Overview
Resveratrol is a natural polyphenol found in grapes, red wine, and berries, known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and potential longevity-promoting properties. Clinical evidence suggests resveratrol activates SIRT1, a protein involved in cellular aging, metabolic regulation, and stress resistance, which may underlie many of its health benefits [1]. Supplementation has shown modest but significant effects in improving markers of obesity, including body weight, BMI, and waist circumference, particularly in individuals with higher baseline adiposity [7][8]. It also demonstrates beneficial effects in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), improving liver enzymes, insulin resistance, and hepatic fat accumulation, likely due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions [2]. Resveratrol reduces oxidative stress markers in humans, supporting its role as a systemic antioxidant [3]. However, its impact on blood pressure remains inconclusive, with meta-analyses showing no significant overall effect [5]. A major limitation is its poor oral bioavailability due to rapid metabolism and low solubility, which has led to the development of enhanced delivery systems [4]. Most benefits are observed with doses ranging from 100–1000 mg/day over several weeks.
Dosage Guide
Therapeutic Doses
For treatment of specific conditions
Upper Intake Limit
Maximum safe daily intake
1500 mg— Doses up to 1500 mg/day are generally well-tolerated long-term; higher doses (e.g., 2000-5000 mg) may cause GI discomfort
Special Forms
Alternative forms for specific needs
Enhanced bioavailability using lipid-based delivery systems
Improved absorption and plasma concentration
Piperine inhibits glucuronidation, increasing bioavailability
Clinical Notes
- Resveratrol has low intrinsic bioavailability; formulations designed to enhance absorption are preferred for therapeutic use.
- High doses (>1000 mg/day) may cause gastrointestinal side effects such as diarrhea, nausea, or abdominal discomfort.
- Resveratrol may interact with medications metabolized by CYP3A4, CYP2C9, and CYP2D6 enzymes (e.g., anticoagulants, anticonvulsants, statins), potentially altering their efficacy.
- Theoretical concern for estrogen-sensitive conditions due to weak phytoestrogenic activity; clinical significance is unclear but warrants caution.
- Long-term safety data beyond 12 months are limited; most trials last 8–24 weeks.
Research
Resveratrol supplementation increases SIRT1 gene and protein expression, supporting its role in cellular aging and metabolic regulation.
Resveratrol improves liver function, insulin sensitivity, and lipid metabolism in patients with NAFLD.
Resveratrol supplementation significantly reduces oxidative stress markers such as MDA and increases antioxidant enzymes like SOD.
Resveratrol has low oral bioavailability due to rapid metabolism; formulation strategies (e.g., nanoparticles, liposomes) can enhance absorption.
Resveratrol does not significantly reduce systolic or diastolic blood pressure in pooled clinical trials.
Early human trials confirm resveratrol is safe and well-tolerated at doses up to 5 g/day, though gastrointestinal side effects may occur.
Resveratrol supplementation leads to modest but significant reductions in body weight, BMI, and waist circumference.
Meta-analysis confirms resveratrol intake significantly reduces body weight and BMI, with greater effects in obese individuals.
