Resveratrol (Stilbene · SIRT1 Activation · Cardiovascular)
| Compound | Resveratrol (Trans-Resveratrol) |
| Chemical class | Polyphenol — Stilbene (3,5,4′-Trihydroxystilbene) |
| CAS | 501-36-0 |
| Primary source | Polygonum cuspidatum (Japanese knotweed rhizome), Vitis vinifera (red grape skin) |
| Key applications | Sirtuin activation (SIRT1), cardiovascular, longevity research |
| Claim strength | Moderate |
| Typical form | Resveratrol 98% (Japanese knotweed); Resveratrol 50% powder |
| Buy from Herbuno |
Resveratrol 50% Powder → Resveratrol 50% Powder (Japanese Knotweed Extract) | Standardized Polygonum cuspidatum → |
Name origin: From Veratrum (false hellebore) + resorcin (resorcinol — the ring hydroxylation pattern) — coined when isolated from Veratrum grandiflorum in 1939. Trans-resveratrol is the biologically active geometric isomer; cis-resveratrol is less active and present in smaller amounts. Traditional use: Polygonum cuspidatum (Hu Zhang in TCM) has been used for thousands of years in East Asian medicine for inflammation, liver conditions, joint pain, and cardiovascular complaints. Resveratrol is now identified as a key bioactive contributor alongside emodin and anthraquinones. Red wine consumption in the Mediterranean diet context is the other major traditional exposure route. Research trajectory: Resveratrol is one of the most extensively studied phytochemicals globally, particularly following the publication of its SIRT1 activation and caloric restriction mimicry mechanisms. Despite massive research investment, clinical translation has been modest due to poor oral bioavailability, rapid metabolism, and inconsistent human trial results. NMN/NAD+ research has partially eclipsed resveratrol in the longevity supplement space but resveratrol remains commercially significant. Commercial source: Resveratrol is commercially available as high-purity trans-resveratrol isolate from Polygonum cuspidatum (Japanese knotweed) rhizome, at 50% and 98% HPLC purity grades. See sourcing options below.
Evidence for Resveratrol Applications
SIRT1 activation and longevity pathway modulation: Resveratrol activates SIRT1 (sirtuin-1) in vitro, mimicking some effects of caloric restriction at the gene expression level. Animal studies demonstrate lifespan extension in lower organisms and improved metabolic function in obese mice. Human SIRT1 activation data are mixed — some studies show PBMC SIRT1 upregulation, others show no effect. The clinical significance of SIRT1 activation at supplement doses remains an open question. Claim strength: Moderate (mechanism established; human clinical significance unclear).
Cardiovascular and endothelial function: Multiple human RCTs show resveratrol improves endothelial function (FMD), reduces LDL oxidation, and modestly reduces systolic blood pressure. Effect sizes are typically small but consistent. Meta-analyses of resveratrol cardiovascular RCTs support clinically measurable endothelial improvements at 150–500 mg/day doses. Claim strength: Moderate.
Anti-inflammatory and metabolic: Resveratrol inhibits NF-κB, COX-1/2, and reduces inflammatory cytokines in multiple cell models. Human metabolic syndrome studies show modest improvements in insulin sensitivity, inflammatory markers (CRP, IL-6), and body composition at 500–1000 mg/day. Effect sizes are small. Claim strength: Moderate.
Resveratrol 50% Powder →
Resveratrol 50% Powder (Japanese Knotweed Extract) | Standardized Polygonum cuspidatum →
Browse Standardised Extract Powders →
Dosage & Formulator Specification
Human clinical studies: 150–1000 mg/day trans-resveratrol for cardiovascular and metabolic applications; longevity research has used doses up to 5 g/day in short-term studies. The most consistent cardiovascular human evidence is at 150–500 mg/day. Bioavailability is the primary limiting factor — standard resveratrol powder has ~1% absolute oral bioavailability due to rapid phase II metabolism (sulphation, glucuronidation) and enterohepatic recycling.
Herbuno supplies Resveratrol 98% (Japanese knotweed, highest purity available) and Resveratrol 50% Powder (cost-effective for higher-dose formulations). For bioavailability-enhanced applications: micronised resveratrol improves dissolution 3–5-fold; resveratrol-phytosome (phospholipid complex) improves plasma Cmax 6.6-fold in human pharmacokinetic studies; piperine co-administration (20 mg) significantly extends plasma half-life by inhibiting phase II metabolism.
Trans-resveratrol is light-sensitive (isomerises to the less-active cis form under UV exposure) — opaque packaging is essential. Thermostable to 100°C for short durations. Stable at neutral to acidic pH; avoid strongly alkaline processing. Trans-resveratrol content should be specified in CoAs (not just total resveratrol, which may include cis isomer).
Frequently Asked Questions — Resveratrol
Has resveratrol lived up to its longevity research promise?
Partially. The initial SIRT1 activation and caloric restriction mimicry findings generated enormous research interest from the mid-2000s. Human trial results have been more modest than animal data predicted — a common translational gap. Resveratrol has a genuine cardiovascular evidence base in humans. The longevity claim rests on mechanistic data and animal studies that have not been replicated in human lifespan studies. The commercial space has partly shifted toward NAD+ precursors (NMN, NR) based on overlapping sirtuin pathway rationale with a more direct NAD+ mechanism.
Does Japanese knotweed resveratrol differ from grape-derived resveratrol?
Chemically identical — trans-resveratrol is trans-resveratrol regardless of botanical source. Japanese knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum) root/rhizome is the dominant commercial production source because it yields much higher resveratrol concentrations (10–50% resveratrol in commercial extracts) than grape skin, which requires large volumes of material for equivalent resveratrol yield. For HPLC purity specifications, source is irrelevant; for label positioning, “Japanese knotweed (resveratrol)” or “grape-derived resveratrol” are both accurate and distinct consumer positioning options.
What is the most effective bioavailability enhancement strategy for resveratrol?
Three strategies have human pharmacokinetic evidence: (1) resveratrol-phytosome (Longevinex/Veri-te phytosome) — 6.6-fold AUC improvement; (2) piperine co-administration (20 mg) — extends plasma half-life significantly by CYP1A1/sulphation inhibition; (3) micronised resveratrol — improves dissolution rate 3–5-fold without chemical modification. Phospholipid complexation provides the most consistent and substantial improvement and is the preferred approach for premium longevity formulations.
Is resveratrol safe at high doses long-term?
Short-term human studies up to 5 g/day have not reported serious adverse events. At doses above 1 g/day, some individuals experience gastrointestinal discomfort, and theoretical concerns about pro-oxidant activity at very high concentrations exist. Long-term human safety data beyond 3–6 months at gram doses are limited. Standard supplement dosing at 100–500 mg/day trans-resveratrol has a well-documented safety profile in clinical trial populations. Include standard advisory language for pregnancy and drug interactions (particularly anticoagulants — resveratrol has mild antiplatelet activity).
Claim-strength scale – High = multiple human RCTs; Moderate = limited trials or strong preclinical convergence; Emerging = early-stage lab or animal data.
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