Resveratrol

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Other names for resveratrol

Trans-Resveratrol
Polygonum cuspidatum Extract
Red Wine Polyphenol
methylated resveratrol
Resveratrol analog (unspecified)
Resveratrol analogue
Resveratrol conjugates (mixed)
trans-resveratrol

Synopsis of resveratrol

Resveratrol is a naturally occurring polyphenolic compound most commonly found in the skins of red grapes, as well as in peanuts, berries (especially blueberries and cranberries), and Japanese knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum). It gained international attention as the compound potentially responsible for the “French Paradox”—the observation that French populations had relatively low rates of heart disease despite a diet rich in saturated fats, possibly due to their regular red wine consumption.

Resveratrol functions as a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, and it has been widely studied for its potential in cardiovascular health, anti-aging, neuroprotection, metabolic regulation, and cancer prevention. It is classified as a phytoalexin, meaning it is produced by plants in response to stress or fungal infection, which contributes to its powerful protective properties.

In cardiovascular support, resveratrol is believed to enhance nitric oxide production, improve endothelial function, reduce LDL oxidation, and inhibit platelet aggregation, all of which support healthy blood pressure and circulation. It has also been shown in research to activate sirtuins (especially SIRT1)—proteins involved in cellular longevity and metabolic regulation—leading to its popularization as a potential anti-aging supplement.

Additional applications include improving insulin sensitivity, reducing neurodegenerative risks (such as in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease models), and exhibiting anti-proliferative effects against cancer cells in vitro. While some of these effects are still being validated in human studies, resveratrol remains a cornerstone in functional and integrative medicine for promoting long-term cellular health.

Historical Usage in Medicine
Although resveratrol as an isolated compound was not discovered until the 1930s, its natural sources—especially grape skins and traditional herbs—have been used medicinally for centuries.

One of the richest plant sources, Japanese knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum), has been used in Traditional Chinese and Japanese Medicine for over a thousand years. Known as “Hu Zhang”, the root of the plant was employed to invigorate blood circulation, treat trauma injuries, reduce fevers, alleviate coughing, and support liver and cardiovascular health. These traditional uses align closely with the modern pharmacological actions attributed to resveratrol and its synergistic compounds.

In European folk traditions, grapes and wine were seen as tonics for vitality and cardiovascular strength. Hippocrates is said to have used wine as a base for medicines, and fermented grape products were long associated with health and rejuvenation in Mediterranean cultures. The medicinal benefits of wine were emphasized throughout the Renaissance and into early modern apothecary texts.

The concept of resveratrol as a therapeutic agent gained momentum in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, especially after it was identified as a potential contributor to longevity and disease prevention. Modern supplements often derive resveratrol either from red wine extract, grape skin, or Japanese knotweed, and are used for their broad-spectrum antioxidant and cell-protective benefits.

Resveratrol is used for these health conditions

Aging (prevention) (Scientific)
Alzheimer's Disease (Scientific)
Angina (Scientific)
Arteriosclerosis (Scientific)
Arthritis (Scientific)
Autoimmune Disorders (Scientific)
Cancer (natural therapy for) (Scientific)
Cancer (prevention) (Scientific)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects) (Scientific)
Cardiovascular Disease (Scientific)
Cartilage Damage (Scientific)
Cataracts (Scientific)
Cervical Dysplasia (Scientific)
Chemotherapy (reducing side effects) (Scientific)
Cholesterol (high) (Scientific)
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (Scientific)
Circulation (poor) (Scientific)
Circulation (to the brain) (Scientific)
Cirrhosis of the Liver (Scientific)
Cold Sores (Scientific)
Colds (antiviral) (Scientific)
Colitis (Scientific)
Congestive Heart Failure (Scientific)
Conjunctivitis (Scientific)
Crohn's Disease (Scientific)
Cystic Fibrosis (Scientific)
Dementia (Scientific)
Depression (Scientific)
Dermatitis (Scientific)
Diabetes (Scientific)
Diabetic Retinopathy (Scientific)
Endometriosis (Scientific)
Fatty Liver Disease (Scientific)
Fibrosis (Scientific)
Free Radical Damage (Scientific)
Hypertension (Scientific)
Inflammation (Scientific)
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (Scientific)
Memory and Brain Function (Scientific)
Metabolic Syndrome (Scientific)
Multiple Sclerosis (Scientific)
Osteoporosis (Scientific)
Parkinson's Disease (Scientific)
Peripheral Neuropathy (Scientific)
Psoriasis (Scientific)
Rheumatoid Arthritis (Scientific)
Strokes (Scientific)
Triglycerides (high) (Scientific)
Ulcers (Scientific)
Varicose Veins (Scientific)
Wrinkles (Scientific)

resveratrol is used to support these body systems

Arteries (Scientific)
Blood (Scientific)
Brain (Scientific)
Circulatory System (Scientific)
Heart (Scientific)
Immune System (Scientific)
Intestinal System (Scientific)
Liver (Scientific)
Mitochondria (Scientific)
Skin (Scientific)

Products containing resveratrol

Vitabase Active Woman's Multi
Thorne Advanced Nutrients Multivitamin
Designs For Health ArthroSoothe™
Designs For Health ArthroSoothe™ Supreme
Pure Encapsulations Balanced Immune
Designs For Health BioFizz® Immune
Designs For Health CellGuard-NR 60 Capsules
Designs For Health FemGuard+Balance™
Designs For Health Inflammatone™
Designs For Health Inflammatone™
Klean Athlete Klean Multivitamin ™
Thorne L-Arginine Plus Perfusia Plus
Pure Encapsulations Memory Pro
Pure Encapsulations Memory Pro
Pure Encapsulations Metabolic Xtra
Douglas Laboratories Methlyated Resveratrol Plus
Pure Encapsulations Mitochondria-ATP
Designs For Health Mitochondrial NRG™
Metagenics PhytoMulti™ Multivitamin
Metagenics PhytoMulti With Iron
Metagenics PhytoMulti Without Iron
Metagenics PhytoMultivitamin
Thorne PolyResveratrol-SR
Designs For Health Primal Multi™
Pure Encapsulations Renual
Pure Encapsulations ResCu-SR®
Thorne ResveraCel
Pure Encapsulations Resveratrol
Pure Encapsulations Resveratrol
Douglas Laboratories Resveratrol
Pure Encapsulations Resveratrol Extra
Pure Encapsulations Resveratrol Extra
Designs For Health Resveratrol Supreme
Integrative Therapeutics Resveratrol Ultra HP 175mg
Pure Encapsulations Resveratrol VESIsorb®
Pure Encapsulations RevitalAge™ Ultra
Designs For Health Ultimate Antiox Full Spectrum
Douglas Laboratories Ultra Preventive 50+ -EZ Swallow
Pure Encapsulations Ultra Pure Pack
Metagenics Wellness Essentials Active Daily Packs
Metagenics Wellness Essentials Brain Health Daily Packs
Metagenics Wellness Essentials® Daily Packs
Metagenics Wellness Essentials Healthy Balance Daily Packs
Metagenics Wellness Essentials Men's Vitality Daily Packs
Metagenics Wellness Essentials Women's Daily Packs
Metagenics Wellness Essentials Women's Prime Daily Packs
Vitabase Women's Support

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