Resveratrol

USAGE AND EFFECTIVENESS

Usage	Effectiveness
Allergic Rhinitis	Mild effectiveness (Reduce allergic rhinitis symptoms) Several clinical studies showed usage of nose preparation containing resveratrol resulted in improvement of itching, sneezing, runny nose, blocked nose, quality of life, and reduction in the need for medication; more evidence is needed
Acne	Unclear effectiveness (Improve acne) One clinical study showed reduction in acne severity by 54% when using skin preparation with resveratrol; more evidence is needed
Age-Related Brain Decline	Unclear effectiveness (Improve brain function in the elderly) Several clinical studies showed conflicting results (Some showed marginal improvements in thinking ability and ability to remember while others did not show improvements in information processing linked to physical tasks (e.g. car driving, sewing, playing a musical instructment, ball games), learning, longer-term memory, word recognition, response, and verbal memory); more evidence is needed
Beta-thalassemia	Unclear effectiveness (Increase haemoglobin production) One clinical study showed that resveratrol (whether used together with or without a beta-thalassemia treatment medication (hydrourea)) did not influenced haemoglobin levels and the requirement of blood transfusion; more evidence is needed Beta-thalassemia is a condition where production of haemoglobin (transport for oxygen) is reduced due to a genetic blood disorder, causing issues such as weakness, tiredness, heart problems, bone deformities
Cancer	Unclear effectiveness (Prevent cancer) In one small clinical study, resveratrol did not lower the probability of cancer; more evidence is needed
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	Unclear effectiveness (Improve symptoms of COPD) One clinical study showed reduction in coughing and production of phlegm; more evidence (clinical study was done with ingredients other than resveratrol; unsure if resveratrol alone is useful)
Cognitive Function	Unclear effectiveness (Improve brain function) In one preliminary clinical research, Resveratrol did not improve brain performance; but clinical study is not robust enough (effectiveness when Resveratrol is used alone is unknown); more evidence is needed
Cognitive Impairment	Unclear effectiveness (Improve brain performance) In one preliminary clinical research, Resveratrol did not improve learning and memory performance; but clinical study is not robust enough (effectiveness when Resveratrol is used alone is unknown, study was inadequately powered to detect significant changes); more evidence is needed
Diabetes	Unclear effectiveness (Reduce blood sugar level) Several clinical studies showed conflicting results (Some showed improvements in blood sugar levels, insulin level, insulin resistance, blood pressure, blood lipids (fats), liver enzymes, inflammation (as measured by a lab test on C-reactive protein levels) while others did not show improvements in blood sugar levels, insulin level, insulin resistance, blood lipids, and liver enzymes); more evidence is needed
Diabetic Nephropathy	Unclear effectiveness (Improve kidney function in diabetic patients) One clinical study showed conflicting results (There was reduction in albumin (protein in the kidneys) to creatinine (waste product in the kidneys) ratio by 46 mg/gramme but not in creatinine levels in the blood and kidney function); more evidence is needed Diabetic Nephropathy is a diabetic condition where the kidney is damaged =due to high blood sugar levels in the blood
Obesity	Unclear effectiveness (Reduce body mass index) Several clinical studies showed conflicting results (Some showed reduction in body weight (0.5 kg), body mass index, waist circumference (0.8 cm), and blood sugar level (as measured by amount of sugar sticking to blood cell pigment haemoglobin (HbA1c)) while others showed no improvements in insulin sensitivity, fat mass, blood sugar, fats, liver enzymes levels, and blood pressure); more evidence is needed
Heart & Blood Vessel Diseases	Unclear effectiveness (Prevent heart diseases) Several clinical studies showed conflicting results (Some showed improvements in heart (1%) and blood vessels functions while others showed no reduction in the risk of heart diseases, no improvements in total cholesterol, good cholesterol, bad cholesterol, triglycerides (component of fats) levels, and blood pressure); more evidence is needed
High Blood Pressure	Unclear effectiveness (Reduce blood pressure) In one meta-analysis of clinical research, Resveratrol was not likely to improve systolic (pressure when the heart pumps) and diastolic (pressure when the heart relaxes) pressure; more evidence is needed
High Cholesterol	Unclear effectiveness (Reduce cholesterol levels) Several clinical studies showed conflicting results (One showed slight reduction in total cholesterol levels while others did not show improvements in bad cholesterol, good cholesterol, and triglycerides (component of fats) levels); more evidence is needed
Kidney Dialysis	Unclear effectiveness (Improve kidney function) One clinical study showed improvements in the kidneys filtration volume and rate; more evidence is needed
Metabolic Syndrome	Unclear effectiveness (Improve symptoms of metabolic syndrome) Several clinical studies showed conflicting results (Some showed improvement in blood pressure, reduction in body weight (4 kg), body mass index, fat mass (2.4 kg), and waist circumference while others did not show improvements in bad cholesterol, good cholesterol, triglycerides (component of fats), liver enzymes , fats levels, and blood pressure); but clinical studies are not robust enough (limited by the lack of a comparator group); more evidence is needed
Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease	Unclear effectiveness (Improve nonalcoholic fatty liver disease) Several clinical studies showed conflicting results (One showed improvements in test results on liver injury while others showed no improvements in fatty liver, fibrosis (scarred liver tissues), insulin resistance, fat levels, and body composition); but clinical studies are not robust enough (small study sizes); more evidence is needed. Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease is a condition where excess fats are accumulated in the liver of individuals who drink little to no alcohol, causing inflammation and liver damage.
Osteoarthritis	Unclear effectiveness (Improve joint function) One clinical study showed improvements in pain, joint function, and stiffness; it was unclear if resveratrol alone was useful (as all test subjects were using a painkiller (meloxicam) and the study was small; more evidence is needed Osteoarthritis is a condition where the cartilage that cushions your bones at the joints are worn out over time, causing symptoms such as pain, inflexibility and swelling.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome	Unclear effectiveness (Improve polycystic ovary syndrome) One clinical study showed marginal result (testosterone levels (male hormone) were reduced but body weight, lipid (fat) levels, insulin sensitivity, acne, and excessive hair growth were not improved; more evidence is needed
Rheumatoid Arthritis	Unclear effectiveness (Reduce joint pain) One clinical study showed reduction inflammation and in the number of swollen and tender joints; more evidence is needed
Ulcerative Colitis	Unclear effectiveness (Improve symptoms of ulcerative colitis) One clinical study showed reduction in disease activity and improvement in the quality of life; more evidence is needed Ulcerative Colitis is condition where the immune system attacks the large intestines, causing symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhoea and blood in stool.
Aging Skin	Unknown effectiveness No clinical study to support the above point; more evidence needed

General Safety

• Generally safe as food in normal amount and when used appropriately; higher doses may cause digestive system side effects when taken orally

Pregnant/ Breastfeeding

• Generally safe as food in normal amount; avoid wine as a source of resveratrol

Children

• Generally safe as food in normal amount

Elderly

• With regards to usage of Resveratrol as a supplement, there is little data to show it is safe or otherwise; avoid if possible; as food, avoidance of Resveratrol is not needed

Special to Note

• Individuals are advised to not take the supplement 2 weeks before the operation.

Contraindications

• May worsen condition in patients with hormone sensitive cancers and conditions

Side Effects

• Generally safe; side effects may include:
  • Digestive System:May cause slight stomach discomfort, and diarrhoea.
  • Muscle/Skeletal: May cause muscle cramps in peritoneal dialysis patients.
  • Brain/CNS: May cause headache, tiredness, memory recall issue in peritoneal dialysis patients.

• Medicines
  Medium to High severity interactions with medicines for blood thinning and a wide range of medicines.
• Supplements
  Medium severity interaction with herbs and supplements for blooding thinning.
• Food
  None known.
• Lab Tests
  None known.

• Oral (Adults):
  0.25-1 gramme/day for up to 3 months.

• General Information
  • While there is a lack of clinical studies, Resveratrol is used by consumers for heart health.
• How does it work?
  • Resveratrol may have antioxidant, anti inflammation and immune system effects and also may have very mild female hormone-like action.