Synopsis

Resveratrol is a naturally occurring polyphenolic compound most commonly found in the skins of red grapes, as well as in peanuts, berries (especially blueberries and cranberries), and Japanese knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum). It gained international attention as the compound potentially responsible for the “French Paradox”—the observation that French populations had relatively low rates of heart disease despite a diet rich in saturated fats, possibly due to their regular red wine consumption.

Resveratrol functions as a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, and it has been widely studied for its potential in cardiovascular health, anti-aging, neuroprotection, metabolic regulation, and cancer prevention. It is classified as a phytoalexin, meaning it is produced by plants in response to stress or fungal infection, which contributes to its powerful protective properties.

In cardiovascular support, resveratrol is believed to enhance nitric oxide production, improve endothelial function, reduce LDL oxidation, and inhibit platelet aggregation, all of which support healthy blood pressure and circulation. It has also been shown in research to activate sirtuins (especially SIRT1)—proteins involved in cellular longevity and metabolic regulation—leading to its popularization as a potential anti-aging supplement.

Additional applications include improving insulin sensitivity, reducing neurodegenerative risks (such as in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease models), and exhibiting anti-proliferative effects against cancer cells in vitro. While some of these effects are still being validated in human studies, resveratrol remains a cornerstone in functional and integrative medicine for promoting long-term cellular health.

Historical Usage in Medicine
Although resveratrol as an isolated compound was not discovered until the 1930s, its natural sources—especially grape skins and traditional herbs—have been used medicinally for centuries.

One of the richest plant sources, Japanese knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum), has been used in Traditional Chinese and Japanese Medicine for over a thousand years. Known as “Hu Zhang”, the root of the plant was employed to invigorate blood circulation, treat trauma injuries, reduce fevers, alleviate coughing, and support liver and cardiovascular health. These traditional uses align closely with the modern pharmacological actions attributed to resveratrol and its synergistic compounds.

In European folk traditions, grapes and wine were seen as tonics for vitality and cardiovascular strength. Hippocrates is said to have used wine as a base for medicines, and fermented grape products were long associated with health and rejuvenation in Mediterranean cultures. The medicinal benefits of wine were emphasized throughout the Renaissance and into early modern apothecary texts.

The concept of resveratrol as a therapeutic agent gained momentum in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, especially after it was identified as a potential contributor to longevity and disease prevention. Modern supplements often derive resveratrol either from red wine extract, grape skin, or Japanese knotweed, and are used for their broad-spectrum antioxidant and cell-protective benefits.

Other names

Trans-Resveratrol
Polygonum cuspidatum Extract
Red Wine Polyphenol