Pharmacologic action and Benefits of Resveratrol

Resveratrol is a chemical found in red wine, red grape skins, purple grape juice, mulberries, and in smaller amounts in peanuts. It is used as a medicine.

Resveratrol is most commonly used for high cholesterol, cancer, heart disease, and many other conditions. However, there is not strong evidence to support the use of resveratrol for these uses.

Pharmacologic action

Resveratrol might expand blood vessels and reduce the activity of cells important in blood clotting. Some research suggests that resveratrol has weak estrogen (a female hormone) effects. It may also decrease pain and swelling (inflammation). Resveratrol might reduce levels of sugar (glucose) in the blood and help the body fight against disease. It might also prevent proteins in the brain from sticking together to help prevent diseases such as Alzheimer's disease.

Benefits

It’s gained a lot of attention for its reported anti-aging and disease-fighting powers. Still, it’s important to note that while experts agree that it does have potential, there’s still not enough data to confirm its effectiveness. Still, early research does suggest it might help protect you against:

Heart disease: It’s thought to help reduce inflammation, lower LDL or "bad" cholesterol, and make it more difficult for clots to form that can lead to a heart attack.

Cancer: It could limit the spread of cancer cells and start killing them.

Safety concerns

When taken by mouth: Resveratrol is LIKELY SAFE when used in the amounts found in foods. When taken in doses up to 1500 mg daily for up to 3 months, resveratrol is POSSIBLY SAFE. Higher doses of up to 2000-3000 mg daily have been used safely for 2-6 months. However, these higher doses of resveratrol are more likely to cause stomach problems.

When applied to the skin: Resveratrol is POSSIBLY SAFE when applied to the skin for up to 30 days.

Special precautions & warnings

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Resveratrol is LIKELY SAFE when used in amounts found in some foods. However, during pregnancy and breast-feeding, the source of resveratrol is important. Resveratrol is found in grape skins, grape juice, wine, and other food sources. Wine should not be used as a source of resveratrol during pregnancy and breast-feeding.

Children: Resveratrol is POSSIBLY SAFE in children when sprayed in the nostrils for up to 2 months.

Bleeding disorders: Resveratrol might slow blood clotting and increase the risk of bleeding in people with bleeding disorders.

Hormone-sensitive condition such as breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids: Resveratrol might act like estrogen. If you have any condition that might be made worse by exposure to estrogen, don't use resveratrol.

Surgery: Resveratrol might increase the risk of bleeding during and after surgery. Stop using resveratrol at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

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