Resveratrol (trans-resveratrol)
Resveratrol (3,5,4'-trihydroxy-trans-stilbene) is a polyphenol found in grape skins, red wine, peanuts, and Japanese knotweed (the principal commercial supplement source). Trans-resveratrol is the bioactive isomer. Sold in the UK as a food supplement at 100–500 mg/day. EFSA did not substantiate resveratrol's cardiovascular claims; no UK food-supplement health claims are authorised. Drug interactions via CYP3A4 / CYP2C9 inhibition + antiplatelet activity. Pregnancy: avoid supplemental forms.
Camden Medicals editorial · Last reviewed 12 June 2026 · Next review December 2026
- Cross-checked against
- NHS
- NICE
- BNF
- EFSA
- FSA
Camden's editorial team independently graded each health claim below on the strength of the published evidence — see the grade beside every condition.
- Class
- Polyphenol
- Typical daily dose
- UK retail products supply 50–500 mg of trans-resveratrol per serving. Trials in cardiovascular / metabolic / NAD-precursor contexts have used 150–500 mg/day across 4–12 weeks. Camden NB-161 supplies 170 mg of trans-resveratrol per capsule (1-capsule serving) in a multi-active stack — within the trial range.
- Top use evidence
- Limited
On this page
What it is
Resveratrol is a stilbene polyphenol — chemically 3,5,4'-trihydroxy-trans-stilbene — produced by certain plants in response to environmental stressors (UV, pathogens, fungal infection). It exists as two geometric isomers: trans- resveratrol (the bioactive form) and cis-resveratrol (largely inactive). The trans isomer is the form measured in trials and declared on supplement labels.
Dietary sources include red and purple grape skins (~0.5 mg per 100 g of skin), red wine (~0.2–7 mg/L depending on grape variety and winemaking), peanuts (~0.05 mg per 100 g), some berries (cranberry, lingonberry), dark chocolate, and pistachios. UK retail food-supplement preparations almost exclusively source resveratrol from Japanese knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum / Reynoutria japonica) — a high-concentration plant source that yields a cost-effective standardised extract. The supplement form supplies trans-resveratrol at a much higher dose than dietary intake (50–500 mg per serving vs ~5 mg/day from a diverse Western diet).
Resveratrol entered the public consciousness via the "French paradox" hypothesis — the observation that French populations had relatively low cardiovascular disease despite high saturated fat intake, attributed (controversially) to red-wine consumption. Subsequent research from the Sinclair laboratory (Harvard) framed resveratrol as a SIRT1 activator and a candidate for lifespan-extension; that mechanism has been challenged by independent biochemistry (the original SIRT1 fluorescence-assay activation has been described as an artefact by some replications). The current scientific consensus is more cautious: resveratrol has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity in vitro, but human clinical-outcome translation is limited.
Regulatory note: resveratrol is lawful as a UK food supplement. NO UK food-supplement health claims are authorised. EFSA has not substantiated the resveratrol claim submissions it assessed, including cardiovascular-function claims, on the grounds that "the food constituent is not sufficiently characterised" or "a cause-and-effect relationship has not been established". UK food-supplement marketing must therefore stay descriptive of the polyphenol family and dietary sources, NOT make body-effect claims.
At a glance
- A stilbene polyphenol (3,5,4'-trihydroxy-trans-stilbene) found in grape skins, red wine, peanuts, and Japanese knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum) — the principal commercial supplement source.
- NO UK-authorised food-supplement health claims. EFSA did not substantiate cardiovascular-protection claims for resveratrol, and none is authorised. Sirtuin-activation framing has been challenged by independent biochemistry; lifespan-extension claims are prohibited.
- Trans-resveratrol is the bioactive isomer. Standardisation by trans-isomer % is the quality marker. Plain trans-resveratrol has poor oral bioavailability (~1%); formulated forms (Veri-te™, phytosome) absorb meaningfully better.
- Drug interactions: CYP3A4 / CYP2C9 / CYP2D6 inhibition + antiplatelet activity at supplement doses. Disclose use to your prescriber if you take warfarin, ciclosporin, statins, NSAIDs, or chemotherapy.
- Pregnancy: avoid supplemental forms. Dietary intake from food is not the concern. Pregnancy alcohol guidance applies separately to red wine.
What people use it for
Adults supplementing with NAD-precursors (NMN, NR) — convention-driven inclusion
Resveratrol features in NAD-precursor stacks for the historic SIRT1-activation framing; the sirtuin thesis has been challenged and outcome-trial evidence for the combination is limited. UK food-supplement claims are not authorised. Camden NB-161 includes 170 mg of trans-resveratrol per capsule in this convention-driven stack.
Some evidenceLimitedAdults exploring supplements for cardiovascular support, alongside lifestyle measures and any prescribed therapy
Resveratrol's cardiovascular claims were not substantiated by EFSA and none is authorised in Great Britain. Some small trials have reported markers (flow-mediated dilation, lipid markers); UK NICE pathways for cardiovascular disease management apply (NG28 type-2 diabetes, NG136 hypertension, NG238 cardiovascular risk assessment). Resveratrol is not on those pathways. No UK-authorised claim. [2,4]
Some evidenceLimitedAdults exploring supplements for blood-glucose / metabolic-syndrome markers
Small RCTs of resveratrol in adults with type-2 diabetes or metabolic syndrome have reported some marker improvements. UK NICE NG28 lists the recognised type-2 diabetes management pathway; resveratrol is not on it. No UK-authorised claim. [3]
Some evidenceLimitedAdults considering resveratrol for diagnosed clinical conditions (cancer, neurodegenerative disease)
Resveratrol is not on UK NICE / NHS pathways for any specific clinical condition. Self-supplementation in place of formal management is not appropriate. Talk to your GP. Note: resveratrol has phytoestrogenic activity that may be a consideration in hormone-sensitive cancers.
Popular, not provenInsufficientAdults exploring polyphenol-rich diet alongside food-supplement curiosity
Dietary polyphenols from a diverse plant-rich diet are the regulator-permissible framing. Supplement use at 100–500 mg/day is several times the dietary intake; the trial-level evidence for body-effect claims is limited. The "food first" framing is the conventional answer.
Some evidenceLimited
How it works
Resveratrol acts on multiple in-vitro pathways: SIRT1 / sirtuin activation (originally proposed by the Sinclair laboratory; subsequent replication is mixed), AMPK activation, NF-κB pathway inhibition, oestrogen-receptor modulation (phytoestrogen activity), and CYP3A4 / CYP2C9 / CYP2D6 inhibition. The CYP inhibition is the drug-interaction-relevant activity at standardised supplement doses; the sirtuin / AMPK framing is mechanistic rather than UK-authorised-claim- backed.
Common myths
Myth"Resveratrol is a proven age-reversal / lifespan-extension supplement"
RealityUK food-supplement claims for lifespan-extension or rejuvenation are NOT authorised. The Sinclair-laboratory SIRT1 thesis has been challenged; human lifespan-outcome trials don''t exist. The "resveratrol = lifespan extension" framing is marketing, not clinical evidence.
Myth""Resveratrol equivalent of 200 glasses of wine" makes a meaningful clinical case"
RealityWine resveratrol content is 0.2–7 mg per 175 ml glass; supplement dose is 100–500 mg per serving. The dose-comparison framing oversimplifies — wine is a complex matrix with its own polyphenol mix and ethanol load. Supplement marketing in "wine equivalents" is a misleading framing that doesn''t reflect either dietary intake patterns or trial-comparable supplement doses.
Myth"Resveratrol is "EFSA-approved for cardiovascular protection""
RealityEFSA did not substantiate resveratrol cardiovascular-protection claim submissions. The standard reason given is that the cause-and-effect relationship has not been established to EFSA''s standard. UK food-supplement claims for cardiovascular protection from resveratrol are NOT authorised.
Myth"Cis-resveratrol is just as good as trans-resveratrol"
RealityTrans-resveratrol is the bioactive isomer studied in trials. Cis-resveratrol is largely inactive. Standardisation by trans-isomer % is the relevant quality marker. Generic "resveratrol" without trans-isomer disclosure may be cis-contaminated.
Myth"Resveratrol is safe to combine with any medication because it's "natural""
RealityResveratrol inhibits CYP3A4, CYP2C9, CYP2D6 at supplement doses + has antiplatelet activity in vitro. The naturalness-as-safety framing is not appropriate. People on warfarin, ciclosporin, statins, tamoxifen, or other narrow-therapeutic-window medication should disclose supplement use to their prescriber.
Common online questions
Synthesised from the questions UK shoppers most often ask online about Resveratrol (trans-resveratrol). Each answer is editorial and links to its evidence in the Sources list below.
Is the "French paradox" why I should take resveratrol?
The French paradox (relatively low cardiovascular disease in French populations despite high saturated fat) is an observational epidemiological hypothesis that has been challenged on multiple methodological grounds (recording differences, lifestyle confounders). The red-wine / resveratrol explanation was always one of several proposed causes; it does not translate to a clinical recommendation for resveratrol supplementation. UK food-supplement claims for cardiovascular protection from resveratrol are NOT authorised — EFSA did not substantiate them.
How much resveratrol is in a glass of red wine?
Roughly 0.2–7 mg of trans-resveratrol per 175 ml glass, depending on grape variety, winemaking method, and storage. That''s well below the supplement dose (typically 100–500 mg per serving). UK pregnancy alcohol guidance applies separately to red wine. The dietary versus supplement form is a meaningful distinction — supplement marketing as "resveratrol equivalent of X glasses of wine" is misleading.
Did the SIRT1 / sirtuin "lifespan extension" research hold up?
The original Sinclair-laboratory thesis was influential. The SIRT1 fluorescence-assay activation has been described as an artefact by some independent replications, and the human lifespan-extension framing has not translated to outcome trials. The current scientific consensus is more cautious — resveratrol has multiple in-vitro effects, but a clear clinical-outcome benefit hasn''t been demonstrated. UK food-supplement claims for lifespan or SIRT1 are not authorised.
Plain trans-resveratrol vs Veri-te™ vs phytosome — does it matter?
Bioavailability matters. Plain trans-resveratrol has poor oral bioavailability (~1% of dose reaches plasma intact; the rest is rapidly conjugated to glucuronide/sulphate forms). Veri-te™ (DSM, recombinant-yeast-fermented) and lecithin-phytosome formulations improve absorption meaningfully. Source matters too — Japanese knotweed extract is the principal commercial source; grape extract is more expensive but lower in trans-resveratrol per gram.
Can I take resveratrol with prescription medication?
Talk to your prescriber. Resveratrol inhibits CYP3A4, CYP2C9, CYP2D6 at standardised supplement doses. Drug- interaction implications: warfarin (additive bleeding via CYP2C9 + antiplatelet activity), ciclosporin / tacrolimus / mTOR inhibitors (CYP3A4 + P-gp), statins (CYP3A4), tamoxifen (CYP2D6 — particularly relevant in hormone-sensitive cancer survivors), chemotherapy agents. Disclose use to your prescribing GP / pharmacist.
Can I take resveratrol while pregnant?
Standard advice is to avoid supplemental resveratrol during pregnancy. Dietary intake from grapes, peanuts, berries is not the concern. UK pregnancy alcohol guidance applies separately to red wine. Animal studies have raised flags around prenatal exposure at supplement-relevant doses; human pregnancy safety data for supplemental resveratrol is limited.
Can I take resveratrol if I've had a hormone-sensitive cancer?
Talk to your oncology team. Resveratrol has phytoestrogenic activity (it can bind oestrogen receptors at supplement doses). In hormone-sensitive cancers (oestrogen-receptor- positive breast cancer, some endometrial cancers, prostate cancer), the conservative position is to defer to your oncology team before supplementing. Tamoxifen interaction (via CYP2D6) is a separate concern.
🔬 Camden’s evidence review
The research Camden reviewed, graded on its strength. This is our own appraisal — it sits beneath the official guidance above, never above it.
Cardiovascular markers — small trials, mixed
LimitedEvidencelimitedMultiple resveratrol cardiovascular-claim submissions have been assessed by EFSA and not substantiated. Small RCTs have reported some marker changes in flow-mediated dilation (FMD), inflammatory markers (hs-CRP), and lipid markers in healthy adults and adults with metabolic syndrome. Trial sizes are small, durations short, and meta-analytic conclusions are limited. NICE pathways for hypertension and cardiovascular risk assessment apply; resveratrol is not on those pathways. [2,4]
Type-2 diabetes / metabolic syndrome — small trials
LimitedEvidencelimitedSmall trials of resveratrol 150–500 mg/day in adults with type-2 diabetes have reported modest improvements in HbA1c, fasting glucose, and insulin sensitivity. Trial sizes and durations are limited. NICE NG28 lists the recognised T2D management pathway; resveratrol is not on it. No UK-authorised claim. [3]
Sirtuin / SIRT1 activation — preclinical / mechanistic
MixedEvidencemixedThe Sinclair-laboratory thesis that resveratrol activates SIRT1 and extends lifespan in model organisms has been challenged. The original fluorescence-based SIRT1 activation assay has been described as an artefact in some replications. The mechanism remains debated; what''s settled is that resveratrol affects multiple in-vitro pathways. UK food-supplement claims for SIRT1 activation or lifespan-extension are not authorised.
Antioxidant / inflammation markers
LimitedEvidencelimitedIn-vitro and small-trial data on resveratrol and oxidative-stress / inflammation markers report some changes at higher supplement doses. Translation to clinical-outcome improvement is limited. EFSA has not substantiated most polyphenol antioxidant claims; UK food-supplement claims for antioxidant function from resveratrol are not authorised.
Cellular-senescence research context
InsufficientEvidenceinsufficientResveratrol features in some research-context interventional protocols studying cellular senescence and age-related outcomes. These are research-context drug protocols, NOT food-supplement use cases. UK food-supplement claim wording for ageing / senescence is medicinal and prohibited.
CYP3A4 / CYP2C9 inhibition — drug interaction
ModerateEvidencemoderateMultiple in-vitro and clinical-pharmacology studies have characterised resveratrol''s inhibition of CYP3A4, CYP2C9, and CYP2D6 at standardised supplement doses. Drug-interaction implications apply for warfarin (CYP2C9 + antiplatelet activity = bleeding risk), ciclosporin / tacrolimus, statins, and certain antibiotics. [6,7,8]
Safety
Resveratrol from food (grapes, peanuts, berries) is generally safe. Supplemental trans-resveratrol at standard doses (100–500 mg/day) is generally well-tolerated short-term, with documented CYP3A4 / CYP2C9 / CYP2D6 inhibition and antiplatelet activity. Pregnancy: avoid supplemental forms. Hormone-sensitive cancers: defer to oncology team.
Talk to your pharmacist or GP first if you:
- You take warfarin or any vitamin-K-antagonist anticoagulant — additive bleeding risk via CYP2C9 inhibition + antiplatelet activity.
- You take ciclosporin / tacrolimus / mTOR inhibitors — possible plasma level changes via CYP3A4 / P-gp inhibition.
- You take statins (simvastatin, atorvastatin) — possible plasma level rise via CYP3A4 inhibition.
- You take tamoxifen for hormone-sensitive breast cancer — CYP2D6 inhibition reduces tamoxifen activation; defer to oncology team.
- You have hormone-sensitive cancers (oestrogen-receptor-positive breast cancer, endometrial, prostate) — phytoestrogen activity is a concern; defer to oncology team.
- You take chemotherapy agents — possible level changes; defer to oncology team.
- You take NSAIDs / antiplatelets / anticoagulants — additive bleeding via antiplatelet activity at high doses.
- You are pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to conceive — avoid supplemental form.
- You are scheduled for surgery — stop ≥1 week before.
Common side effects: Mild GI complaints (nausea, abdominal discomfort, loose stools) at higher doses. Generally well-tolerated short-term.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Avoid supplemental resveratrol during pregnancy. Dietary intake from food is not the concern. UK pregnancy alcohol guidance applies separately to red wine.
Avoid supplemental form. Limited human lactation safety data.
Talk to your GP, midwife, or pharmacist before starting any supplement during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
More clinical detail (for clinicians and informed readers)
Contraindications
- Pregnancy — avoid supplemental form (dietary intake from food is not the concern).
- Lactation — avoid supplemental form.
- Paediatric use — avoid as a supplement.
- Hormone-sensitive cancers (ER-positive breast cancer, endometrial, prostate) — relative contraindication; phytoestrogen activity.
- Active anticoagulation therapy — relative contraindication; antiplatelet activity adds to bleeding risk.
- Pre-surgery — stop ≥1 week before any planned surgery.
Drug interactions
- Warfarin / DOACs — additive bleeding via CYP2C9 inhibition + antiplatelet activity.
- Ciclosporin / tacrolimus / mTOR inhibitors — possible plasma level changes via CYP3A4 / P-gp inhibition.
- Statins (simvastatin, atorvastatin) — possible plasma level rise via CYP3A4 inhibition.
- Tamoxifen — CYP2D6 inhibition can reduce tamoxifen-to-endoxifen activation; relevant in hormone-sensitive breast cancer.
- Calcium-channel blockers — possible plasma level changes.
- Chemotherapy agents — possible level changes; defer to oncology team.
- NSAIDs / antiplatelets — additive bleeding.
- Hormone-replacement therapy — phytoestrogen activity may interact.
This is not an exhaustive list. Always tell your prescriber and pharmacist about every supplement you take.
Common side effects
- Mild GI complaints — nausea, abdominal discomfort, loose stools; reduced by taking with food and starting at lower dose.
Rare side effects
- Headache.
- Allergic reaction.
- Bleeding tendency — case reports at high doses combined with anticoagulants or NSAIDs.
- Renal-side-effect signals — small trials at sustained doses >1.5 g/day.
How to take it
- Typical supplemental range
- UK retail products supply 50–500 mg of trans-resveratrol per serving. Trials in cardiovascular / metabolic / NAD-precursor contexts have used 150–500 mg/day across 4–12 weeks. Camden NB-161 supplies 170 mg of trans-resveratrol per capsule (1-capsule serving) in a multi-active stack — within the trial range.
- Timing
- Daily, with food (food fat content modestly improves absorption). Lecithin-phytosome formulations reach plasma faster than plain trans-resveratrol.
How to spot quality
Look for
- Trans-resveratrol percentage declared (≥98% trans- isomer is the trial-grade standard).
- Source: Japanese knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum / Reynoutria japonica) is the principal commercial source; grape extract is alternative.
- Bioavailability framing — trial-comparable products acknowledge plain trans-resveratrol's poor oral bioavailability and use a formulated form (Veri-te™, phytosome) where bioavailability is the priority.
- Dose declared per serving (mg of trans-resveratrol, not just mg of "resveratrol complex").
- Country of manufacture stated.
- CoA available on request, with batch number and issue date.
- Heavy-metal screening disclosed (Japanese knotweed sourced from regions with potentially contaminated soils).
- No rejuvenation / lifespan / "SIRT1" / "French paradox" claim wording.
- Drug-interaction warning on label or PDP — resveratrol's CYP3A4 / CYP2C9 + antiplatelet profile makes prescriber-disclosure prompts appropriate.
Red flags
- Generic "resveratrol" without trans-isomer percentage.
- "Resveratrol equivalent of X glasses of wine" framing on label.
- Marketing as "EFSA-approved for cardiovascular health" (false — EFSA did not substantiate those claims).
- Marketing as "age-reversal" or "lifespan-extension" supplement.
- SIRT1 / sirtuin-activation claims as health claims.
- No CYP3A4 / drug-interaction warning despite standardised supplement dose.
- No pregnancy contraindication on supplement form.
- No country-of-origin or heavy-metal screening disclosure.
- Marketing to hormone-sensitive cancer survivors without phytoestrogen caveat.
Commonly combined with
Other ingredients that share a biological pathway, cofactor relationship, or evidence-backed protocol with this one. Mechanisms below cite primary physiology — not folk pairing. Doses are literature ranges, not recommendations. Talk to your pharmacist or GP before changing your stack, especially if you take prescription medication.
Pterostilbene (trans-pterostilbene)
Limited evidencePterostilbene is a methylated resveratrol analogue; conventional in NAD-precursor / polyphenol stacks, often paired together for putative complementary stilbene activity.
Pterostilbene (3,5-dimethoxy-4'-hydroxy-trans-stilbene) is the di-methylated analogue of resveratrol. Both target overlapping in-vitro pathways (sirtuin / AMPK / NF-κB). Pterostilbene has better oral bioavailability than plain trans-resveratrol (the methoxy substitutions slow phase-II conjugation). The pairing is conventional in NAD-precursor stacks; outcome-trial evidence for the combination as such is limited.
Evidence: Camden NB-161 supplies 170 mg trans-resveratrol + 100 mg pterostilbene per capsule. Conventional in NAD-precursor stacks.
Doses studied: Resveratrol 100–250 mg + pterostilbene 50–150 mg daily.
Found in Camden: Clarifera™ NMN Complex 90 Delayed Release Capsules
Quercetin
Limited evidenceQuercetin + resveratrol is a classical polyphenol-stack pairing — both polyphenols with overlapping in-vitro signalling effects.
Both quercetin (a flavonol) and resveratrol (a stilbene) have been studied in vitro for sirtuin / NF-κB signalling effects. The in-vitro mechanism framing is biochemically settled; outcome-trial evidence for the combination as such in humans is limited.
Evidence: Conventional in NAD-precursor / life-extension stacks. Camden NB-161 supplies 300 mg quercetin + 170 mg trans-resveratrol per capsule. Combination outcome trials in humans are sparse.
Doses studied: Quercetin 300–500 mg + trans-resveratrol 100–250 mg daily.
Found in Camden: Clarifera™ NMN Complex 90 Delayed Release Capsules
NMN (β-Nicotinamide Mononucleotide)
Limited evidenceConventional in NAD-precursor stacks; resveratrol contributes the historical SIRT1-activation framing alongside NMN's NAD-precursor framing.
Resveratrol and NMN target related-but-distinct pathways. The historical SIRT1-activation thesis (Sinclair laboratory) pairs an NAD-precursor (NMN) with a putative sirtuin substrate (resveratrol). The mechanism is contested; outcome-trial evidence for the combination is limited.
Evidence: Camden NB-161 supplies 170 mg trans-resveratrol + 500 mg NMN per capsule. NMN is on the FSA novel-food register as "pending"; this combination is discussed for mechanistic context.
Doses studied: Resveratrol 100–250 mg + NMN 250–500 mg daily.
Found in Camden: Clarifera™ NMN Complex 90 Delayed Release Capsules