Resveratrol is a natural chemical compound found in grapes, red wine, and other foods. As a supplement, resveratrol has been promoted as a treatment for many conditions -- including aging itself.

Researchers have long believed that substances in red wine might have health benefits. Drinking red wine in moderation may be associated with a lower risk of heart disease. Beginning in the 1990s, experts began to focus on resveratrol, an antioxidant compound in red wine. Since then, some animal and lab studies have shown that resveratrol has promising antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer effects.

However, resveratrol supplements have not been well studied in people. We don't really know what benefits and risks they might have. We also don't know if resveratrol is necessarily more important than some of the other natural substances in wine.

Nonetheless, resveratrol has become a popular supplement. People use it for many different conditions. Some take resveratrol supplements to try to prevent or treat serious diseases, like cancer or heart disease. Others hope that they will slow the aging process. For now, these uses are unsupported by evidence.

Resveratrol is an unproven treatment and there is no standard dose. Some estimates of doses come from preliminary research studies. Ask your health care provider for advice.

Resveratrol occurs naturally in red wine, red grape skins, grape juice, peanuts, mulberries, and some Chinese herbs.

Some people wonder if they should drink more red wine because of the possible health benefits of resveratrol. However, most experts and organizations like the American Heart Association still suggest limiting alcoholic drinks to one per day for women and two for men. Four ounces of red wine equals one drink. Other forms of alcohol do not have resveratrol.

Given the lack of evidence about their safety, resveratrol supplements are not recommended for children or for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

SOURCES:

American Heart Association: "Alcohol, Wine and Cardiovascular Disease."

Fundukian, L., ed. The Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine, third edition, 2009.

Linus Pauling Institute: "Resveratrol."

Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: About Herbs: Resveratrol.

Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database: Resveratrol.

Natural Standard Patient Monograph: Resveratrol.

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Resveratrol: Red Wine Antioxidant for Health - WebMD