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Resveratrol
DESCRIPTION/FUNCTION
- Resveratrol is a type of polyphenol called phytoalexin. Phytoalexins are
compounds produced by a plant’s defense system against stress caused by
environmental conditions, insect infestations, and disease.
DRI (RDA or AI for Adults)
MAJOR SOURCES
- Japanese knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum), red wine, red grape skin and
seeds, mulberries, peanut skins.
MAINTENANCE/THERAPEUTIC RANGE
- 10 mg to 400 mg. [(25 mg of trans-resveratrol is
equal to about 70 glasses (6 oz.) of red wine (Pinot Noir)]
POSSIBLE THERAPEUTIC APPLICATIONS
- Cancer
- Coronary heart disease
- Herpes (types 1 and 2)
- Immune function
COMMENTS
- Resveratrol exists in both the cis and trans stereoisomer forms. Grapes
contain mostly the trans form, while Polygonum cuspidatum contains both
forms. Resveratrol has slight estrogenic activity. It also has antioxidant
properties. Lower doses may be better for anti-aging effects, and higher
doses for anti-cancer effects.
- In general, wines made from grapes of the Pinot
Noir (up to 2 mg/L) and St. Laurent varieties showed the highest level of
trans-resveratrol, though no wine or region can yet be said to produce wines
with significantly higher resveratrol concentrations than any other wine or
region.
CAUTIONS
- Consult with your health practitioner if you are taking a blood thinning
drug. Because resveratrol has some estrogenic activity, avoid large amounts
if you are pregnant or have a hormone-sensitive cancer (breast, ovarian,
uterine).
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