Resveratrol (trans-Resveratrol)
Polyphenol from grapes; antioxidant and sirtuin activator.
By Suplagen Team · Updated
What it is
Trans-resveratrol is a polyphenol found in grape skins, red wine, and Japanese knotweed. It activates sirtuins and has antioxidant properties.
How it works
Activates SIRT1 (sirtuin 1) and AMPK pathways; antioxidant and anti-inflammatory via NF-κB inhibition.
What the evidence says
Promising preclinical data; human evidence is emerging and generally shows modest cardiovascular benefits.
How much to take
The catalog range is 150 to 500 mg daily of trans-resveratrol, with a 1,000 mg ceiling. Trans-resveratrol is the active form; check the label, because some products count the inactive form too.
The evidence is emerging, with modest cardiovascular benefits in humans, so this is an experiment rather than a therapy. Start at 150 mg.
When and how to take it
With a fat-containing meal. Bioavailability is low, which is why some products add piperine to improve absorption. Store it away from light.
It sits at the bottom of our heart health guide for a reason: famous preclinical data, modest human results.
Who should skip it
Off-limits in pregnancy. Cautions for bleeding disorders and hormone-sensitive cancers. Interactions: anticoagulants (moderate), drugs metabolized by CYP450 enzymes (moderate, which covers many common medications), and estrogen-sensitive medications (mild). On any regular prescription, ask before adding it.
Safety Notes
- Bioavailability is low; some products add piperine to enhance absorption. Store away from light.
- Not recommended during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
- Use caution with: bleeding disorders (caution), hormone-sensitive cancers (caution).
- anticoagulants: Resveratrol may inhibit platelet aggregation; monitor if on blood thinners.
- CYP450 substrates: May inhibit CYP3A4, CYP1A2; can alter drug metabolism.
- estrogen-sensitive medications: Resveratrol has weak estrogenic activity.
Common questions
What is the right resveratrol dosage?
150 to 500 mg of trans-resveratrol daily, with a 1,000 mg ceiling. Start at the low end; the human evidence doesn't reward high doses.
How should I take resveratrol?
With a fat-containing meal, once daily, stored out of the light. Products with piperine absorb better.
Does resveratrol work?
In cells and animals, impressively. In humans the evidence is emerging and the measured benefits are modest. Reasonable as an experiment, not as a plan.