H, Yang YJ, Qian HY, Zhang Q, Xu H, Li JJ. Resveratrol in cardiovascular disease: what is known from current research? Heart Fail Rev. 2012 May;17(3):437-48.PMID: 21688187.
  5. Tomé-Carneiro J, Gonzálvez M, Larrosa M, et al. One-year consumption of a grape nutraceutical containing resveratrol improves the inflammatory and fibrinolytic status of patients in primary prevention of cardiovascular disease. Am J Cardiol. 2012 Aug 1;110(3):356-63.PMID: 22520621.
  6. Aggarwal BB, Bhardwaj A, Aggarwal RS, Seeram NP, Shishodia S, Takada Y. Role of resveratrol in prevention and therapy of cancer: preclinical and clinical studies. Anticancer Res. 2004 Sep-Oct;24(5A):2783-840.PMID: 15517885.
  7. Higdon, J. Resveratrol. Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University. 2005. (Reviewed by Espin, JC in 2015). (Adverse Effects) http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/dietary-factors/phytochemicals/resveratrol Assessed in July 2015.
  8. Higdon, J. Resveratrol. Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University. 2005. (Reviewed by Espin, JC in 2015). (Drug Interactions) http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/dietary-factors/phytochemicals/resveratrol Assessed in July 2015.