Resveratrol
3,5,4'-trihydroxystilbene
Supplements. Modern nutrition.
Also called Trans-resveratrol, Polydatin
Pinyin: bái lí lú chún
Spanish: Resveratrol
Can add to blood thinnersA plant compound found in red grape skins and Japanese knotweed root, sold as a supplement for heart and anti-aging claims.
Did you know? Plants make resveratrol to defend against mold and other stress, and a glass of red wine contains only a small amount.
What it may help, and how strong the proof is
- Heart health. Most of the heart evidence comes from lab and animal studies. A few small human trials show mixed effects on blood pressure and cholesterol.Traditional proof
- Blood sugar. Early small trials suggest a slight improvement in blood sugar control. Results are inconsistent.Traditional proof
Parts of the body
Traditional use
Japanese knotweed root (hu zhang in Chinese medicine) has a long history of use in East Asia. The isolated resveratrol supplement is a modern product.
How it is classified
- Herbal actions
- Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory. Energy: neutral.
How people take it
Human studies often used 150 to 500 mg a day. Long-term safety at higher doses is not well studied.
Capsule and tablet.
Where to get it
Red grape skins, peanuts and berries are food sources, but amounts are small. Most supplements come from Japanese knotweed root, sold as capsules and powders.
Be careful
Common side effects at higher doses are nausea, diarrhea and stomach cramps. It may slow blood clotting in lab studies, so people on blood thinners should check with a doctor. Avoid it if you have hormone-sensitive cancer or are pregnant, since its estrogen-like effects are not well studied.
Avoid if: hormone-sensitive cancer; bleeding disorders; pregnancy.
Mixing with other things
- Works well together
Red grape skins are a natural source of resveratrol, though amounts are small.
- Use cautionBlood thinners (warfarin, Eliquis, Xarelto, Plavix, daily aspirin)
Lab studies suggest it may slow clotting, so it could add to blood thinners.
Adds up with others that may slow blood clotting: , , , , , , , , , , , , , and 40 more.
The honest take
Most of the excitement about resveratrol comes from lab and animal studies. Human trials are small and show mixed results for heart and blood sugar. Claims about anti-aging, longevity and cancer are not proven in people.