Feature Summary

Resveratrol is found naturally in a variety of plants  such as red grapes and wine, peanuts and mulberries. Resveratrol became known when studies showed that people living in France had lower rates of heart disease despite diets high in saturated fats. Sometimes called the “French Paradox”, studies linked red wine as a factor in lowering heart disease. Subsequent research identified a naturally-occurring antioxidant, resveratrol, as the contributor to cardiovascular health. It may also support longevity when combined with calorie restriction and may help prevent or slow degenerative diseases associated with aging.  This supplement contains Japanese Knotweed Extract (20% trans-resveratrol) and Grape Seed Extract (standardized to 80% Oligomeric proanthocyanidins). Japanese Knotweed contains high concentrations of trans-resveratrol, the active form of the compound. Grape Seed Extract is known for being a universal antioxidant that protects the vascular system and may help treat conditions such as varicose veins and hemorrhoids. Resveratrol with Grape Seed Extract provides the health benefits associated with red wine, in consistent potency, without consuming excessive amounts of wine each day. 

Research in Brief

In the natural world, resveratrol protects plants from fungi, viruses and ultraviolet radiation. New research is demonstrating resveratrol’s ability to extend lifespan, counter the effects of obesity and Alzheimer’s disease (Karuppagounder et al., 2009), and support overall health through its antioxidant protection.

Calorie restriction is known to improve age-related health conditions and increase longevity in some animals. Mice eating a nutritious diet containing 50% fewer calories than the standard diet live up to 50% longer. In humans, restricting calories is known to lower blood pressure and LDL cholesterol, while raising levels of HDL cholesterol. Calorie restriction activates a gene called SIRT1, which enhances energy production in the cellular mitochondria. Research by Sinclair shows that resveratrol also activates SIRT1, and this may be one of the mechanisms by which resveratrol supports healthy aging and longevity (Sinclair et al., 2006).

Research in Brief References

Berrougui, H., et al. (2009). A new insight into resveratrol as an atheroprotective compound: Inhibition of lipid peroxidation and enhancement of cholesterol efflux. Atherosclerosis, 207: 420-427.

Karuppagounder, S.S., et al. (2008).  Dietary supplementation with resveratrol reduces plaque pathology in a transgenic model of Alzeimer. Neurochem Int,  54: 111.

Sinclair, D. et al. (2006). Resveratrol improves health and survival of mice on a high-calorie diet. Nature, 444: 337-342.