Resveratrol

What is it?

Resveratrol is a chemical mostly found in red grapes and products made from these grapes (wine, juice). It may be helpful for hay fever and weight loss.

Resveratrol might have many effects in the body, including expanding blood vessels and reducing blood clotting. It may also decrease pain and swelling, reduce levels of sugar in the blood, and help the body fight against disease.

Resveratrol is most commonly used for high cholesterol, cancer, heart disease, and many other conditions. But there is no strong evidence to support resveratrol for any use.

Is it effective?

NatMed Pro rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate.

Possibly Effective for …

Hay fever. Using a nasal spray containing resveratrol three times daily for 4 weeks seems to reduce allergy symptoms in adults with seasonal allergies. Using a nasal spray containing resveratrol and beta-glucans three times daily for 2 months also seems to reduce allergy symptoms in children with seasonal allergies.
Obesity. Taking resveratrol by mouth seems to increase weight loss in overweight and obese adults. But it doesn’t seem to improve blood pressure, glucose control, or levels of cholesterol and other fats.

Possibly Ineffective for …

Heart disease. People who consume higher amounts of dietary resveratrol do not seem to have a lower risk of heart disease compared to people who consume lower amounts. Also, taking resveratrol by mouth does not seem to improve levels of cholesterol or blood fats called triglycerides in people at risk for heart disease.
High cholesterol. Taking resveratrol by mouth does not seem to improve levels of cholesterol or blood fats called triglycerides.
A grouping of symptoms that increase the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and stroke (metabolic syndrome). Taking resveratrol by mouth doesn’t seem to lower blood pressure, blood sugar, or cholesterol in people with metabolic syndrome.
Build up of fat in the liver in people who drink little or no alcohol (nonalcoholic fatty liver disease or NAFLD). Taking resveratrol by mouth doesn’t seem to improve liver function, liver scarring, or cholesterol levels in people with NAFLD.

There is interest in using resveratrol for a number of other purposes, but there isn’t enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.

Is there concern for the safety of its use?

When taken by mouth: People often consume resveratrol in small amounts in foods. Resveratrol supplements are possibly safe when taken by mouth in doses up to 1500 mg daily for up to 3 months. Higher doses of up to 2000-3000 mg daily have been used safely for 2-6 months. But these higher doses are more likely to cause stomach upset.

When applied to the skin: Resveratrol is possibly safe when used for up to 30 days.

When sprayed into the nose: Resveratrol is possibly safe when used for up to 4 weeks.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Resveratrol is likely safe when used in amounts found in some foods. However, during pregnancy and breast-feeding, the source of resveratrol is important. Resveratrol is found in grape skins, grape juice, wine, and other food sources. Wine should not be used as a source of resveratrol when pregnant or breast-feeding.

Children: People often consume resveratrol in small amounts in foods. But there isn’t enough reliable information to know if it safe to take by mouth in larger amounts. Resveratrol is possibly safe in children when sprayed in the nose for up to 2 months.

Bleeding disorders: Resveratrol might slow blood clotting and increase the risk of bleeding in people with bleeding disorders.

Hormone-sensitive condition such as breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids: Resveratrol might act like estrogen. If you have any condition that might be made worse by exposure to estrogen, don’t use resveratrol.

Surgery: Resveratrol might increase the risk of bleeding during and after surgery. Stop using resveratrol at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.