UC Berkeley Wellness Guide to Dietary Supplements: Resveratrol. Resveratrol is one of many naturally occurring plant chemicals called polyphenols. This important polyphenolic compound is found in grapes, peanuts and blueberries, as well as spruce, eucalyptus and other plants (not all of them edible). Red wine is rich in it, and white wine has some, too. Many reports have called resveratrol the ingredient in wine that appears to protect wine drinkers from cardiovascular disease. First isolated in 1940, the resveratrol molecule is purported to help or prevent degenerative diseases of aging—everything from diabetes and cardiovascular disease to cancer and Alzheimer's disease. Many scientists have been studying resveratrol, and research findings have been tantalizing. Many modern medicines come from plants; aspirin is perhaps the best-known example.
Bottom line: Resveratrol is a promising compound, but so far there have been no clinical trials on its effects on diseases and longevity. Many such studies are now underway. Biogerontology, Volume 7, Number 3. Resveratrol. UV visible spectrum of trans-resveratrol Resveratrol (3,5,4'-trihydroxy-trans-stilbene) is a stilbenoid, a type of natural phenol, and a phytoalexin produced naturally by several plant when under attack by pathogens such as bacteria or fungi. There is limited evidence of health effects in humans. Health effects[edit] Heart disease[edit] There is little evidence of benefit from resveratrol in those who already have heart disease.[5] Cancer[edit] As of 2007[update], there is no evidence of an effect on cancer in humans.[6] [edit] There is very little human evidence of an effect of resveratol on metabolism.[7] There is some promising evidence in rodents.[7] Lifespan[edit] The effect of resveratol on lifespan in humans is unclear as of 2011.[8] There is some evidence of benefit in yeast and mice.[8] There however does not appear to be a benefit in non fat mammals.[9][10] Adverse effects[edit] Potential carcinogenicity[edit] Natural occurrence[edit] Resveratrol is also found in Gnetum cleistostachyum.[20]
Sirtuin.