Resveratrol is a dietary supplement that has been demonstrated to have anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, life extension, blood sugar lowering and positive cardiovascular effects. These studies however mostly use laboratory rats, though human studies support at least the blood-sugar lowering elements and the other positive resveratrol side effects are also likely to work to a degree in humans. Resveratrol is found in the skin of red grapes and so in red wine and is thought to be partly responsible for the ‘French paradox’ – the fact that the French suffer low incidences of coronary heart disease even though their diet includes a high amount of saturated fats.

How these positive resveratrol side effects work is not untirely understood, but it is thought that the ingredient mimics some of the biochemical effects of calorie restriction. Those who practice calorie restriction do so with the hope that it will help increase their life span, and studies on rats and mice have demonstrated that by cutting their caloric intake in half it is possible to drastically increase their life spans by up to 25%. Obviously calorie restriction creates other problems however and those who practice it may not be getting a balanced diet or high enough quantities of essential vitamins, nutrients and fatty acids. As such they can experience other problems and conditions such as dry flaky skin and osteoporosis.

Calorie restriction works by activating the gene Sirtuin 1 thereby improving functioning in the mitochondria. As this is one of the resveratrol side effects, it may be able to help mimic the positive effects of calorie restriction to a degree while allowing those taking it to enjoy a healthy diet. This way cases of mitochondrial dysfunction, permeability transition and apoptosis (programmed cell death) are limited. This mechanism of action effects every major organ in the body improving the function of the heart, the brain and the rest of the nervous system.

At the same time, resveratrol is a selective oestrogen receptor and modulator meaning that it can increase production of testosterone – helping it to increase muscle tone, mood and libido. Though it is not particularly bioavailable, where it has access to tumours and cancerous cells it can interact with multiple molecular targets and help repair skin, colon, gastric, esophageal and prostate cells.

Negative resveratrol side effects have yet to be fully examined and there are currently no known serious adverse effects. There are currently no studies examining the long term effects of using resveratrol, though it is speculated that it may slow healing and possibly interfere with oral contraceptives. Like anything it is best to obtain dietary resveratrol naturally and in sensible quantities.

Mack LeMouse

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