What is Resveratrol and Resveratrol Supplementation?
Resveratrol is a polyphenol naturally found in certain plants. It is especially present in grape skins, purple-colored fruits, nuts, and some types of tea. Resveratrol is synthesized by more than 70 plant species in response to infections, stress, injury, bacterial or fungal infections, and UV radiation. It is known for its protective effects against various health issues and acts as an antioxidant, particularly in preventing cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and diabetes.
Resveratrol belongs to the polyphenol group known as stilbenes in chemistry, with the chemical formula C₁₄H₁₂O₃. Its main structure consists of a stilbene core with a double bond between two phenol rings. Resveratrol exists in two isomeric forms: trans-resveratrol and cis-resveratrol.
Trans-Resveratrol vs. Cis-Resveratrol
Trans-resveratrol is the biologically active form and is naturally found in grape skins, purple-colored fruits, and certain plants.
How is Resveratrol Synthesized?
The synthesis of this molecule in plants occurs through a process similar to that of flavonoids, catalyzed by resveratrol synthase in the phenylpropanoid pathway. Resveratrol was first isolated and reported in 1939 by the Japanese researcher Takaoka from white hellebore. It consists of two phenol rings (a monophenol and a diphenol) connected by a double styrene bond and exists in both cis and trans isomeric forms.
Trans-resveratrol appears to be the more abundant and stable natural form. This molecule contains three hydroxyl groups, which play a role in free radical scavenging and metal chelation. The presence of hydroxyl groups also facilitates interactions with macromolecules.
Health Benefits of Resveratrol Supplementation
Antioxidant Effects
Resveratrol supplementation exerts antioxidant effects by reducing cellular damage caused by free radicals. This may help protect against various diseases.
Reducing Cardiovascular Disease Risk
Resveratrol helps widen blood vessels and lower blood pressure, thereby reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. Additionally, by lowering LDL (bad cholesterol) and increasing HDL (good cholesterol), it may help protect heart health.
Reducing Cancer Risk
Some studies show that resveratrol may inhibit the growth of cancer cells and prevent their metastasis.
Anti-Inflammatory Effects
Resveratrol reduces inflammation and alleviates the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory diseases.
Reducing Diabetes Risk
Resveratrol supplementation may reduce the risk of diabetes by balancing blood sugar levels and decreasing insulin resistance.
Protecting Brain Health
Some studies show that resveratrol may enhance brain function and slow the progression of neurological diseases.
Biological Properties of Resveratrol
Resveratrol exhibits a wide range of biological properties, including anti-glycation, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, anti-cancer, and anti-aging activities, in various in vitro and in vivo experimental models.
Research has shown that resveratrol reduces blood insulin levels in animals with hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance. This potent compound alleviates fat accumulation and supports liver health by reducing hepatic lipid deposition. Additionally, it limits fat production by suppressing fatty acid synthase expression.
Effects on Insulin Resistance and Fat Metabolism
We know that resveratrol supplementation decreases plasma amylase levels, which increase the risk of pancreatic damage. Therefore, resveratrol plays a role in protecting the pancreas.
Pancreas Protection and Inflammation Reduction
Additionally, resveratrol increases mitochondrial count by reducing calorie intake and enhances citrate synthase activation, which plays a critical role in energy production. It suppresses inflammation by reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines and helps protect against pancreatic damage by inducing glutathione peroxidase activation.
Resveratrol also reduces inflammatory marker levels by protecting pancreatic β-cells. Studies show that resveratrol decreases oxidative stress levels, prevents fibrosis and cell destruction in pancreatic islets, and restores the structure and function of the pancreas.
Types of Resveratrol
Resveratrol is found in plants as a type of polyphenol, and some sources mention different types of resveratrol, such as:
Trans-Resveratrol
This is the biologically active form and is naturally found in grape skin, purple-colored fruits, and some plants.
Cis-Resveratrol
This is an isomer of trans-resveratrol and is less biologically active than the trans form.
Pterostilbene
This is another compound that belongs to the stilbene class, with similar features to trans-resveratrol. It is especially found in blueberries and other purple-colored fruits.
Viniferin
This is the oligomeric form of resveratrol and is found along with trans-resveratrol in some plants.
Piceid
This is the glycoside form of resveratrol and is commonly found in plants. When piceid is digested, it can be converted into trans-resveratrol.
Even though these types have been studied less, trans-resveratrol is the most commonly studied and well-known form.
Sources of Resveratrol
Grapes
Resveratrol is found in grape seeds and leaves but is especially abundant in red grape skins.
Purple Fruits
Blueberry, raspberry, blackberry, wild strawberry, and cherry can contain resveratrol.
Nuts
Resveratrol may be found in peanuts, pine nuts, and almonds.
Cocoa
Cocoa contains many beneficial compounds, including flavonoids and other polyphenols. Dark chocolate may also contain high amounts of resveratrol.
References
Naz R, Saqib F, Awadallah S, Wahid M, Latif MF, Iqbal I, Mubarak MS. Food Polyphenols and Type II Diabetes Mellitus: Pharmacology and Mechanisms. Molecules. 2023 May 10;28(10):3996. doi: 10.3390/molecules28103996. PMID: 37241737; PMCID: PMC10222362.
Resveratrolün Emilimi ve Metabolizması Meng T, Xiao D, Muhammed A, Deng J, Chen L, He J. Anti-Inflammatory Action and Mechanisms of Resveratrol. Molecules. 2021 Jan 5;26(1):229. doi: 10.3390/molecules26010229. PMID: 33466247; PMCID: PMC7796143.
