Resveratrol, a natural antioxidant polyphenol found in red wines, grapes, and the roots of polygonum cuspidatum, has garnered significant attention in recent years due to its potent biological functions, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It has demonstrated health-enhancing benefits such as protecting against cardiovascular disease and inhibiting cancer.

Mechanism of Action

Resveratrol exerts its effects through multiple mechanisms: reducing the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS), directly scavenging free radicals, enhancing the activity of internal antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, GSH), regulating the expression of genes involved in antioxidant pathways, and inducing autophagy. These collective actions protect cells from oxidative stress, contributing to the prevention and treatment of various diseases.

Health Benefits

Anti-Inflammatory Activities: Resveratrol regulates pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines to protect against inflammation. It achieves this by upregulating SIRT1, suppressing NF-κB and associated cascades, and inhibiting NALP3 inflammasome activation.

Cancer: Numerous studies suggest that resveratrol can help prevent and treat certain types of cancer by inhibiting cancer cell growth and signaling, angiogenesis, and promoting cell death.

Diabetes: Resveratrol helps prevent insulin resistance, a precursor to diabetes, by activating the SIRT1 gene, which protects against the effects of obesity and age-related diseases.

Heart Disease: Resveratrol is believed to reduce inflammation, lower LDL ("bad") cholesterol, and inhibit clot formation, thus reducing the risk of heart attacks.

Side Effects

To date, studies have not identified any severe side effects associated with resveratrol, even at high doses. When consumed in amounts naturally found in foods, it is generally considered safe. However, individuals allergic to grapes or wine may experience adverse reactions.

Reference：

[1] Meng, Xiao et al. “Health Benefits and Molecular Mechanisms of Resveratrol: A Narrative Review.” Foods (Basel, Switzerland) vol. 9,3 340. 14 Mar. 2020

[2] Zahedi, Hoda Sadat et al. “Effects of polygonum cuspidatum containing resveratrol on inflammation in male professional basketball players.” International journal of preventive medicine vol. 4,Suppl 1 (2013): S1-4.

[3] Ren, Boxu et al. “Resveratrol for cancer therapy: Challenges and future perspectives.” Cancer letters vol. 515 (2021)