Resveratrol

• Postmenopausal cognition and cerebrovascular function (RESHAW signal)
• Metabolic markers in type 2 diabetes and obesity (preliminary, inconsistent)
• Cardiovascular and blood pressure markers (mixed evidence)
• General longevity and healthy-aging supplementation (mechanism did not translate)

Resveratrol is a stilbene polyphenol, chemically 3,5,4'-trihydroxystilbene, consisting of two phenolic rings linked by an ethylene bridge, produced by various plants as part of the phytoalexin defense response to UV stress, fungal infection, and other environmental challenges. The compound exists in two geometric isomers: trans-resveratrol (E-isomer) is the pharmacologically active form found predominantly in nature and used in supplements; cis-resveratrol (Z-isomer) forms through UV light exposure and isomerization, has minimal characterized biological activity, and is generally considered a degradation product. Plant sources include grape skins (predominantly Vitis vinifera, the wine grape, with concentrations varying enormously by grape variety, growing conditions, and processing, red wines typically contain 1-15mg/L), Japanese knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum, the dominant commercial supplement source with 5-50mg/g in standardized extracts), peanuts, blueberries, mulberries, dark chocolate, and various other plants. The "French Paradox", the epidemiological observation that French populations have relatively low cardiovascular disease rates despite high saturated fat consumption, popularized by Serge Renaud's 1992 Lancet publication, created the substantial consumer and research interest in red wine constituents that ultimately catalyzed resveratrol's emergence as a longevity research focus through the late 1990s and 2000s. The pharmacological mechanism profile has substantial complexity and substantial controversy. The foundational mechanism framework centered on SIRT1 (Sirtuin 1) activation, the NAD+-dependent histone deacetylase that became a central focus of longevity research through Leonard Guarente's work at MIT in the late 1990s. Howitz et al. 2003 Nature paper characterized resveratrol as direct SIRT1 activator that mimicked caloric restriction effects on lifespan extension in yeast; the finding generated substantial enthusiasm. Subsequent work demonstrated the SIRT1 activation finding was largely an artifact of the Fluor de Lys assay system used in Howitz 2003 (the substrate fluorescent tag interacted with resveratrol in ways that produced spurious activation signal); Pacholec 2010 J Biol Chem and subsequent work substantially recalibrated the direct SIRT1 activation framework. Modern understanding positions resveratrol's SIRT1 effects as indirect, likely through AMPK activation, NAD+ pathway modulation, or downstream effects rather than direct SIRT1 binding. The mechanism complexity includes: (1) AMPK activation, adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase serves as cellular energy sensor; AMPK activation produces multiple effects similar to caloric restriction; (2) NAD+/sirtuin pathway modulation, indirectly supporting sirtuin activity through NAD+ availability rather than direct activation; (3) PDE inhibition, phosphodiesterase inhibition supporting cAMP signaling that produces some downstream effects similar to caloric restriction; (4) direct antioxidant effects, modest direct radical scavenging; (5) anti-inflammatory effects through NF-kB modulation; (6) estrogen receptor modulation (mild phytoestrogen activity); (7) eNOS upregulation supporting endothelial nitric oxide production; (8) anti-platelet effects. The overwhelming practical challenge for resveratrol is bioavailability. Trans-resveratrol has poor oral bioavailability (<1% systemic availability of free trans-resveratrol after typical oral doses); extensive Phase 2 metabolism in the intestinal wall and liver produces predominantly resveratrol-3-O-sulfate and resveratrol-3-O-glucuronide conjugates that have substantially different pharmacology from free trans-resveratrol. The bioavailability gap creates one of the cleanest M-09 Mechanism-Translation challenges in modern nutritional pharmacology, preclinical mechanism evidence assumes plasma free trans-resveratrol concentrations that human dosing cannot easily achieve. Various bioavailability enhancement strategies have been developed: micronized particles (reduce particle size for improved dissolution); liposomal formulations (Quercefit-like phytosome chemistry); piperine co-administration (modest enhancement); ResVida (DSM pharmaceutical-grade trans-resveratrol with optimized purity); Veri-te (Evolva fermentation-derived trans-resveratrol with improved sustainability). Despite enhancement strategies, the gap between preclinical mechanism research and human clinical translation remains substantial. The Sirtris Pharmaceuticals saga represents a substantial mechanism-translation cautionary tale. Sirtris was founded in 2004 by David Sinclair (Harvard) and Christoph Westphal based on the Howitz 2003 SIRT1 activation framework. GlaxoSmithKline acquired Sirtris in 2008 for $720 million on the strength of preclinical resveratrol and analog data. Subsequent characterization of SRT501 (proprietary resveratrol formulation) and the SRT-series synthetic SIRT1 activators in human trials produced disappointing results; the Pacholec 2010 J Biol Chem mechanism-recalibration challenged the direct SIRT1 activation framework that had justified the acquisition. GSK shut down the Sirtris site in 2013, among the most-cited examples of mechanism-translation failure in pharmaceutical research. The episode illustrates the substantial gap between preclinical mechanism enthusiasm and clinical translation in complex polyphenol biology.

Standard resveratrol supplementation centers on 250-500mg/day of trans-resveratrol for general longevity and metabolic applications, with clinical trials demonstrating effects across a range of 75-1000mg/day. The dose-response relationship is non-linear and complex, higher doses do not produce proportionally better outcomes, and very high doses (>2g/day) have been associated with adverse effects including nephrotoxicity in the DIPLOMA trial at 5g/day. The Brasnyó 2011 type 2 diabetes trial used remarkably low 10mg/day; Timmers 2011 obese men used 150mg/day; Witte 2014 cognitive used 200mg/day; RESHAW used 75-150mg/day postmenopausal; cancer chemoprevention exploratory work has used 500-1000mg/day. The bioavailability gap (free trans-resveratrol <1% systemic availability after oral dosing) creates substantial complexity, plasma concentrations cannot be directly inferred from mg dose without considering individual variation in Phase 2 metabolism and formulation-specific absorption. Take with food containing fat, modest absorption improvement with lipid co-administration. The bioavailability enhancement strategies (micronized, liposomal, phytosome, piperine co-administration) provide modest improvements (~2-5x) without fundamentally resolving the bioavailability challenge. Treatment durations matter substantially, clinical trial protocols typically use 8-26+ weeks for outcome assessment; longevity applications imply chronic dosing across years. The Upper Limit (UL) has not been formally established; chronic doses above 1500mg/day appear to produce diminishing returns with increased GI side effects (loose stools, mild nausea) and concerning safety signals (nephrotoxicity at very high doses per DIPLOMA). The form selection from the resveratrol category matters: standardized 98-99% trans-resveratrol from reputable manufacturers (Thorne, Pure Encapsulations, Life Extension, NOW Foods); ResVida pharmaceutical-grade; Veri-te Evolva fermentation-derived sustainable. The "trans-resveratrol" specification (versus generic "resveratrol") matters substantially, only trans-resveratrol has the relevant pharmacology. The dietary contribution from red wine is mechanistically negligible at moderate consumption (would require 25+ liters/day to reach therapeutic dose ranges); the "drink red wine for resveratrol" framing dramatically misrepresents dietary contribution and should not be confused with the modest cardiovascular benefits of moderate red wine consumption (which involve multiple mechanisms beyond resveratrol). The pregnancy avoidance is precautionary given mild phytoestrogen activity and limited safety data; pregnancy supplementation requires specialist coordination. The drug interaction profile (anticoagulants, CYP3A4 substrates, hormone-sensitive cancer medications) warrants specialist coordination for users on relevant prescription medications.

Standard supplementation

250-500mg trans-resveratrol daily

Clinical trial range

75-1000mg/day

Brasnyó T2DM protocol

10mg/day (remarkably low)

Timmers obese metabolic

150mg/day

Witte cognitive

200mg/day

RESHAW postmenopausal

75-150mg/day

Cancer chemoprevention exploratory

500-1000mg/day

DIPLOMA nephrotoxicity threshold

5g/day SRT501

• Trans-Resveratrol Standardized Extract (98-99% Purity)

  Rating: gold

  High-purity trans-resveratrol extracts standardized to 98-99% trans-resveratrol content (verified by HPLC). Most reputable brands (Thorne, Pure Encapsulations, Life Extension, NOW Foods, Designs for Health, Reserveage) provide reliable standardized trans-resveratrol products. The purity specification matters substantially, lower-purity products may contain substantial cis-resveratrol or other contaminants. Most clinical trials use standardized trans-resveratrol at 99% purity.

• ResVida (DSM Pharmaceutical-Grade)

  Rating: gold

  DSM pharmaceutical-grade trans-resveratrol with documented quality control and substantial clinical research investment. Used in many major clinical trials. Premium pricing reflecting pharmaceutical-grade standardization.

• Veri-te (Evolva Fermentation-Derived)

  Rating: gold

  Evolva Holding fermentation-derived trans-resveratrol produced through bioengineered yeast, eliminating reliance on Japanese knotweed harvest. Substantially sustainable supply with improved purity and reduced contamination risk versus knotweed-derived material. Substantial premium positioning.

• Liposomal / Phytosome Resveratrol

  Rating: gold

  Bioavailability-enhanced formulations using phosphatidylcholine complexation or liposomal encapsulation to improve absorption. Modest bioavailability enhancement (~2-5x) versus free trans-resveratrol; clinical outcome translation remains preliminary. Premium pricing.

• Resveratrol + Pterostilbene Combinations

  Rating: gold

  Combination products providing both resveratrol and pterostilbene (the methylated analog with substantially superior bioavailability). Mechanistically reasonable comprehensive stilbene supplementation. Common premium longevity supplement positioning. ChromaDex pTeroPure pterostilbene combined with various resveratrol sources.

• Resveratrol + NMN Combinations

  Rating: good

  Common longevity supplement combination, resveratrol + NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide) following the Sinclair lifespan framework. The mechanistic framework is reasonable (NMN provides NAD+ substrate; resveratrol modulates sirtuin pathways) but clinical evidence for combination effects beyond individual components is preliminary. Substantial premium pricing.

• Polygonum cuspidatum (Japanese Knotweed) Whole Herb

  Rating: good

  Whole Polygonum cuspidatum extract providing resveratrol along with companion compounds (emodin, anthraquinones, other phenolics). Less standardized than purified trans-resveratrol; reasonable for users preferring whole-plant supplementation. Cost-effective relative to purified extracts.

• Red Wine and Dietary Resveratrol

  Rating: caution

  Red wine provides 1-15mg trans-resveratrol per liter, therapeutic dose ranges (250-500mg) would require enormous and harmful wine consumption (~25-500 liters/day). The "drink red wine for resveratrol" framing dramatically misrepresents dietary contribution. Red wine consumption at moderate doses provides cardiovascular benefits independent of resveratrol; the resveratrol content is mechanistically negligible at moderate consumption.

• Resveratrol-Containing Multi-Ingredient Longevity Formulations

  Rating: good

  Resveratrol commonly included in comprehensive longevity formulations (Tru Niagen Pro 300+ Resveratrol, Elysium Basis combinations, Life Extension premium formulations). Mechanistically reasonable as comprehensive support; verify resveratrol dose specifically rather than relying on combination positioning.

• Type 2 diabetes / metabolic syndrome (preliminary)

  Strength of evidence for this group: modest

  Brasnyó 2011, Timmers 2011, and multiple subsequent trials support modest improvements in insulin sensitivity, glucose control, and metabolic parameters at 150-1000mg/day. Effect sizes consistently modest; reasonable adjunct to established diabetes management. Coordinate with endocrinology for established type 2 diabetes.

• Cardiovascular risk reduction (postmenopausal)

  Strength of evidence for this group: modest

  RESHAW 2017, Tomé-Carneiro 2012, and multiple subsequent trials support modest improvements in cardiovascular markers and cerebrovascular function in postmenopausal women. Effect sizes modest; reasonable adjunct to comprehensive cardiovascular management.

• Cognitive function in older adults

  Strength of evidence for this group: cautious

  Witte 2014, RESHAW 2017, and preliminary subsequent work support modest cognitive improvements in older adults at 150-300mg/day. Effect sizes preliminary; reasonable component of comprehensive cognitive nutrition.

• Longevity / healthspan supplementation (general)

  Strength of evidence for this group: cautious

  Sinclair lifespan framework and substantial consumer interest drive longevity supplementation positioning. The mechanism evidence has been substantially recalibrated (Pacholec 2010 SIRT1 direct activation challenge); clinical translation in healthy users remains preliminary. Reasonable component of comprehensive longevity nutrition; not standalone intervention with established outcome evidence.

• Cancer chemoprevention (preliminary)

  Strength of evidence for this group: cautious

  Jang 1997 Science foundational cancer chemoprevention work and substantial subsequent preclinical evidence supports interest in cancer prevention applications. Human translation remains preliminary; the DIPLOMA trial in multiple myeloma showed nephrotoxicity at very high doses (5g/day SRT501). Reasonable specialist consideration; not substitute for established cancer screening and prevention.

• Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)

  Strength of evidence for this group: cautious

  Preliminary evidence for modest improvements in NAFLD markers at 300-500mg/day. Reasonable component of comprehensive NAFLD management. Coordinate with hepatology.

• Postmenopausal women (vasomotor and cognitive)

  Strength of evidence for this group: cautious

  RESHAW protocol and substantial postmenopausal research evidence support cognitive and cerebrovascular applications. Reasonable component of comprehensive postmenopausal supplementation strategy.

• Athletic performance and exercise adaptation

  Strength of evidence for this group: cautious

  Mixed evidence, some preclinical and small human studies suggest resveratrol may either support or paradoxically impair exercise adaptation. Gliemann 2013 study suggested resveratrol blunted exercise training cardiovascular benefits in older men. Caution about combining high-dose resveratrol with exercise training programs.

• Healthy adults (preventive supplementation)

  Strength of evidence for this group: cautious

  Most adults achieve modest polyphenol intake through dietary sources (berries, grapes, dark chocolate, peanuts). Routine high-dose supplementation in healthy non-deficient users is research-grade rather than established preventive intervention; the mechanism-translation gap remains substantial.

• Pregnancy and lactation

  Strength of evidence for this group: avoid

  Limited safety data in pregnancy and lactation; mild phytoestrogen activity creates theoretical concern. Generally avoid systemic supplementation in pregnancy; coordinate with OB-GYN.

• Hormone-sensitive cancers

  Strength of evidence for this group: cautious

  Mild phytoestrogen activity warrants caution in users with current or history of estrogen-sensitive cancers (breast, ovarian, endometrial). Coordinate with oncology; mainstream oncology guidelines do not include resveratrol supplementation.

• Anticoagulant users

  Strength of evidence for this group: cautious

  Mild antiplatelet effects at higher doses; theoretical interaction with anticoagulants. Pre-surgical discontinuation 2 weeks reasonable; coordinate with anticoagulation management.

• Pterostilbene

  Interaction: synergy

  The methylated resveratrol analog with substantially superior bioavailability (~80% vs <1% free). Mechanistically complementary stilbene supplementation; ChromaDex pTeroPure combinations common in longevity formulations. Reasonable comprehensive stilbene approach.

• NMN / NR (NAD+ Precursors)

  Interaction: synergy

  Mechanistically integrated, NMN/NR provide NAD+ substrate; resveratrol modulates sirtuin pathways. Common combination following Sinclair lifespan framework. Clinical evidence for combination effects beyond individual components remains preliminary.

• Quercetin

  Interaction: synergy

  Common polyphenol antioxidant combination. Mechanistically complementary, quercetin provides mast cell stabilization and broader flavonoid effects; resveratrol provides stilbene-specific pathways. Common in comprehensive antioxidant formulations.

• Curcumin

  Interaction: synergy

  Common polyphenol combination, both face bioavailability challenges; combination phytosome formulations may provide synergistic effects through complementary anti-inflammatory pathways.

• CoQ10

  Interaction: synergy

  Common combination in cardiovascular and aging supplementation. Mechanistically complementary, CoQ10 provides mitochondrial electron transport support; resveratrol provides AMPK and sirtuin pathway modulation.

• Anticoagulants (Warfarin, DOACs, Antiplatelets)

  Interaction: caution

  Mild antiplatelet effects at higher doses; theoretical interaction with anticoagulants. Pre-surgical discontinuation 2 weeks reasonable; coordinate with anticoagulation management.

• CYP3A4 Substrate Medications

  Interaction: caution

  Resveratrol modulates CYP3A4 activity (mixed inhibition and induction). May affect statin pharmacokinetics, calcium channel blockers, immunosuppressants, oral contraceptives, and other CYP3A4 substrates. Coordinate with prescribing physician.

• Hormone-Sensitive Cancers

  Interaction: caution

  Mild phytoestrogen activity warrants caution in users with current or history of breast, ovarian, endometrial, or other hormone-sensitive cancers. Oncology coordination.

• Exercise Training Programs

  Interaction: caution

  Gliemann 2013 suggested resveratrol blunted exercise training cardiovascular benefits in older men. Mechanism: exercise itself produces beneficial oxidative stress that resveratrol may interfere with. Caution about high-dose resveratrol with intensive exercise training; preliminary evidence.

• Alcohol (Beyond Modest Wine Consumption)

  Interaction: caution

  The "drink wine for resveratrol" framing dramatically misrepresents dietary contribution. High alcohol consumption produces hepatic and other harms that resveratrol does not address. Moderate red wine has independent cardiovascular benefits; therapeutic resveratrol requires supplementation, not increased wine consumption.

• Iron Supplements

  Interaction: caution

  Polyphenols can modestly chelate iron reducing absorption. Separate iron supplementation by 2 hours if iron deficiency is clinical concern.

• Pregnancy

  Interaction: avoid

  Mild phytoestrogen activity and limited safety data create pregnancy caution. Generally avoid systemic supplementation in pregnancy.

Look for: explicit trans-resveratrol specification (not generic "resveratrol"); high purity standardization (98-99% trans-resveratrol); reputable manufacturer with quality control disclosure; ResVida or Veri-te branded ingredient sourcing for premium positioning; USP or NSF third-party verification; reputable manufacturer with quality control disclosure; HPLC verification of trans-resveratrol content. Avoid: products without trans-resveratrol specification (potentially substantial cis-resveratrol or contaminants); generic knotweed extracts at very low cost (likely quality compromise); aggressive marketing claims about longevity, lifespan extension, or anti-aging that exceed evidence base; products without third-party testing or purity disclosure; proprietary "anti-aging blends" obscuring resveratrol dose.

Resveratrol research traces to early 20th century with initial isolation from white hellebore (Veratrum grandiflorum) in 1939 by Japanese researchers and from Polygonum cuspidatum in 1963 (the same knotweed that would later become the dominant commercial source). The compound's 3,5,4'-trihydroxystilbene structure was characterized through subsequent decades; modest pharmacological interest emerged through the 1980s-1990s with anti-platelet and antioxidant characterization. The modern era began with the 1992 Lancet publication by Serge Renaud and Michel de Lorgeril of the "French Paradox", the epidemiological observation that French populations had relatively low cardiovascular disease rates despite high saturated fat consumption, with red wine consumption proposed as protective factor. The hypothesis catalyzed substantial subsequent research interest in red wine constituents; resveratrol emerged as the most-promoted molecule of interest. The 60 Minutes television feature on the French Paradox in 1991 (preceding Renaud's formal publication) had already initiated substantial consumer interest in red wine for cardiovascular health. The cancer chemoprevention era began with Jang 1997 Science publication of resveratrol's in vitro and animal cancer prevention effects, substantial influence on subsequent cancer prevention research interest. The 1990s saw substantial growth of resveratrol research interest across multiple disease areas. The longevity research era developed substantially through the early 2000s. Leonard Guarente's work at MIT characterizing SIRT2 (yeast sir2) and the mammalian SIRT1 sirtuin established the foundational longevity framework. David Sinclair (working with Guarente initially, then establishing his own Harvard lab) became the leading promoter of the SIRT1-resveratrol-caloric restriction mimic framework. The Howitz 2003 Nature paper characterized resveratrol as direct SIRT1 activator extending yeast lifespan, substantial influence on subsequent research and Sirtris Pharmaceuticals formation. Sirtris Pharmaceuticals was founded by Sinclair and Christoph Westphal in 2004 based on the Howitz 2003 framework. The company developed proprietary resveratrol formulation (SRT501) and synthetic SIRT1 activators (SRT-series). GlaxoSmithKline acquired Sirtris in 2008 for $720 million on the strength of the preclinical mechanism evidence. The Baur 2006 Nature paper documenting resveratrol effects in mice fed high-calorie diets supported the longevity framework momentum. The mechanism recalibration era began with the Pacholec 2010 J Biol Chem critical demonstration that the Howitz 2003 SIRT1 direct activation finding was largely an artifact of the Fluor de Lys fluorescent assay system. Subsequent work substantially recalibrated the direct SIRT1 activation framework; resveratrol's SIRT1 effects are now understood as indirect rather than through direct binding. The DIPLOMA Phase 1 trial of SRT501 in multiple myeloma was discontinued due to nephrotoxicity at 5g/day. GSK shut down the Sirtris site in 2013, among the most-cited examples of mechanism-translation failure in pharmaceutical research. The modern human clinical evidence era developed substantially through the 2010s with Brasnyó 2011 type 2 diabetes, Timmers 2011 obese men metabolic, Witte 2014 cognitive function, RESHAW 2017 postmenopausal cardiovascular and cognitive trials. The cumulative evidence supports modest clinical effects across metabolic, cardiovascular, and cognitive applications at substantially lower doses than the initial mechanistic enthusiasm suggested, typically 75-500mg/day rather than the gram-range doses initially anticipated. The consumer longevity supplement era has expanded substantially through the 2010s-2020s. David Sinclair's "Lifespan: Why We Age" (2019 Atria Books) book substantially popularized resveratrol, NMN, and the broader longevity supplementation framework. The book and Sinclair's podcast/media presence have driven substantial consumer interest in longevity supplementation; product launches from Tru Niagen, Elysium Health, Life Extension, and many other manufacturers have expanded the category substantially. The Bryan Johnson Blueprint protocol prominently includes resveratrol in the longevity protocol. The category continues to evolve with mechanism research, formulation development, and consumer market expansion despite the substantial mechanism-translation challenges that remain.

1. 1939First isolation from white hellebore (Veratrum grandiflorum)
2. 1963Isolation from Polygonum cuspidatum (Japanese knotweed)
3. 1980s-1990sAnti-platelet and antioxidant pharmacological characterization
4. 199160 Minutes French Paradox feature initiates consumer interest
5. 1992Renaud Lancet French Paradox publication
6. 1997Jang Science cancer chemoprevention
7. Late 1990sGuarente SIRT2/SIRT1 sirtuin research at MIT
8. 2003Howitz Nature SIRT1 direct activation framework
9. 2004Sirtris Pharmaceuticals founded (Sinclair, Westphal)
10. 2006Baur Nature mouse caloric restriction mimic
11. 2008GlaxoSmithKline acquires Sirtris for $720 million
12. 2010Pacholec J Biol Chem SIRT1 mechanism recalibration
13. 2011Brasnyó T2DM (Br J Nutr); Timmers obese metabolic (Cell Metab)
14. 2012Tomé-Carneiro CARDIORES (Mol Nutr Food Res); DIPLOMA SRT501 nephrotoxicity
15. 2013GSK Sirtris site shutdown
16. 2014Witte cognitive function (J Neurosci)
17. 2017RESHAW postmenopausal (Atherosclerosis)
18. 2019Sinclair "Lifespan" book popularizes longevity supplementation
19. 2010s-2020sConsumer longevity supplement market expansion; Bryan Johnson Blueprint

• Whether the bioavailability gap can be meaningfully addressed through formulation improvements (liposomal, phytosome, micronized) or remains fundamental pharmacological constraint limiting clinical translation.
• Whether the Sinclair longevity framework (resveratrol + NMN + comprehensive longevity supplementation) will mature into evidence-based clinical applications or remain consumer wellness positioning.
• Whether resveratrol metabolites (resveratrol-3-O-sulfate, resveratrol-3-O-glucuronide) have meaningful biological activity that explains modest clinical effects despite poor free-resveratrol bioavailability.
• Whether genetic variants affecting Phase 2 metabolism (SULT, UGT) produce individual variability in clinical response.
• Whether the exercise training interference (Gliemann 2013) generalizes across populations and exercise types, implications for athletic vs non-athletic supplementation contexts.
• Whether the cancer chemoprevention preclinical evidence will mature into specific human applications or face the same translation challenges as other polyphenol cancer prevention frameworks.
• Whether combination formulations (resveratrol + pterostilbene, resveratrol + NMN, comprehensive polyphenol combinations) produce clinically meaningful advantages over monotherapy.
• Whether the modest clinical evidence in metabolic syndrome, cognitive function, and cardiovascular markers reflects true effect or methodological artifacts of short-duration trials in heterogeneous populations.

Widely available globally as dietary supplement. Legal under DSHEA in the United States and equivalent supplement regulations in most jurisdictions. Not on WADA prohibited list. Pharmaceutical preparations: SRT501 (Sirtris/GSK proprietary formulation, discontinued); ResVida (DSM pharmaceutical-grade) is available in supplement industry through licensing. Major retail supplement brands include Reserveage (substantial brand heritage in resveratrol category), Thorne (premium standardized), Pure Encapsulations, Life Extension, NOW Foods, Designs for Health, Solgar, Nature's Way, and many longevity-focused supplement manufacturers. Sinclair-aligned products (Tru Niagen with resveratrol additions, various NMN-resveratrol combinations) carry premium positioning following the Lifespan framework. ChromaDex provides pTeroPure pterostilbene and various resveratrol-pterostilbene combination products. Evolva's Veri-te fermentation-derived trans-resveratrol provides sustainable supply alternative to knotweed harvest. Production sourcing: Japanese knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum) is the dominant commercial source, predominantly Chinese cultivation and wild harvest with substantial export to supplement industry; grape skin extraction (predominantly French and Italian wine industry byproducts) provides smaller commercial supply; Evolva fermentation provides bioengineered alternative. Quality variation across brands is substantial, purity (98-99% trans-resveratrol specification matters), contamination (knotweed companion compounds, heavy metals), and trans/cis ratio all warrant verification. Third-party testing (USP, NSF) provides standard quality assurance. The category has substantial pricing variation reflecting purity, sourcing, and brand positioning rather than fundamental cost differences in raw material; premium pharmaceutical-grade and sustainable-sourced products command substantially premium pricing over generic knotweed-derived material.

Status current as of July 2026. Regulatory positions change, sometimes quickly.

Class

Stilbene polyphenol antioxidant

Structure

3,5,4'-trihydroxystilbene

Active isomer

Trans-resveratrol (E-isomer)

Major commercial source

Japanese knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum)

Standard dose

250-500mg trans-resveratrol daily

Free bioavailability

<1% systemic (Phase 2 metabolism dominant)

What follows is unfinished work on our side, not a finding about Resveratrol. A short entry is not a safe entry.

• Cost and market. We have not documented what it sells for or who sells it.
• Supply chain. We have not mapped where it is made.
• Who uses it. We have not documented the user groups.
• What could change. No forward-looking summary yet.
• How it compares. We have not set it against the alternatives.
• Children and teenagers. We have not checked what is known about younger people.
• Where we land. We have not taken a position on this yet.