Resveratrol is a compound found in grapes, red wine, other fruits, and peanuts. It acts as a phytoalexin, which is helps defend against bacteria and fungi. Animal studies have found resveratrol to be possesses anti-fungal, anti-viral, and anti-inflammatory capabilities.

Resveratrol can be purchased as a nutritional supplement that sources it from grape skins/seeds, red wine extract or Japanese Knotweed. It is considered a nutraceutical. Ongoing studies are looking into how it might be used to treat various degenerative diseases.

Resveratrol in red wine was once considered the main thing behind cardiovascular disease being low in France despite many French smoking and consuming high amounts of animal fats. While resveratrol might be cardioprotective, it is only part of the active compounds found in red wine that work together to protect the cardio system.

While it might not protect the heart as much as previously believed, there is emerging studies that show there might be other potential benefits of resveratrol. This includes it might have anti-cancer abilities, as cell culture tests have found that it disrupts the stages of cancer development. Resveratrol might also disrupt the development and progression of neurological diseases including Huntington’s and Alzheimer’s, although no human studies have been done.

Studies have also been done related to the anti-aging capabilities of resveratrol. Theses studies have found it improves the longevity of yeast, nematodes, fruit flies, fish, and mice. The theory is that it could also have anti-aging effects on humans.

Animal studies have also been done on resveratrol’s ability to improve athletic performance. This includes a mice study down in France that found it improved their endurance and a rabbit study that found it improved their serum testosterone.

Resveratrol can be taken as a capsule or powdered supplement. While it does have some promise as a supplement, current studies show that orally it is poorly bioavailable and there is not much human clinical data at this time, although studies have begun on humans.

Since resveratrol has estrogenic effects, it is best for women who are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or worried about breast cancer to avoid it. Other than the estrogenic effects on women, resveratrol is believed to be safe and there are no reported negative side effects. (Posted on 3/2/11)

I feel healthy been on this and i feel it works, (Posted on 10/10/09)