Resveratrol supplementation: Where are we now and where should we go?

Abstract

Pre-clinical findings have provided mounting evidence that resveratrol, a dietary polyphenol, may confer health benefits and protect against a variety of medical conditions and age-related complications. However, there is no consistent evidence of an increased protection against metabolic disorders and other ailments when comparing studies in laboratory animals and humans. A number of extraneous and potential confounding variables can affect the outcome of clinical research. To date, most of the studies that have investigated the effect of resveratrol administration on patient outcomes have been limited by their sample sizes. In this review, we will survey the latest advances regarding the timing, dosage, formulation, bioavailability, toxicity of resveratrol, and resveratrol-drug interactions in human studies. Moreover, the present report focuses on the actions of resveratrol treatment in combating diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, neurodegeneration, cardiovascular disease, and other age-related ailments.

Keywords: Bioavailability; Clinical trials; Metabolism; Resveratrol; Translational research.

Figure 1

Summary of the effects of resveratrol in human clinical trials when conducted in patients with type 2 diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease, cancer or skin disorders. The symbol ⬌ denotes lack of effect, and ⬆⬇ opposite action in some trials.