Resveratrol
Resveratrol is a polyphenol compound of a class called a stilbenoid. Stilbenoids are produced by some plants in response to stress such as fungus, or UV radiation. Resveratrol is a whitish, solid powder, which is fat soluble. It has many properties due to its protective nature for the plant, including being an antibiotic, antimutagen, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.
Reservatrol is found in many plants such as Japanese knotwood (where it was first discovered), eucalyptus, spruce, pine and lily. Some edible plants that produce resveratrol are peanuts, many types of berries such as blueberries, cranberries or lingonberries, red and purple grape juice, red wine, and dark chocolate. White wine also contains resveratrol but in much smaller quantities. This is because the red wine is fermented with the grape skins, which is where the resveratrol is found. Red wine is the most popular source of resveratrol in the media today. Because of its effects on heart disease and longevity, researchers believe it may be partly responsible for the French paradox, or the fact that French have a low rate of heart disease even though they eat a diet high in saturated fats.
Chocolate is probably the second highest source of resveratrol, especially cocoa powder, baking chocolate and dark chocolate. If you don't drink alcohol or aren't a fan of red wine, this is another delicious way to get this phytonutrient into your diet.
Resveratrol is metabolized very quickly in the body, so it isn't known if we can get the same benefits from eating or drinking it as we find in lab experiments, in such as short period of time. Studies have found that the resveratrol in red wine is metabolized at the same rate regardless of whether it is taken with food or on an empty stomach.
In lab tests, resveratrol shows a lot of promise as a cancer preventative. It can prevent certain compounds from metabolizing into carcinogens. It can regulate normal cell cycles and induce apoptosis, which is the death signal that causes cancerous cells to self destruct. It inhibits the activity of enzymes that help tumours invade tissue, and inhibits angiogenesis, which is the new network of blood vessels tumours need to survive. It's anti-inflammatory effects also help with all of these processes. Animal studies show that resveratrol can inhibit cancers of the esophagus, intestines and breast. Tests with lung cancer have not been successful. As is often the case, human studies don't show these same effects. It is hard to get tissue levels in humans that are the same as were used in the lab experiments, because this chemical is metabolized so quickly into substances that aren't as effective.
In vitro, or in lab experiments, resveratrol has been shown to inhibit blood clots, relax arteries and other things that may protect against cardiovascular disease. However, these haven't been backed up by any really good human studies. Drinking alcohol moderately has been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease, and researchers have tried to pinpoint whether red wine is better for this than other types of alcohol. Some studies show that red wine is more protective, but others do not. Red wine drinkers may have so many other lifestyle differences from people who usually drink beer or liquor, that it is hard to tell whether the effects are from the wine or something else. Even if we do discover that red wine gives an extra amount of protection beyond the alcohol factor, its not clear which of the many substances in the red wine is responsible for this.
Resveratrol is being studied to see if it can increase longevity, and already supplements are claiming to do this. It has been shown to increase the life span of yeast, worms, fruit flies and vertebrate fish. Experiments with mice have also shown that it produced changes in gene expression similar to a low calorie diet, which can result in longevity. There haven't been any good human studies to show a relationship between resveratrol and longevity. Needless to say, this would have to be a loooong study.
Studies haven't noted any side effects of resveratrol yet, but it also hasn't been extensively tested in humans. I have seen complaints of headaches, which obviously you wouldn't get with an animal experiment. I would be cautious about taking mega level supplements. Some supplements are mixed with other herbs and ingredients, or you may be taking another medication which could react with resveratrol. As always, moderation is my advice, especially when so little is known about effects in humans. Just because the studies haven't been done, that doesn't mean resveratrol does not have health benefits. If you enjoy red wine, by all means have a glass regularly. I think everyone should try to eat a piece of dark chocolate every day. These are pleasurable ways to get resveratrol in your diet without worrying about jeopardizing your health.
The information on this page is not meant to be used in treatment of medical conditions. Please seek the advice of a physician about any medical condition or symptom. Those with medical conditions should consult a medical professional about the appropriateness of taking dietary supplements or diet therapy, and how these methods will interact with their medications.
The Benefits of Resveratrol
Red wine and resveratrol: Good for your heart?
Dr. Ray Sahelian's page cites many studies with resveratrol.
Resveratrol Information and Resource Site
Phytochemical Society of North America
Phytochemical Society of Europe
For detailed information about the chemical structure, formula, and molecular weight of various phytonutrients, visit
The US Dept of Agriculture.
Phytochemicals also gives detailed information on specific phytochemicals.
Search for herbs at the Sloan Kettering Memorial Cancer Center website.