Natural Compound

Resveratrol

trans-3,5,4'-Trihydroxystilbene

Evidence TierBWADA NOT PROHIBITED

tuneTypical Dose

150-500 mg per day

watchEffect Window

4-12 weeks for metabolic and cardiovascular biomarker changes.

check_circleCompliance

WADA NOT PROHIBITED

Overview

Clinical Summary

Resveratrol is a polyphenol found in grapes and Japanese knotweed that influences cellular stress-response pathways. It is used for cardiometabolic biomarkers and healthy aging signaling claims, limited by low bioavailability.

Trials show modest improvements in endothelial function and insulin sensitivity, particularly in metabolic syndrome, with inconsistent effects in healthy individuals. Mechanistic evidence supports anti-inflammatory and mitochondrial signaling effects. Minority studies explore fatty liver and cognitive aging outcomes with mixed results. Bioavailability is low, so formulation and dose affect measurable biomarker changes and the likelihood of benefit.

Polyphenol that activates SIRT1 and AMPK, mimicking caloric restriction pathways. Also functions as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, weak phytoestrogen, and eNOS enhancer. Extremely poor oral bioavailability (~1%).

Outcomes

What This Is Expected To Influence

Primary Outcomes

  • Reduces systolic blood pressure at doses >300 mg/day
  • Improves insulin sensitivity in metabolic syndrome

Secondary Outcomes

  • Reduces systemic inflammation (CRP)
  • Increases cerebral blood flow

Safety

Contraindications and Interactions

Contraindications

  • Hormone-sensitive cancers
  • Bleeding disorders
  • Pre-surgical (stop 2 weeks before)
  • Pregnancy/lactation

Side effects

  • GI upset
  • Headache
  • Loose stools

Interactions

  • Anticoagulants/antiplatelets (additive bleeding risk)
  • CYP3A4 substrates (increased drug levels)
  • CYP1A2 substrates (altered metabolism)
  • Estrogen-modulating drugs (tamoxifen interference)

Avoid if

  • Estrogen-receptor-positive cancer history
  • On anticoagulants without medical supervision
  • Upcoming surgery within 2 weeks

Evidence

Study-level References

resveratrol-SRC-001Meta-analysis
Sourceopen_in_new

Liu Y, et al. "Effect of resveratrol on blood pressure: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials." Clin Nutr. 2015.

Population: Adults (mixed health status)

Dose protocol: Source-listed

Key findings: Resveratrol supplementation significantly decreases systolic blood pressure at higher doses (>= 300 mg/day).

Notes: Source mapping to primary literature is incomplete in this dataset. Apply conservative interpretation and validation checks.

Paper content

Resveratrol supplementation significantly decreases systolic blood pressure at higher doses (>= 300 mg/day).

resveratrol-SRC-002Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Sourceopen_in_new

Shen CY, Li CP, Yu JT, Ho YJ, Tsai RY. Resveratrol supplementation and its potential benefits in obesity-related non-communicable diseases. In Vivo. 2026;40(2). doi:10.21873/invivo.14235. PMID:41760304.

Population: Participants from 40 RCTs, total 2,551 individuals.

Dose protocol: Meta-analysis of 40 RCTs with 2,551 participants evaluating resveratrol in obesity-related conditions.

Key findings: Resveratrol significantly reduced HOMA-IR, total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, blood pressure, CRP, and inflammatory cytokines. No significant effects on body weight, BMI, fat mass, liver enzymes, or liver fat.

Notes: Large modern meta-analysis confirming metabolic and anti-inflammatory benefits while ruling out direct weight or body-composition effects.

Paper content

This 2026 meta-analysis pooled 40 RCTs with 2,551 participants to evaluate resveratrol supplementation for obesity-related non-communicable diseases. Resveratrol significantly reduced insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, blood pressure, and inflammatory markers (CRP, cytokines). However, it did not significantly affect body weight, BMI, fat mass, waist circumference, liver enzymes, or liver fat. The analysis clarifies that resveratrol's benefits are metabolic and anti-inflammatory rather than weight-reducing, and effects are strongest in populations with existing cardiometabolic risk.

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