Resveratrol
Research reviewed: up until 09/2023
Resveratrol is a dietary supplement with 11 published peer-reviewed studies involving 279 participants, researched for Cardiovascular Health, Safety and Tolerability, Antioxidants and 2 more areas.
Evidence at a Glance
Strength is scored by study design, sample size, study type, and outcomes
Cardiovascular Health
ModerateSafety and Tolerability
ModerateAntioxidants
ModerateDiabetes
ModerateAnti-ageing
ModerateResearch Visualised
Visual breakdown of the clinical data.
Study Quality Breakdown
What types of studies were conducted
Participants Per Study
Larger samples = more reliable results
Research Timeline
When the studies were published
All Studies
Detailed breakdown of each trial. Click to expand.
Cardiovascular Health
To explore the effects of resveratrol supplementation on participants’ blood lipid profile (including substances like triglycerides (fats), cholesterol, and phospholipids). Blood lipid analyses play a crucial role in assessing cardiovascular health and guiding interventions to manage dyslipidemia, a medical condition characterised by abnormally high blood lipid concentrations, which is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Dosages: Resveratrol intervention doses ranged from 5 to 3000 mg/day and intake varied from 4 to 48 weeks Number of Studies Reviewed: 17 studies were included in this meta-analysis
Study Type
Meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
Purpose
To explore the effects of resveratrol supplementation on participants’ blood lipid profile (including substances like triglycerides (fats), cholesterol, and phospholipids). Blood lipid analyses play a crucial role in assessing cardiovascular health and guiding interventions to manage dyslipidemia, a medical condition characterised by abnormally high blood lipid concentrations, which is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Dosages: Resveratrol intervention doses ranged from 5 to 3000 mg/day and intake varied from 4 to 48 weeks Number of Studies Reviewed: 17 studies were included in this meta-analysis
Results
The findings from the review showed that the intake of resveratrol could significantly decrease the total cholesterol, triglyceride (a type of fat in the blood). A reduction in these levels can help improve overall cardiovascular health and lower the risk of heart-related problems. In addition, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (“bad” cholesterol) was also found to be reduced by resveratrol supplementation. LDL-cholesterol is often referred to as "bad" cholesterol because high levels of it are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, such as heart disease and stroke. Therefore, a lower LDL-cholesterol level is generally considered beneficial for heart health. The reduction of LDL-cholesterol induced by resveratrol was reported to be associated with the antioxidant effect of resveratrol. On the other hand, resveratrol did not alter the level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (often referred to as 'good' cholesterol). Further analysis showed that the reduction of LDL-cholesterol was more significant in trials with a duration of ≥12 weeks and in subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus. In addition, the analysis revealed that a high dosage of resveratrol, specifically 500 mg/d or more, showed an opposite effect size. This means that, in contrast to the reduced LDL-cholesterol levels observed with a low dosage, a high dosage of resveratrol increased LDL-cholesterol levels. The authors suggest that the dosage of resveratrol intervention is an essential factor that affects the level of LDL-cholesterol and should be considered when designing interventions to reduce LDL-cholesterol levels in individuals with high cholesterol or at risk of heart disease.
To investigate the effects of resveratrol in older adults with impaired glucose tolerance, a medical condition in which an individual's blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be classified as diabetes. People with impaired glucose tolerance are at an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, as their bodies struggle to regulate blood sugar effectively.
Study Type
Pilot study (uncontrolled)
Purpose
To investigate the effects of resveratrol in older adults with impaired glucose tolerance, a medical condition in which an individual's blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be classified as diabetes. People with impaired glucose tolerance are at an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, as their bodies struggle to regulate blood sugar effectively.
Dose
1, 1.5, or 2 g/day of resveratrol
Participants
10 men and women with an average age of 72 years, diagnosed with impaired glucose tolerance
Duration
4 weeks
Results
The researchers observed that the fasting blood sugar of participants taking resveratrol for 4 weeks did not change. However, their peak sugar levels after meals, as well as the total amount of blood sugar over the span of 3 hours, decreased significantly. This means that after taking resveratrol, the participants' blood sugar didn't spike as much as it usually would after eating, which is a positive sign for better sugar control. Normally, blood sugar rises after a meal and then gradually decreases as the body's cells use or store the sugar for energy. However, if sugar levels remain elevated several hours after eating, it can indicate insulin resistance, a condition where cells struggle to efficiently absorb sugar from the blood. Furthermore, the researchers observed improved insulin sensitivity after taking resveratrol. This suggests that cells in the body are becoming more efficient at utilising insulin to regulate blood sugar levels. The researchers also observed a trend towards an improved post-meal reactive hyperemia index, which is a measure of the functioning of the inner lining of blood vessels that plays a crucial role in regulating various cardiovascular functions and maintaining overall health of blood vessels. These findings suggest that resveratrol may have a positive effect on post-meal sugar levels, overall sugar metabolism, and vascular function (blood vessels) in older adults with impaired glucose tolerance.
Safety and Tolerability
To evaluate the safety and effects of resveratrol in combination with exercise in older adults with physical function limitations.
Study Type
Three-arm, two-site pilot, randomised, controlled trial
Purpose
To evaluate the safety and effects of resveratrol in combination with exercise in older adults with physical function limitations.
Dose
500mg/day of resveratrol (1 x 500 mg capsules; 1 x 500 mg placebo capsules) or 1000 mg/day (2 x 500 mg capsules) of resveratrol or placebo
Participants
60 older adults aged 65 years and older. A total of 85% of the participants complied with the resveratrol regimen as instructed.
Duration
12 weeks
Results
In terms of physical performance, the study found an association between exercise combined with 1,000 mg/day resveratrol supplementation and improved physical and mitochondrial function in older adults. Mitochondrial function involves processes within cells that maintain energy balance and plays a vital role in physical function, especially in the context of exercise and overall fitness. The researchers observed a relatively low number of possibly related adverse events to the trial. The most common issues were gastrointestinal-related (9 participants) and dizziness. Of these, 2 were in the 1000 mg/day group and 5 were in the 500 mg/day group. Two serious adverse events were reported, but they were found to be unrelated to the trial. Overall, the findings suggest that resveratrol supplementation at doses up to 1000 mg/day have potential benefits for both physical and mitochondrial function in older adults, with low number of related, or possibly related adverse events.
To evaluate the effects of short-term resveratrol supplementation on metabolic and safety outcomes in generally healthy overweight, older adults.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
Purpose
To evaluate the effects of short-term resveratrol supplementation on metabolic and safety outcomes in generally healthy overweight, older adults.
Dose
300 or 1000 mg/day (2 x 150 or 500 mg capsules) of resveratrol or placebo
Participants
32 overweight adult men and women aged 65 years and older
Duration
90 days
Results
The researchers observed that adverse reactions were consistently low in all groups, including the placebo group. Diarrhoea was the most frequently reported adverse reaction in the 300 mg/day group (33%), and two participants in the 1000 mg/day group withdrew from the study due to gastrointestinal issues. However, there were no statistically significant differences in reported adverse reactions between participants in the treatment group and placebo group. In addition, the researchers also observed that blood sugar levels remained stable among participants in both of the resveratrol groups. In contrast, participants receiving the placebo experienced a significant increase in blood sugar levels compared to their initial levels over the course of the study. No significant changes in blood pressure, body weight, or waist circumference were observed in any group.
To explore the safety and the effect of resveratrol on the insulin-like growth factor axis, which is a complex hormonal system involving proteins and factors that play a crucial role in regulating growth and development in the body.
Study Type
Clinical trial (uncontrolled)
Purpose
To explore the safety and the effect of resveratrol on the insulin-like growth factor axis, which is a complex hormonal system involving proteins and factors that play a crucial role in regulating growth and development in the body.
Dose
0.5, 1.0, 2.5, or 5.0 g of resveratrol (1, 2, 5 or 10 x 500 mg caplets)
Participants
40 male and female healthy volunteers with an average age of 35-42 years
Duration
29 days
Results
The researchers observed that resveratrol was safe, with no serious adverse reactions observed through clinical or biochemical blood tests during the study period and follow-up. Among the 40 participants, some experienced adverse effects, with gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, flatulence, abdominal discomfort, and diarrhoea being the most common, especially at higher doses (2.5 g and 5.0 g). Most of these events were mild, but some participants at the higher doses experienced moderate symptoms. The symptoms, which typically got better during the day but returned after the next dose, was resolved within just 2 days after finishing the 29-day course. No weight loss was observed in any participant, and the treatment did not cause any significant impairment in the participants' ability to carry out their daily activities throughout the study period. On the basis of these findings, the researchers recommended that in future intervention studies of resveratrol the daily dose should perhaps not exceed 1.0 g.
To assess the pharmacokinetic properties (how the body interacts with a drug after it has been administered) and safety of resveratrol following a 500 mg single oral dose.
Study Type
Open-label clinical trial (uncontrolled)
Purpose
To assess the pharmacokinetic properties (how the body interacts with a drug after it has been administered) and safety of resveratrol following a 500 mg single oral dose.
Dose
500 mg of resveratrol tablets
Participants
15 healthy male and female volunteers, aged 18-55 years
Duration
Single dose
Results
No adverse reactions associated with resveratrol were reported during the study. The only moderate-intensity incident observed was a traumatic cutaneous wound, a skin injury resulting from physical trauma like cuts, scrapes, or scratches. This occurred in only one subject in the present study and was not linked to the resveratrol treatment used. Overall, the researchers observed that resveratrol tablets (500mg) were well-tolerated by all participants of the study.
To investigate the steady-state pharmacokinetics (how a drug behaves in the body after repeated) of trans-resveratrol. This helps determine the right dosing regimen for trans-resveratrol to achieve its therapeutic benefits without causing harm. The study also explored the tolerability of trans-resveratrol when taken with food, quercetin (a flavonoid) and alcohol (ethanol). The combination of trans-resveratrol and quercetin was investigated to characterise a potential drug-drug interaction, as well as to understand the role of alcohol in affecting the absorption of resveratrol.
Study Type
Open-label clinical trial
Purpose
To investigate the steady-state pharmacokinetics (how a drug behaves in the body after repeated) of trans-resveratrol. This helps determine the right dosing regimen for trans-resveratrol to achieve its therapeutic benefits without causing harm. The study also explored the tolerability of trans-resveratrol when taken with food, quercetin (a flavonoid) and alcohol (ethanol). The combination of trans-resveratrol and quercetin was investigated to characterise a potential drug-drug interaction, as well as to understand the role of alcohol in affecting the absorption of resveratrol.
Dose
4000 mg/day of trans-resveratrol (4 x 2 x 500 mg capsules)
Participants
8 healthy men and women aged 18 years and older
Duration
16 days total of resveratrol treatment (14 days washout period after the 8th day)
Results
The researchers observed that daily intake of 4000 mg/day of trans-resveratrol was well tolerated by healthy subjects, although diarrhoea was frequently observed (six of the eight subjects experienced mild loose stools/diarrhoea) along with a single episode of rash. No subject withdrew or missed a dose due to adverse effects. The findings of this study also suggest that for maximum absorption of trans-resveratrol in the body, it's better to take it with a regular breakfast rather than a high-fat meal. Additionally, combined intake with quercetin (a flavonoid) or alcohol did not affect how trans-resveratrol is absorbed. This lack of interference suggests that individuals can potentially consume both quercetin-rich foods and alcohol without affecting the effectiveness of trans-resveratrol in the body.
To evaluate the safety of multiple dose regimens of trans-resveratrol in healthy volunteers.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
Purpose
To evaluate the safety of multiple dose regimens of trans-resveratrol in healthy volunteers.
Dose
150, 300, 600, or 900 mg/day of trans-resveratrol (6 x 25, 50, 100, or 150 mg capsules) or placebo
Participants
40 healthy male and female volunteers aged 18-45 years
Duration
13 days
Results
In this study, participants reported a total of 18 adverse effects. Among these, nine were considered possibly linked to the treatment. Specifically, there were 4 adverse incidents reported by two subjects (25%) in the trans-resveratrol 25 mg group, one adverse event reported by one subject (12.5%) in the trans-resveratrol 50 mg group, one adverse event reported by one subject (12.5%) in the trans-resveratrol 100 mg group, and three adverse events reported by two subjects (25%) in the trans-resveratrol 150 mg group. Among the adverse incidents possibly related to treatment, the most frequent was frontal headache, with three cases reported (one each in the 25 mg, 50 mg, and 150 mg groups), and the less frequent were pain in the legs and feeling sleepy in the group that took 25 mg; swelling of a part of the male reproductive system in the group that took 100 mg; and feeling dizzy and having a headache in the back of the head. No adverse effects were reported with the placebo. All adverse incidents reported were mild, and no abnormalities were found in clinical laboratory tests, vital signs, or neurological examinations. There were also no reports of serious adverse effects or treatment discontinuations.
Antioxidants
To investigate the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of resveratrol on healthy smokers.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled cross-over study
Purpose
To investigate the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of resveratrol on healthy smokers.
Dose
500 mg/day of resveratrol (tablet) or placebo
Participants
49 male and female healthy smokers with an average age of 35
Duration
30 days of resveratrol and 30 days of placebo
Results
The researchers observed a reduction of approximately 50% in C-reactive protein concentrations after one month of resveratrol supplementation. A reduction in C-reactive protein concentration is generally considered good because it indicates a decrease in inflammation in the body. C-reactive protein is a protein produced by the liver in response to inflammation, infection, or tissue injury. It is often used as a marker of systemic inflammation in medical tests. The study also found an association between resveratrol supplementation and a decrease in triglyceride concentrations, as well as an increase in total antioxidant status. Maintaining lower levels of triglycerides is important for promoting cardiovascular health, metabolic health, pancreatic function, and liver health. No adverse events were reported in either group after supplementation.
Diabetes
To determine the effects of resveratrol on insulin sensitivity and oxidative stress among patients with type 2 diabetes
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
Purpose
To determine the effects of resveratrol on insulin sensitivity and oxidative stress among patients with type 2 diabetes
Dose
10 mg/day of resveratrol (2 x 5 mg capsules) or placebo
Participants
19 males previously diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.
Duration
4 weeks
Results
The study found an association between 5 mg/day of resveratrol and a significant decrease in insulin resistance. Insulin resistance is a condition where the body's cells become resistant to the effects of insulin, leading to high blood sugar levels, and it is a characteristic feature of type 2 diabetes. The researchers also observed increases in the ratio of phosphorylated protein kinase B (pAkt):protein kinase B (Akt) in platelets (blood-clotting cells) after 4 weeks of resveratrol treatment. This ratio is often used as a measure of Akt pathway activation in cells. The Akt pathway is involved in various cellular processes, including cell survival, growth, and metabolism.
Anti-ageing
To evaluate whether resveratrol could provide antioxidant benefits and if it could effectively penetrate skin when applied topically.
Study Type
Cellular study (in vitro) and human experiments (in vivo)
Purpose
To evaluate whether resveratrol could provide antioxidant benefits and if it could effectively penetrate skin when applied topically.
Dose
10 μL of 5% resveratrol solution was applied to each square centimetre of skin (10 μL per square centimetre is about the size of a droplet or tiny dot on skin).
Participants
6 women with no history of dermatological disease
Duration
24 hours application time
Results
The study found an association between topical treatment with resveratrol and higher antioxidant effects in the deeper layers of the stratum corneum, which is the outermost layer of skin. The researchers also observed significant concentrations of resveratrol in different layers of the stratum corneum. The retention of active resveratrol and its high antioxidant effects within the stratum corneum suggests its potential as an effective treatment for safeguarding the skin's surface against damage caused by free radicals and environmental aggressors such as sun radiation and pollution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Resveratrol research
There are currently 11 peer-reviewed studies on Resveratrol, involving 279 total participants. Research covers Cardiovascular Health, Safety and Tolerability, Antioxidants and 2 more areas. The overall evidence strength is rated as Moderate.
The evidence is currently rated as "Moderate Evidence". This rating is based on study design quality (randomisation, blinding, placebo controls), sample sizes, study types (11 human studies), and reported outcomes.
Resveratrol has been researched for: Cardiovascular Health, Safety and Tolerability, Antioxidants, Diabetes, Anti-ageing. Each area has its own body of evidence which you can explore in the study breakdowns above.
Yes, 11 out of 11 studies are human trials. Human trials carry more weight in our evidence scoring system.
Similar Supplements
Other supplements researched for similar health goals
