Resveratrol acts as an antioxidant and inhibits oxidation of low density lipoproteins (LDL)(21), plateletaggregation, and eicosanoid synthesis(4). It also induces nitric oxide (NO) production(24)(25) and increases arterial blood flow(8). These actions may contribute to its purported cardiovascular health benefits.

Resveratrol acts as an anti-inflammatory agent by inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX) activity(26). It has been shown to decrease C-reactive protein and tumor necrosis factor, and to increase anti-inflammatory interleukin-10 and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 in humans(5). Resveratrol decreases oxidative stress and improves insulin sensitivity by increasing protein kinase activities(10). It decreases circulating insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-I) and IGF-binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) levels(27) which may account for its antidiabetic effects in humans.

Preliminary data suggest that resveratrol increases the life span of yeast cells by activating sirtuins(1)(2). Recent study shows it inhibits human Sirt3 and stimulates Sirt5, in addition to Sirt1(28).

In vitro and animal studies show that resveratrol has anticancer activities. It inhibits proliferation of cancer cells via apoptosis and by exerting anti-estrogenic effects(14)(15)(16)(17). However, contradictory data from other studies showed that it acts as a phytoestrogen and could activate genes that are normally regulated by estrogens(18) or androgens(19).

Trans-resveratrol appears to decrease methylation of the tumor suppressor gene RASSF-1alpha in women at increased breast cancer risk(29). In addition, reductions in breast cancer cell migration and invasion were observed after treatment with resveratrol(30)(31). Resveratrol growth factor heregulin-beta1 (HRG-beta1) mediated matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP-9) expressions in human breast cancer cells(30).

Resveratrol may help reduce prostate tumorigenesis through a reduction inprostatic levels of mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) activity and increased expression of SIRT1(32). Another study demonstrated that resveratrol modulates steroid hormone-dependent pathways to inhibit prostate cancer cell growth. However, resveratrol also increases angiogenesis and inhibitsapoptosis in vivo(19).

In an animal model, resveratrol downregulated p21and upregulated cyclin E leading to S-phase accumulation and apoptosis in neuroblastoma cells(14). Italso inhibitedCYP1A1, CYP1A2, and CYP1B1 enzymesin tumor cells, perhapsexerting antitumor effects as some of these enzymes are known to be involved in the activation of procarcinogens and toxins(22)(23).

Protective effects of resveratrol against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity are due to upregulation of SIRT1-mediated p53 deacetylation.(20). It also protects against cisplatin-induced cardiotoxicity through the suppression of oxidative stress(19).

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Resveratrol | Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center