Natural Source of Resveratrol

Resveratrol is a stilbenoid and found in the skin of grapes, blueberries, raspberries, and mulberries.  Other plants that contain resveratrol include eucalyptus, spruce, peanuts and giant knotweed.  If a grape is fermented it will lead to higher concentrations of resveratrol.

Function of Resveratrol in plants

Resveratrol is produced by a plant often in a response to an injury or if it is under attack by bacteria or fungi.

Health Benefits of Resveratrol

Antioxidant – Studies have reported that resveratrol can block oxidative damage caused by heavy metals including cadmium.  Another role of resveratrol is to reduce damage to endothelial cells exposed to nitrite radicals and protect skin against damage caused by UV radiation.

Anti-cancer – Resveratrol has been suggested to slow cancer growth by blocking inflammation.  One mechanism has been suggested to block cyclooxygenase (COX) activity which prevents the formation of inflammatory prostaglandins.  These studies have focused on cell culture models and have not been shown in humans.

Diabetes – Resveratrol may protect against oxidative damage that results from high blood sugar levels.  Another role is reduce diabetic nueropathic pain.

Heart – Resveratrol can scavenge for free radicals that are in our blood.  By doing this resveratrol can prevent oxidation of lipids and apoptosis of endothelial cells.

Chemical properties of Resveratrol

MW: 228

Formula: C14 H12 O3