What is Resveratrol?

Resveratrol is one of several naturally occurring antioxidants found in the skin of red grapes and in red wine. It is also present in grape seeds, cacao, peanuts, mulberries and blueberries. Its role in the plant kingdom is to protect against environmental stressors, and it is thought to play a similar role in the human body.

Resveratrol Benefits

Resveratrol’s key protective actions are antioxidant, antimutagenic and anti-inflammatory. Studies indicate anti-fungal, anti-cancer, memory enhancing, energising and performance enhancing effects. These all support resveratrol’s anti-aging reputation and potential role in supporting treatment of diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Improved functioning of the nervous system and immune system are also important established actions of resveratrol supplementation. Positive effects on the health of prostate, breasts, muscles and joints are the subjects of ongoing research.

Resveratrol’s potent antioxidant effect indicates a potentially preventative role in the following conditions:

• heart and cardiovascular disorders such as high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol levels, risk of blood clotting, stroke and heart attack
• autoimmune diseases such as arthritis
• obesity, diabetes and metabolic syndrome
• kidney disease
• retinopathy and cataracts

Resveratrol Side Effects and Contraindications

Caution is advised with concurrent use of anticoagulant drugs as resveratrol may reduce their effect. Safety during pregnancy or breastfeeding has not yet been established. Doses of 300 mg or higher inhibit an enzyme in the liver. The specific effects of this are not yet known.