Resveratrol is a polyphenol found in a variety of plants, including grapes, blueberries, cranberries, and peanuts. Polyphenols are plant compounds that offer a myriad of health benefits. Resveratrol has been shown to offer a number of benefits for heart health, including:
- Anti-inflammatory properties
- Antioxidant properties
- Supports healthy blood pressure and cholesterol
An analysis of 21 randomized controlled trials was conducted on the effects of resveratrol on cardiovascular markers in overweight and obese individuals. Researchers reported significant decreases in total cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar, and insulin levels with the intake of >300mg of resveratrol daily.
Another systematic review and meta-analysis of 6 randomized controlled trials concluded that resveratrol, when dosed at > 15 mg per day, significantly decreased two inflammatory markers, including serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) in subjects with cardiovascular disease. Supplementation had no significant effect, however, on serum interleukin-6 (IL-6), another inflammatory marker, in this population. Each of these markers plays a role in the development of metabolic disease, including heart disease and diabetes.
Another 2021 meta-analysis of 35 randomized controlled trials reported that resveratrol significantly reduced CRP as well as high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), an inflammatory marker more specific to the cardiovascular system. These effects were seen with treatment duration of 10 weeks or more dosed at a minimum of 500 mg daily.
There are limitations to the evidence, however, including study sample sizes as well as the poor bioavailability of resveratrol and varying forms of the supplement used. Although rapidly absorbed in the gut, resveratrol is metabolized very quickly and has difficulty entering the bloodstream and reaching the body’s tissues to exert its action. In recent years, efforts have been made to increase the bioavailability of resveratrol through lipid carrier molecules, or fatty substances that may improve delivery to the body’s tissues.
Although further evidence is warranted, the studies to date are promising for the potential role of resveratrol in promoting heart and metabolic health.
References
1. Meng T, Xiao D, Muhammed A, Deng J, Chen L, He J. Anti-Inflammatory Action and Mechanisms of Resveratrol. Molecules. 2021;26(1):229. Published 2021 Jan 5. doi:10.3390/molecules26010229
2. Huang H, Chen G, Liao D, Zhu Y, Pu R, Xue X. The effects of resveratrol intervention on risk markers of cardiovascular health in overweight and obese subjects: a pooled analysis of randomized controlled trials. Obes Rev. 2016;17(12):1329-1340. doi:10.1111/obr.12458
3. Teimouri M, Homayouni-Tabrizi M, Rajabian A, Amiri H, Hosseini H. Anti-inflammatory effects of resveratrol in patients with cardiovascular disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Complement Ther Med. 2022;70:102863. doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2022.102863
4. Gorabi AM, Aslani S, Imani D, Razi B, Sathyapalan T, Sahebkar A. Effect of resveratrol on C-reactive protein: An updated meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Phytother Res. 2021;35(12):6754-6767. doi:10.1002/ptr.7262
5. Chimento A, De Amicis F, Sirianni R, et al. Progress to Improve Oral Bioavailability and Beneficial Effects of Resveratrol. Int J Mol Sci. 2019;20(6):1381. Published 2019 Mar 19. doi:10.3390/ijms20061381
