Resveratrol

Uses

Resveratrol, a compound found primarily in red wine, is a naturally occurring antioxidant.

What Are Star Ratings?

This supplement has been used in connection with the following health conditions:

Used forWhy
1 Star
Atherosclerosis
Refer to label instructions
Studies have found that in moderation red wine, which contains resveratrol, lowers risk of death from heart disease. Its antioxidant activity and effect on platelets leads some researchers to believe that it is the protective agent in red wine.

Preliminary studies have found that people who drink red wine, which contains , are at lower risk of death from heart disease. Because of its antioxidant activity and its effect on platelets, some researchers believe that resveratrol is the protective agent in red wine. Resveratrol research remains very preliminary, however, and as yet there is no evidence that the amounts found in supplements help prevent atherosclerosis in humans.

How It Works

How to Use It

An 8-ounce glass of red wine provides approximately 640 mcg of resveratrol, while a handful of peanuts provides about 73 mcg of resveratrol. Resveratrol supplements (often found in combination with grape extracts or other antioxidants) are generally taken in the amount of 200–600 mcg per day. This is far less than the amount used in animal studies to prevent cancer: equivalent to more than 500 mg (500,000 mcg) per day for an average-sized human. Therefore, one should not assume that the small amounts found in supplements or food would necessarily be protective. The optimal level of intake is not known.

While a moderate intake of red wine may protect against heart disease, the optimal amount required to produce this effect is still unknown. Due to the risks involved with drinking alcohol, drinking red wine cannot be recommended as a means of preventing heart disease until more information is known.

Where to Find It

Resveratrol is present in a wide variety of plants—of the edible plants, mainly in grapes and peanuts.1 Wine is the primary dietary source of resveratrol. Red wine contains much greater amounts of resveratrol than does white wine, since resveratrol is concentrated in the grape skin and the manufacturing process of red wine includes prolonged contact with grape skins. Resveratrol is also available as a dietary supplement.

Possible Deficiencies

Since it is not an essential nutrient, resveratrol is not associated with a deficiency state.

Interactions

Interactions with Supplements, Foods, & Other Compounds

At the time of writing, there were no well-known supplement or food interactions with this supplement.

Interactions with Medicines

Certain medicines interact with this supplement.

Types of interactions:BeneficialAdverseCheck

Replenish Depleted Nutrients

  • none

Reduce Side Effects

  • none

Support Medicine

  • none

Reduces Effectiveness

  • none

Potential Negative Interaction

  • none

Explanation Required

  • Carbamazepine
    In a study of healthy volunteers taking carbamazepine, supplementation with resveratrol increased peak blood levels and delayed the elimination of the drug. Therefore, resveratrol has the potential to increase both the effectiveness and the adverse effects of carbamazepine. People taking this drug should not take resveratrol without medical supervision.
  • Diclofenac
    In a study of healthy volunteers, the rise in blood levels of diclofenac was significantly greater and the clearance of the drug was significantly slower when the volunteers were pretreated with 500 mg of resveratrol per day for 10 days than when they did not receive resveratrol. Thus, taking resveratrol could increase both the efficacy and the adverse effects of diclofenac. People interested in taking both diclofenac and resveratrol should consult a doctor.
  • Diclofenac Epolamine
    In a study of healthy volunteers, the rise in blood levels of diclofenac was significantly greater and the clearance of the drug was significantly slower when the volunteers were pretreated with 500 mg of resveratrol per day for 10 days than when they did not receive resveratrol. Thus, taking resveratrol could increase both the efficacy and the adverse effects of diclofenac. People interested in taking both diclofenac and resveratrol should consult a doctor.
  • Diclofenac Potassium
    In a study of healthy volunteers, the rise in blood levels of diclofenac was significantly greater and the clearance of the drug was significantly slower when the volunteers were pretreated with 500 mg of resveratrol per day for 10 days than when they did not receive resveratrol. Thus, taking resveratrol could increase both the efficacy and the adverse effects of diclofenac. People interested in taking both diclofenac and resveratrol should consult a doctor.
  • Diclofenac-Misoprostol
    In a study of healthy volunteers, the rise in blood levels of diclofenac was significantly greater and the clearance of the drug was significantly slower when the volunteers were pretreated with 500 mg of resveratrol per day for 10 days than when they did not receive resveratrol. Thus, taking resveratrol could increase both the efficacy and the adverse effects of diclofenac. People interested in taking both diclofenac and resveratrol should consult a doctor.
The Drug-Nutrient Interactions table may not include every possible interaction. Taking medicines with meals, on an empty stomach, or with alcohol may influence their effects. For details, refer to the manufacturers’ package information as these are not covered in this table. If you take medications, always discuss the potential risks and benefits of adding a supplement with your doctor or pharmacist.

Side Effects

Side Effects

At the time of writing, there were no well-known side effects caused by this supplement.

References

1. Soleas GJ, Diamandis EP, Goldberg DM. Resveratrol: A molecule whose time has come? And gone? Clin Biochem 1997;30:91-113.

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