Resveratrol: benefits, properties and contraindications
Resveratrol is a natural compound widely known for its antioxidant potential, and it has captured the interest of researchers and health professionals for some time now.
This polyphenol, present in the skin of grapes, red fruits, and in higher concentration in Polygonum cuspidatum among other sources, has become one of the most popular supplements for its promising benefits in cardiovascular health, aging and more.
What is resveratrol?
Resveratrol is a polyphenolic compound belonging to the stilbene family, known for its exceptional antioxidant properties and its ability to modulate various biological processes essential in human health.
Biochemically, resveratrol acts as a phytonutrient produced by certain plants in response to environmental stresses, such as fungal infections, ultraviolet radiation, and physical injury.
This natural defense mechanism gives it unique properties that, when exploited in the human body, help counteract oxidative damage and regulate inflammation. https://doi.org/10.1016/0021-9673(95)00962-0
In terms of origin, resveratrol is predominantly found in the skin of red grapes, from which it derives its fame in the context of the “French paradox“, associated with moderate consumption of red wine and a lower incidence of cardiovascular disease in populations that consume diets high in saturated fats.
Other rich sources of resveratrol include berries, peanuts, and Polygonum cuspidatum, a plant traditionally used in Asian medicine. DOI: 10.1016/0140-6736(92)91277-f
Resveratrol: The “mechanic” that optimizes your body’s engine to live better and longer
Resveratrol is a fascinating compound found in foods like grapes and red wine, but its importance goes far beyond a toast. Imagine that your body is like a car, and inside it is a very special engine: your metabolism.
As the years go by, that engine can start to fail, accumulate dirt (oxidative damage), and need adjustments to keep running well. This is where resveratrol comes in, like a skilled mechanic who optimizes everything.
This “mechanic” interacts with key parts of the engine, such as sirtuins (SIRT1) (think of them as the car’s “energy saving” button), which are involved in regulating cellular longevity and mitochondrial biogenesis and AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase) (a kind of sensor that tells the engine when it needs to save fuel or repair itself).
Thanks to these tools, resveratrol helps cells work more efficiently, produce more energy, and clean up accumulated waste, a process known as autophagy.
The result? An engine that runs better for longer, with less wear and tear and greater ability to resist problems such as aging and inflammation. Therefore, resveratrol is not only interesting to live longer, but to live them with more energy and health. A true ally on the road to longevity!
Benefits of Resveratrol
Antioxidant Effect and Natural Anti-Inflammatory Modulation
Resveratrol stands out for its ability to act as a powerful biological antioxidant, neutralizing the reactive oxygen (ROS) and nitrogen (RNS) species that are generated during oxidative stress.
This process, which is essential for cellular homeostasis, prevents the oxidation of lipids, proteins and DNA, which are mainly responsible for cellular ageing and the progression of chronic degenerative diseases.
In addition, resveratrol regulates key mediators in the inflammatory cascade, such as the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathway, reducing the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-6 and TNF-α. This combination of antioxidant and immunomodulatory effects positions it as a promising tool for the prevention of disorders related to chronic inflammation, such as rheumatoid arthritis, atherosclerosis and metabolic syndrome. https://doi.org/10.1093/carcin/bgq143
In other words, Resveratrol is like the “shield and firefighter” that protects your cells and puts out internal fires
To understand why resveratrol is so special, imagine that your body is like a city full of machinery running 24 hours a day. With so much movement, it is normal for sparks and small fires (oxidative stress and inflammation) to accumulate which, if left unchecked, can cause serious damage to important buildings such as proteins, DNA or fats that keep everything standing. This is where resveratrol comes in as the multifaceted hero.
First, it acts as an antioxidant shield, neutralizing those dangerous sparks called ROS and RNS, which are primarily responsible for “wear and tear” in the city. But that’s not all: when fires are already underway, resveratrol also works like a firefighter, regulating systems that control inflammation, such as NF-κB, and reducing flame-fanning substances, such as IL-6 and TNF-α.
Thanks to this dual function, resveratrol not only protects your cells from premature aging, but also helps prevent problems such as arthritis, heart problems, and metabolic disorders. Simply put, it’s like having a shield and fire extinguisher that take care of your body from everyday damage, helping you live with less wear and tear and more health.
Optimizing Cardiovascular Health
Resveratrol is directly involved in cardiovascular homeostasis, favoring mechanisms that improve endothelial function and prevent vascular damage. Through the activation of sirtuins (SIRT1), this compound promotes the production of nitric oxide (NO), an essential vasodilator that improves blood flow and lowers blood pressure.
It also regulates plasma lipid levels by inhibiting the oxidation of low-density lipoproteins (LDL), which decreases the formation of atherosclerotic plaques. Additionally, studies have shown its role in reducing platelet aggregation, reducing the risk of thrombosis.
These multifaceted effects make resveratrol an attractive candidate for the management and prevention of heart and cerebrovascular disease. DOI: 10.1097/01.fjc.0000238592.67191.ab
Resveratrol: The “architect and protector” of your internal motorways
Think of your cardiovascular system as a network of highways where your blood circulates, carrying nutrients and oxygen throughout your body. Over the years, these highways can become filled with potholes, traffic jams, and signs of wear that hinder normal flow. This is where resveratrol acts as an expert architect and protector of this network.
For one, this compound helps keep highways clear by improving the function of the endothelium, the inner layer of blood vessels. It does this by activating a special molecule called nitric oxide (NO), which acts as a “traffic director,” relaxing vessels and improving blood flow, as well as lowering blood pressure.
But that’s not all: resveratrol also works as a maintenance team by preventing “harmful particles” (oxidized LDL) from forming plaques that can obstruct traffic. And, to complete its task, it reduces the risk of serious “shocks”, such as clots or thrombi, by decreasing platelet aggregation.
With all these abilities, resveratrol becomes an essential ally to keep your internal highways in perfect condition, helping to prevent problems such as heart attacks or strokes, and ensuring that your body runs smoothly and without traffic jams.
Neuroprotective and Cognitive Properties
In the neurological field, resveratrol proves to be a versatile neuroprotectant by intervening in fundamental processes for the health of the central nervous system. This polyphenol crosses the blood-brain barrier, where it exerts antioxidant effects, decreases microglial inflammation and modulates pathways such as the activation of AMPK and PGC-1α, essential for neuronal mitochondrial biogenesis. In addition, it promotes neuroplasticity and improves synaptic function, key aspects in learning and memory.
Several studies have suggested that regular consumption could slow the progression of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, by reducing the accumulation of toxic proteins, such as beta-amyloid and alpha-synuclein, and by improving the brain’s metabolic response. DOI: 10.1021/cn400094w
Resveratrol: The “Premium Maintenance” for Your Brain
Imagine your brain as a big power plant filled with connections and circuits essential to everything you do, from remembering a number to learning something new. Over time, this plant can suffer wear and tear, accumulation of waste or short circuits that make it difficult to operate. This is where resveratrol becomes a specialized technician, offering premium maintenance.
First, this polyphenol accomplishes something incredible: it crosses the brain’s safety barrier (the blood-brain barrier) to get right to where it’s needed most. Once inside, it acts as an antioxidant, eliminating dangerous “sparks” that can damage cells. It also reduces unnecessary inflammation, as if calming the brain’s overactive “guards” (the microglial cells), preventing them from causing further damage.
In addition, resveratrol improves power plant energy by activating processes such as mitochondrial biogenesis, ensuring that neurons have enough “fuel” to function well. It also repairs and strengthens connections between circuits (synapses), which improves your ability to learn, remember, and adapt.
As if that were not enough, it helps to clean up hazardous waste such as beta-amyloid and alpha-synuclein proteins, which accumulate in diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Thus, resveratrol not only protects your brain, but it could also slow the progression of these disorders.
In short, resveratrol is like an advanced technical service for your brain, ensuring that it functions efficiently, flexibly, and protected against the wear and tear of time.
Anti-Cancer Potential
Resveratrol has been the subject of intense research for its potential chemopreventive and therapeutic properties against cancer. This compound works by modulating multiple cellular pathways involved in carcinogenesis, including proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and angiogenesis.
It has been shown to inhibit Xtumor cell proliferation by blocking the G1/S phases of the cell cycle and by inducing apoptosis by activating caspases and regulating Bcl-2. In addition, its ability to inhibit the expression of growth factors and cell adhesion molecules suggests an impact on metastatic spread.
Although these results are promising, much of the evidence comes from preclinical studies, and its effectiveness in humans continues to be an active line of research. https://doi.org/10.1080/10408398.2016.1263597
Resveratrol: The “Strategist” Fighting Cancer on Multiple Fronts
If we imagine the development of cancer as an enemy army attacking the body from various directions, resveratrol is like an expert strategist deploying tactics to slow its progress. This natural compound not only strengthens the defences, but also acts directly on tumour cells to keep them at bay.
For one, resveratrol blocks the growth of the “enemy army” by stopping its “recruitment” (cell proliferation) at a critical point in the cell cycle called G1/S, preventing cancer cells from multiplying further. In addition, it activates a kind of “self-destruct button” (apoptosis) in these cells by turning on internal mechanisms such as caspases, while regulating key proteins such as Bcl-2 to tip the scales towards their elimination.
But his work doesn’t end there: resveratrol also cuts off the enemy’s supplies. It inhibits growth factors and molecules that tumor cells need to expand and form new blood vessels (angiogenesis), blocking their ability to feed and spread.
It is critical to remember that these findings are not a substitute for established medical treatments. If you have cancer or are undergoing treatment, always consult your doctor before taking resveratrol supplements or other similar products. Self-medicating can interfere with your therapy or cause adverse effects. Decisions about your health should be supported by medical professionals who know your specific situation
What are the Contraindications of Resveratrol?
Drug Interactions
Resveratrol, although widely recognized for its safety, may have drug interactions. In particular, this polyphenol can potentiate the effects of blood thinners such as warfarin or clopidogrel, increasing the risk of bleeding by interfering with platelet aggregation and coagulation.
Likewise, its ability to modulate blood pressure could generate interactions with antihypertensive drugs, which could amplify or decrease their effectiveness. In addition, there are indications that resveratrol might affect the pharmacokinetics of certain chemotherapy treatments by altering metabolic processes mediated by liver enzymes.
Therefore, it is imperative to consult with a doctor before starting a resveratrol supplement if you are under chronic medication or specific treatments.
Potential Side Effects
Although generally well tolerated, resveratrol may cause mild and transient side effects in some people. These include digestive discomfort such as nausea, diarrhoea or abdominal pain, particularly when high doses (more than 1g/day) are consumed.
Rarely, mild allergic reactions have been reported, likely linked to individual sensitivity to supplement components or natural sources of resveratrol.
To minimize these risks, it is essential to strictly adhere to the manufacturer’s recommended dosages and avoid excessive consumption that could trigger unnecessary adverse effects.
Not recommended for Pre-existing Conditions
In individuals with bleeding disorders or a predisposition to bleeding, resveratrol should be used with extreme caution, as its antiplatelet effect could aggravate these conditions.
Also, because resveratrol is primarily metabolized by the liver, people with advanced liver diseases could face complications when consuming this supplement.
In such cases, medical supervision is indispensable before inclusion in the daily routine, to carefully assess the risks and benefits according to individual health status.
The Best Resveratrol on the Market
To get the maximum benefits from resveratrol, it is essential to choose a high-quality product. The best resveratrol on the market should ensure:
- Purity and concentration: Look for supplements with at least 95% trans-resveratrol, the most active and bioavailable form of the compound.
- Natural origin: preferably obtained from plant sources such as Polygonum cuspidatum. Many of the formulas on the market that are much cheaper are surely using synthetic resveratrol and I’m afraid that if you don’t know for sure the quality of the manufacturer or its origin, it’s better not to trust differentially cheaper products.
How to choose the perfect resveratrol for your health?
When looking for a resveratrol supplement, not all products are created equal. Choosing the best resveratrol on the market requires considering essential factors such as its purity, origin, and concentration. An outstanding product should be formulated to maximize its bioavailability, ensuring that your body takes full advantage of this powerful natural antioxidant.
Salengei’s Active Resveratrol is a prominent example on the market. Formulated with natural Polygonum cuspidatum extract, one of the richest sources of trans-resveratrol, this supplement ensures exceptional purity and optimal concentration for those looking for real results. In addition, its thoughtful design includes key features that set it apart, such as being vegan-friendly and free of common allergens, making it a reliable choice for any lifestyle.
Different resveratrol formulas have different dosages, why?
Unlike other products, Salengei’s Active Resveratrol offers a high concentration of the active compound. In addition, we can find this active ingredient (trans-resveratrol) in other Salengei formulas and, in all products, it has a specific function.
Mechanism of Action Variable according to the Objective
Longevity
As we know, resveratrol is a potent antioxidant that can protect our cells from oxidative stress. When looking for a formula for longevity, we can find more moderate doses of resveratrol, since the goal is to activate processes such as sirtuins and autophagy, both of which do not require large amounts. These mechanisms are sensitive even at low or moderate doses. Active Revive Cellular , our anti-aging formula, contains 150 mg of trans-resveratrol per 3 capsules. In addition to resveratrol, Active Revive Celular contains fisetin, green tea, curcumin, reishi, quercetin, berberine, CoQ10, vitamin C, PQQ and astaxanthin that contribute to the protection of cells against oxidative damage.
Weight loss
When we want to look for a weight loss product, resveratrol can be a great ally. In this case, the doses may be somewhat higher to enhance AMPK activation, or it would not be necessary to have as many doses if the formula combines other ingredients such as green tea extract, and chromium that would help improve insulin sensitivity and fat oxidation. Active Silueta is a dietary supplement based on resveratrol, green tea, plant extracts, saffron and chromium that help maintain normal blood glucose levels. Specifically, it contains 142.5 mg of trans-resveratrol per 2 capsules.
Cardiovascular Health
Adjusted doses can be used to optimize nitric oxide (NO) production and improve endothelial function without causing adverse effects, as too high a dose may not offer additional benefits and may increase the risk of interactions. Despite remembering what was said before, any polymedicated person under pharmacological treatment should consult their doctor before taking supplements.
Detoxification
Resveratrol, due to its antioxidant capabilities, can protect hepatocytes. In addition, it can improve liver detoxification function by influencing enzymes such as those of the cytochrome P450 system, involved in the biotransformation of toxins. It also activates cellular pathways such as sirtuins and Nrf2 factor, which regulate the antioxidant response and the elimination of xenobiotics. Active Detox contains 142.5 mg of resveratrol per 3 capsules. Active Detox is a dietary supplement with chlorella, milk thistle, amino acids, alpha-lipoic acid, turmeric, resveratrol, lycopene, zinc and selenium that contributes to liver detoxification and cell protection against oxidative damage.
Polycystic Ovary
Resveratrol has shown potential to improve some aspects of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), especially those related to insulin resistance, hyperandrogenism, and chronic inflammation, which are common features of this condition. A dose of 500 mg as a single dose could be useful in these cases, Dosage that you can find in Active Resveratrol.
Always consult with your doctor when you want to take a supplement if your goal is related to a health problem.
If you’re considering integrating a resveratrol supplement into your daily routine, it’s good practice to choose a science-backed option. Active Resveratrol is a dietary supplement with 500mg of Polygonum cuspidatum, of which 95% Trans-Resveratrol.
How to Integrate Resveratrol into Your Diet
Natural Sources of Resveratrol
Resveratrol is present in foods such as black grapes, blueberries, blackberries, peanuts, and red wine. Although these sources offer a natural way to consume it, the amounts may be insufficient to achieve effects and we do not want to have to drink a lot of wine to notice its benefits because we would cause another health problem.
Using Resveratrol Supplements
Resveratrol supplements are a convenient option for higher and more consistent doses. If your goal is to make the most of the benefits of resveratrol, supplements may be a good option. Salengei’s Active Resveratrol is the dietary supplement with the highest amount of resveratrol per dose. Per capsule we consume 475mg of high-quality trans-resveratrol.
Remember that we must always start from a balanced diet rich in natural antioxidants and a healthy lifestyle that is accompanied by physical exercise so that our health is in optimal conditions.
Conclusion
Resveratrol is a fascinating compound and much more than an antioxidant; It is a powerful tool for protecting cellular, cardiovascular, and brain health. Its benefits make it a valuable supplement for anyone looking to slow premature aging and support their overall well-being.
However, as with any supplement, it is essential to be aware of contraindications and consult a healthcare professional before starting your consumption, especially if you are taking medication or have pre-existing conditions.
If you are looking for a reliable product, we invite you to explore the resveratrol supplements available at Salengei, formulated with the highest quality standards to ensure efficacy and safety. Because we’re proud to offer high-quality products backed by scientific research and designed to optimize your well-being.
If you’re considering incorporating resveratrol into your routine, we invite you to explore our purity and efficacy options.
