Function of Resveratrol

Resveratrol (3,5,4'-trihydroxy-trans-stilbene) is a natural compound found in red grape skin, Japanese knotweed (polygonum cuspidatum), peanuts, blueberries and some other berries. It is a powerful antioxidant produced by some plants to protect them against environmental stresses. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals, which are believed to be the cause of aging. Japanese knotweed is the plant source with the highest resveratrol content.

Function

Resveratrol is available as dietary supplements from red wine extracts, grape seed extracts and Japanese knotweed extracts among others. Most supplements on the market are derived from Japanese knotweed because this plant has one of the highest concentrations of resveratrol found in nature.

Resveratrol protects a cell's DNA. It is a powerful antioxidant. Antioxidants can help prevent cell damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are unstable atoms caused by pollution, sunlight and our bodies natural burning of fat that can lead to cancer, aging and brain degeneration.

Biosynthesis

Resveratrol is produced in plants via the enzyme, resveratrol synthase (stilbene synthase).[46][47] Its immediate precursor is a tetraketide derived from malonyl CoA and 4-coumaroyl CoA.[46][47] The latter is derived from phenylalanine.

Side effects

Only a few human studies have been done to determine the adverse effects of resveratrol, all of them preliminary with small participant numbers. Adverse effects resulted mainly from long-term use (weeks or longer) and daily doses of 1000 mg or higher, causing nausea, stomach pain, flatulence, and diarrhea.A review of 136 patients in seven studies who were given more than 500 mg for a month showed 25 cases of diarrhea, 8 cases of abdominal pain, 7 cases of nausea, and 5 cases of flatulence.In a year-long preliminary clinical trial in people with Alzheimer's disease, the most frequent adverse effects were nausea and weight loss.A 2018 review of resveratrol effects on blood pressure found that some people had increased frequency of bowel movements and loose stools.