Resveratrol

What is resveratrol?

Resveratrol is a polyphenol, a nonessential nutrient that is considered a phytoestrogen, that is a compound found in plant foods that has a mild estrogen-like effect.

Foods High in Resveratrol

Resveratrol is found in red grapes, red wine, peanuts, blueberries, bilberries and cranberries ^[2].

Resveratrol Supplements

Resveratrol supplements currently available are extracted from the root of Polygonum cuspidatum, known as Hu Zhang or kojo-kon, or from red grapes or red wine ^[2]. There may be 10-50 mg resveratrol in one dose.

Resveratrol Health Benefits

Resveratrol is PROBABLY INEFFECTIVE in lowering total and LDL cholesterol and triglycerides ^[3].

There is INSUFFICIENT EVIDENCE ^[1,2,5] about the effectiveness of resveratrol supplements in the prevention or treatment of acne, atherosclerosis, cancer ^[7], chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, COPD, diabetes mellitus type 2 ^[4] and coronary heart disease ^[6], or as an antioxidant.

Resveratrol Safety: Side Effects, Toxicity

Resveratrol is LIKELY SAFE when used by mouth in doses up to 250 mg for up to 3 months ^[1].

Not enough is known about the safety of resveratrol supplements during pregnancy and breastfeeding, so women in these periods should avoid them ^[2].

Resveratrol might worsen hormone-sensitive conditions such as breast, ovarian and uterine cancer, endometriosis or uterine fibroids.

Resveratrol may increase the risk of bleeding during surgery.

Resveratrol-Drug Interactions

Resveratrol may increase the effects and side effects of fexofenadine, ketokonazole, lovastatin, ketoconazole, triazolam or other drugs ^[1].

Resveratrol may slow blood clotting and may increase the risk of bleeding when taken together with drugs that slow clotting, such as aspirin, clopidogrel, diclofenac, ibuprofen, naproxen, dalteparin, enoxaparin, heparin or warfarin ^[1].