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Resveratrol

Resveratrol is a plant polyphenol from grapes, berries and peanuts; human studies show mixed results.

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We evaluated 257 human studies on Resveratrol, including 134 randomised controlled trials and 66 meta-analyses or systematic reviews; the controlled studies include 6,721 participants in total. As of 15 October 2026.

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1. What Is Resveratrol? Occurrence, Origin and Forms

Resveratrol is a plant secondary compound from the stilbene group, which belongs to the polyphenols. It occurs naturally in grape skins, red wine, berries and peanuts. It is used mainly as a dietary supplement, and in humans it is studied in the context of cardiovascular, metabolic and ageing questions.

In foods it is found mainly in the skins of grapes and berries and in peanuts. In studies and preparations it appears as a powder, a capsule filling or a dissolved extract.

Resveratrol is obtained by extraction from plant parts in which it occurs. What is tested is mainly trans-resveratrol, as well as extracts that contain further plant compounds alongside it.

Forms and Preparations Studied

  • trans-resveratrol, the form most often tested in studies
  • cis-resveratrol, the second spatial arrangement of the same compound
  • resveratrol glucoside (piceid), the sugar-bound form found in the plant
  • plant extracts containing resveratrol, for example from grape skins or from the root of Japanese knotweed
  • resveratrol in foods, such as red wine, grape juice or berries
  • preparations with improved uptake, for instance micronised or enclosed in liposomes

Not covered on this page:

  • pterostilbene and other stilbenes such as oxyresveratrol, even though they are chemically related
  • red wine or alcohol as a whole: observations on wine consumption count for this compound only if resveratrol is the difference between the groups
  • combination products with further plant compounds such as quercetin or curcumin, whose findings do not belong to resveratrol alone
  • synthetic sirtuin activators developed as resveratrol analogues, which are medicinal substances

2. What Does Resveratrol Do? Results by Area

AreaResult in controlled studiesStrength of evidenceStudiesParticipants
Cardiovascular system and vascular functionmixedhigh22 meta-analyses · 47 controlled · 12 other2,228
Inflammation and oxidative stressmixedhigh15 meta-analyses · 37 controlled · 15 other1,987
Cognition and brainmixedhigh5 meta-analyses · 13 controlled · 9 other761
Ageing and general health statusmixedhigh4 meta-analyses · 11 controlled · 4 other771
Other investigationsmixedhigh40 meta-analyses · 71 controlled · 42 other3,841

How to read the table: counted are human studies whose results concern the area. “High” means at least one meta-analysis and two controlled studies showing improvement, or at least three controlled studies of which three quarters show improvement, with at least 300 participants in total. “Moderate” means at least two controlled studies showing improvement, as a majority, or one meta-analysis alongside controlled studies. “Low” means one controlled study showing improvement. Where an area has no controlled study, the strength of evidence is at most “low” (result “reviews only” or “observational data only”). Everything else is “unclear”. A study counts as showing improvement when at least half of its outcomes in this area improved. Reviews of combination products do not count as meta-analyses; results that only describe side effects or shares of users do not count as an effect. The same study is counted only once.

3. What the Studies Show in Detail

Resveratrol, Cardiovascular System and Vascular Function: Human Studies

In adults with overweight, metabolic disorders or type 2 diabetes, resveratrol lowered total and LDL cholesterol in several meta-analyses 47915. Two further meta-analyses found no difference in blood lipids 2124. Resveratrol lowered blood pressure in meta-analyses, especially in type 2 diabetes 48922, while a meta-analysis in metabolic syndrome found no difference 57. In older men in endurance training, resveratrol attenuated the training effect on oxygen uptake, blood pressure and blood lipids 135. Endothelial function, measured as flow-mediated dilation, improved compared with placebo in two meta-analyses 5157 and in two controlled studies in kidney disease with diabetes and in obesity 132134. The findings apply to oral supplements with trans-resveratrol, sometimes micronized, in different doses and predominantly short to medium durations. The strength of evidence of the table is high, but because of the inconsistent results, the small participant numbers of many individual studies and the different preparations, it remains open which form, dose and duration brings a benefit for which patient groups.

StudyDesign · participantsPreparation · dose · duration · comparisonResult
4 Shen et al. 2026meta-analysis · 2,551 participantsResveratrol supplementation; varied across studies; varied across studies; vs. Control (placebo) in randomized trialsTotal cholesterol: improved; Triglycerides: improved; LDL cholesterol: improved
7 Zhou et al. 2022meta-analysis · 1,171 participantsResveratrol supplementation; vs. Placebototal cholesterol: improved (-0.15; -0.3, -0.01; P = 0.003); low density lipoprotein cholesterol: improved (-0.42; -0.57, -0.27; P ≤ 0.001); high density lipoprotein cholesterol: unclear (0.16; -0.31, -0.02; P = 0.03)
8 Gu et al. 2022meta-analysis · 1,151 participantsresveratrol; high dose ≥1000 mg; vs. placebosystolic blood pressure: improved (WMD: -7.97 mmHg, 95% CI: -10.63, -5.31; P < 0.00001); diastolic blood pressure: improved (WMD: -3.55 mmHg, 95% CI: -5.18, -1.93; P < 0.00001); triglyceride levels: no difference (WMD: -4.49 mg/dL, 95% CI: -24.23, 15.25; P=0.66)
9 Guo et al. 2018meta-analysis · 1,069 participantsResveratrol supplementation; Subgroup analysis: intervention ≥3 months; vs. Control (placebo or comparator)Total cholesterol: improved (-9.75 mg/dL; 95% CI: -17.04 to -2.46 mg/dL; P = 0.009); Systolic blood pressure in type 2 diabetes: improved; Diastolic blood pressure in type 2 diabetes: improved
11 Wu et al. 2025meta-analysis · 928 participantsresveratrol; vs. control group (placebo) in RCTsblood pressure: no difference
15 Sergi et al. 2020meta-analysis · 651 participantsResveratrol supplementation; vs. Control (randomised controlled trials)LDL-cholesterol (in Met-S): improved (mean difference of -0.924 (95% CI: -1.804, -0.043; p = 0.040)); Total cholesterol (in Met-S): improved (mean difference of -1.246 (95% CI: -2.314, -0.178; p = 0.022))
21 Zahoor et al. 2024meta-analysis · 419 participantsResveratrol supplementation; 4 weeks; vs. Control group (placebo) in randomized trialsTriglycerides: no difference (SMD = 0.11, 95%CI [-0.14, 0.35], P = 0.39); Total cholesterol: no difference (SMD = 0.04, 95%CI [-0.26, 0.33], P = 0.82)
22 Nyambuya et al. 2020meta-analysis · 388 participantsResveratrol supplementation; vs. PlaceboSystolic blood pressure: improved (SMD: -5.77 [95% CI: -8.61, -2.93], I2 = 66%, p = 0.02)

Further studies in this area: 24 30 31 33 36 37 38 40 43 46 51 52 53 54 57 62 69 73 75 80 83 85 89 91 92 93 94 95 99 100 104 108 111 112 114 115 117 118 120 122 127 130 132 134 135 137 139 140 141 142 144 147 149 152 153 156 157 163 165 168 169 171 174 184 194 198 200 202 215 217 218 219 222

Resveratrol, Inflammation and Oxidative Stress: Human Studies

For inflammation and oxidative stress, resveratrol lowered C-reactive protein in several meta-analyses 4912181958 and in part TNF-α 41258. For IL-6, three meta-analyses found no difference 121858. A meta-analysis in type 2 diabetes found fewer lipid peroxides as well as more glutathione peroxidase and catalase, but no difference in SOD and malondialdehyde 18. SOD rose in hypertension compared with standard treatment alone 83. In head and neck cancer, antioxidant capacity and SOD rose in both groups, malondialdehyde more markedly with resveratrol 87. In hepatitis C, resveratrol lowered C-reactive protein compared with a group that also received N-acetylcysteine and lactoferrin 102. The strength of evidence is high, but preparations, doses and patient groups differ greatly.

StudyDesign · participantsPreparation · dose · duration · comparisonResult
4 Shen et al. 2026meta-analysis · 2,551 participantsResveratrol supplementation; varied across studies; varied across studies; vs. Control (placebo) in randomized trialshs-CRP: improved; TNF-α: improved; IL-6: improved
9 Guo et al. 2018meta-analysis · 1,069 participantsResveratrol supplementation; Subgroup analysis: intervention ≥3 months; vs. Control (placebo or comparator)C-reactive protein: improved (-0.81 mg/L; 95% CI: -1.42 to -0.21 mg/L; P = 0.009)
12 Koushki et al. 2018meta-analysis · 736 participantsResveratrol supplementation; vs. Placebo-controlled RCTsTNF-α: improved (WMD, -0.44; 95% CI, -0.71 to -0.164; P = 0.002); hs-CRP: improved (WMD, -0.27; 95% CI, -0.5 to -0.02; P = 0.033); IL-6: no difference (WMD, -0.16; 95% CI, -0.53 to 0.20; P = 0.38)
18 Zhu et al. 2024meta-analysis · 533 participantsResveratrol supplementation; vs. PlaceboC-reactive protein: improved (SMD = -1.40, 95%CI(-2.60, -0.21), P = 0.02); lipid peroxide: improved (SMD = -0.99, 95%CI(-1.36, -0.61), P < 0.00001); 8-isoprostanes: improved (SMD = -0.79, 95%CI(-1.16, -0.42), P < 0.0001)
19 Hosseini et al. 2020meta-analysis · 491 participantsResveratrol supplementation; not reported; not reported; vs. Control groups of randomized trialsC-reactive protein (CRP): improved (SMD (-0.34 mg/l) (95 % CI, -0.52, to -0.16) p < 0.05)
20 Carvalho et al. 2023systematic review · 481 participantsResveratrol (form not specified); 250 mg to 1000 mg/dayinflammation markers (erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, IL-1, IL-6, TNF): unclear
28 Christenson et al. 2016systematic review · 208 participantsResveratrol supplementation; 75-3000 mg/day; 14-90 days (minimum 2 weeks); vs. Placebo, randomized double-blindInflammatory markers: improved (P > 0.05)
33 Sun et al. 2026systematic reviewResveratrol supplementation; vs. Control groups of included randomized trialsinflammation: improved

Further studies in this area: 34 37 39 40 53 55 58 62 64 74 77 78 79 83 87 88 90 100 101 102 105 106 107 108 110 113 116 117 118 119 121 123 124 131 133 139 140 144 146 156 162 166 167 168 176 180 185 191 192 196 199 202 206 208 209 211 216 217 222

Resveratrol, Cognition and Brain: Human Studies

In postmenopausal women, trans-resveratrol improved overall cognition compared with placebo, and in a 14-week study also verbal memory 84. A long-term study confirmed the advantage in overall cognition in two analyses 6669. In a further study, the MoCA score improved compared with baseline only in the resveratrol group 82. Cerebrovascular reactivity to cognitive and hypercapnic stimuli was also improved in controlled studies 84125. In overweight older adults, only the higher dose improved psychomotor speed 128. A meta-analysis also found better delayed recognition 29. A systematic review found better working memory 33. Other meta-analyses showed no difference in cognition and MMSE in postmenopausal women and Alzheimer's patients 1125. In contrast, Alzheimer's patients lost more brain volume with resveratrol than with placebo in two studies 72131. A controlled study found no difference in the Stroop test in healthy obese adults 134. A further controlled study found no differences in cognitive performance and mood in healthy adults 142. In men with schizophrenia, a controlled study showed no differences in several cognitive domains 148. The findings apply predominantly to oral trans-resveratrol. A mixture of fermented soy with equol and resveratrol improved symptoms and sleep compared with placebo in menopausal women; what share resveratrol has remains open 103. Only together with piperine did trans-resveratrol increase cerebral blood flow compared with placebo and resveratrol alone in one study; cognition and mood remained unchanged 141. The strength of evidence is high, but the heterogeneity of forms, doses and populations as well as the small sample sizes of the individual studies limit generalization.

StudyDesign · participantsPreparation · dose · duration · comparisonResult
11 Wu et al. 2025meta-analysis · 928 participantsresveratrol; vs. control group (placebo) in RCTscognition and memory: no difference
25 Jin et al. 2023meta-analysis · 271 participantsResveratrol; vs. PlaceboMMSE score: no difference
29 Marx et al. 2018meta-analysis · 166 participantsResveratrol supplementation; vs. Placebo/control in randomized trialsDelayed recognition: improved (SMD, 0.39; 95% CI, 0.08-0.70; P = 0.01)
33 Sun et al. 2026systematic reviewResveratrol supplementation; vs. Control groups of included randomized trialsworking memory: improved
46 Yadegar et al. 2024systematic reviewresveratrol supplementation; not reported in abstract; not reported in abstract; vs. placebo or controlneuroprotective effects in Alzheimer's disease: improved; cognitive function in overweight individuals: improved
49 Tosatti et al. 2022systematic reviewResveratrol alone or as RGM solution; vs. PlaceboCognitive performance (ADAS-cog, MMSE): improved
59 Cicero et al. 2018systematic reviewResveratrol, alone or with other nutraceuticalscognitive decline: unclear
69 Thaung et al. 2021randomised controlled · 125 participantstrans-resveratrol or placebo; 75 mg twice-daily; 24 months (2 x 12-month crossover); vs. placebo, randomised double-blind crossoveroverall cognitive performance: improved (33% improvement); verbal memory in women ≥65 years: improved

Further studies in this area: 72 77 82 84 104 125 128 131 134 141 142 148 178 184 186 197 202 219 221

Resveratrol, Ageing and General Health Status: Human Studies

In postmenopausal women, trans-resveratrol improved general well-being compared with placebo in a long-term study 70 and in a 14-week study 85. In a further study, quality of life improved in both groups, according to the authors more so with trans-resveratrol 82. Plasma sirtuin-1 was higher with resveratrol than with placebo in knee osteoarthritis 64. In two further studies it rose only compared with baseline 79115, and in a training study it remained unchanged 135. In a study in type 2 diabetes, body fat percentage fell only in the subgroup with the greatest increase in sirtuin-1 166. In lean postmenopausal women, body composition remained unchanged with resveratrol compared with placebo 168. An overview of meta-analyses saw a weight advantage in fatty liver, but rated the effects as very small and poorly established 53. Meta-analyses on weight, BMI and fat mass in metabolic disorders, by contrast, found no differences 421. A meta-analysis in postmenopausal women found no difference in quality of life, but a lower bone resorption marker CTX 11. Two studies tested multi-ingredient preparations of whey protein, branched-chain amino acids, MCT fats, creatine, vitamin D3 and resveratrol 86 and of omega-3 fatty acids, whey protein, vitamin D3 and resveratrol 164, respectively. Their findings belong to the respective mixture. The overall strength of evidence is high, but dose, duration and comparison conditions differ markedly between the studies, and for several endpoints only single or contradictory results are available.

StudyDesign · participantsPreparation · dose · duration · comparisonResult
4 Shen et al. 2026meta-analysis · 2,551 participantsResveratrol supplementation; varied across studies; varied across studies; vs. Control (placebo) in randomized trialsBody weight: no difference; BMI: no difference; Fat mass: no difference
11 Wu et al. 2025meta-analysis · 928 participantsresveratrol; vs. control group (placebo) in RCTsCTX (bone resorption): improved (WMD: -0.137, 95% CI: -0.204 to -0.070, p < 0.001); SF-36 quality of life: no difference; bone markers ALP and OC: no difference
21 Zahoor et al. 2024meta-analysis · 419 participantsResveratrol supplementation; 4 weeks; vs. Control group (placebo) in randomized trialsBMI: no difference (MD = 0.21, 95%CI [-0.970, 1.39], P = 0.70)
53 Zeraattalab-Motlagh et al. 2021systematic reviewResveratrol supplementation; short term (<12 weeks) for HbA1c; vs. Control groupsBody weight in NAFLD: improved
64 Karim et al. 2025randomised controlled · 137 participantsResveratrol 500 mg/day; 500 mg/day; 12 weeks; vs. Placeboplasma SIRT1: improved (p < 0.05)
70 Thaung et al. 2020randomised controlled · 125 participantsresveratrol supplement; 75 mg BID; 24 months, two periods; vs. placebo, double-blind, crossovergeneral well-being: improved (P = 0.010)
78 Leonov et al. 2026randomised controlled · 97 participantstrans-resveratrol added to a low-calorie diet; 150 mg/day; 10 days; vs. low-calorie diet alonebody weight, BMI, waist and hip circumference, fat mass: no difference
79 García-Martínez et al. 2023randomised controlled · 97 participantsResveratrol; 1000 mg/day or 500 mg/day; 6 months; vs. PlaceboSirtuin 1 levels: unclear (p < 0.05)

Further studies in this area: 82 85 87 115 135 166 168 185 196 202 208

Resveratrol: Further Outcomes in Studies

In glucose and insulin metabolism, several meta-analyses found improvements, for example in HOMA-IR and fasting glucose 48915, while others found no difference 2122. In fatty liver, resveratrol in a controlled study lowered ALT and liver fat more than placebo 112113, and in obese men also liver fat 156. Two meta-analyses, by contrast, found no difference in liver fat 423. Investigated were predominantly trans-resveratrol and resveratrol forms not specified in more detail as oral supplements, sometimes as an addition to diet or training; the robustness is high according to the table, but the heterogeneity of preparations, doses, durations and populations leaves open which form and preparation is actually favorable for which population group.

StudyDesign · participantsPreparation · dose · duration · comparisonResult
3 Lemos et al. 2026meta-analysis · 3,411 participantsResveratrol alone or with vitamins; vs. no resveratrol usefertilization rate: improved (MD 2.89; 95% CI 1.68 to 4.10; p<0.01); number of retrieved oocytes: no difference; number of mature oocytes: no difference
4 Shen et al. 2026meta-analysis · 2,551 participantsResveratrol supplementation; varied across studies; varied across studies; vs. Control (placebo) in randomized trialsHOMA-IR: improved; AST: no difference; ALT: no difference
5 Hajhashemy et al. 2025meta-analysis · 2,299 participantsResveratrol supplementation; Subgroup >500 mg/d; Subgroup >8 weeks; vs. PlaceboBlood urea nitrogen (BUN): improved (WMD = -1.20; 95% CI: -1.89, -0.51 mg/dL; P < 0.001); Glomerular filtration rate (GFR): unclear; Creatinine: unclear
6 Ranneh et al. 2024systematic review · 1,840 participantsPolyphenol dietary supplementation, including resveratrol; vs. different polyphenols versus each other or controlNAFLD amelioration by resveratrol: unclear (resveratrol did not present consistent results across all the studies)
7 Zhou et al. 2022meta-analysis · 1,171 participantsResveratrol supplementation; vs. Placebowaist circumference: improved (SMD = -0.36; 95% CI: -0.59, -0.14; P = 0.002); hemoglobin A1c: improved (-0.48; -0.69, -0.27; P ≤ 0.001)
8 Gu et al. 2022meta-analysis · 1,151 participantsresveratrol; high dose ≥1000 mg; vs. placebofasting blood glucose: improved (WMD: -18.76 mg/dL, 95% CI: -23.43, -14.09; P < 0.00001); waist circumference: no difference (WMD: 0.05 cm, 95% CI: -1.77, 1.88; P=0.95)
9 Guo et al. 2018meta-analysis · 1,069 participantsResveratrol supplementation; Subgroup analysis: intervention ≥3 months; vs. Control (placebo or comparator)Fasting glucose: improved (-4.77 mg/dL; 95% CI: -9.33 to -0.21 mg/dL; P = 0.040); HbA1c (intervention ≥3 months): improved; HOMA-IR: no difference
10 Setayesh et al. 2026meta-analysis · 1,005 participantsResveratrol supplementation; partly <1000 mg/day; partly ≥12 weeks; vs. control (placebo) in RCTsbody weight: no difference (WMD: -1.42 kg; 95% CI: -3.19, 0.35; P = 0.117); body mass index: no difference (WMD: -0.47 kg/m²; 95% CI: -0.96, 0.01; P = 0.055); fat mass: no difference (WMD: 0.47 kg; 95% CI: -1.75, 2.69; P = 0.679)

Further studies in this area: 11 13 14 15 16 17 20 21 22 23 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 37 39 40 41 42 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 53 54 56 60 62 63 64 65 68 69 70 73 74 75 76 77 78 81 82 84 85 88 89 90 93 95 96 97 98 99 101 102 104 106 107 108 109 110 111 112 113 116 117 119 120 122 124 126 127 129 131 132 133 136 138 139 140 143 145 147 148 150 151 154 155 156 158 159 160 161 162 163 167 168 170 172 173 174 175 176 177 178 179 180 181 182 183 187 188 189 190 191 192 193 195 196 201 203 204 205 207 209 210 211 212 213 214 216 217 219 220 223

4. How Is Resveratrol Dosed? Preparation, Dose and Duration in Studies

The studies predominantly used oral supplements with trans-resveratrol, sometimes micronized or in special preparations with improved absorption. Individual investigations tested resveratrol as a component of mixed preparations with other plant substances or vitamins. The doses and durations are listed in the table.

Preparation or formDoseDurationStudy
Aterofisiol (mixture containing resveratrol) plus acetylsalicylic acid 100 mgone Aterofisiol tablet every 24 hours30 days before surgery, stopped 5 days before61
resveratrol supplement500 mg/day or 40 mg/day6 months62
oral resveratrol, new patented formulation, versus placebo40 mg (2 caplets) twice daily for 1 week, then 20 mg (1 caplet) twice daily6 months63
Resveratrol 500 mg/day500 mg/day12 weeks64
trans-resveratrol oral (capsule) and/or topical (cream)75 mg oral and 1 g cream with 1.5% trans-resveratrol twice daily8 weeks65
trans-resveratrol75 mg twice daily12 months66
Combination of rehabilitation program and oral supplementation50 mg resveratrol daily (plus 600 mg ALA, 1000 mg ALC, 800 IU cholecalciferol)30 days treatment, follow-up to 60 days after67
resveratrol supplement—2 years (crossover after year one)68
trans-resveratrol or placebo75 mg twice-daily24 months (2 x 12-month crossover)69
resveratrol supplement75 mg BID24 months, two periods70
resveratrol 350 mg bid + TA-65 100U350 mg twice dailystopped at month 5 (planned 2 years)71
Oral resveratrol500 mg once daily, escalated by 500 mg every 13 weeks to 1,000 mg twice daily52 weeks72
Resveratrol supplementation—12 weeks73
Resveratrol 200 mg capsules vs. cellulose placebo200 mg once daily24 weeks74
Revifast® (trans-resveratrol from Polygonum cuspidatum/magnesium hydroxide complex) plus DCI/MI—30 and 60 days75

5. Is Resveratrol Safe? Side Effects in Studies

The studies predominantly report good tolerability of resveratrol, with mild gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea or diarrhea in individual investigations 72. With high-dose resveratrol together with TA-65, LDL cholesterol rose so much that this study arm was discontinued 71. Serious adverse events were not associated with resveratrol 62.

StudyReported side effects
1 Long et al. 2023addition of polyphenols did not increase adverse events
2 Zhou et al. 2024Safety ranked by SUCRA; resveratrol not among the three safest
19 Hosseini et al. 2020not reported
20 Carvalho et al. 2023No side effects detected in all studies
23 Jakubczyk et al. 2020increase in alanine aminotransferase (p = 0.041)
24 Sahebkar et al. 2013not reported in abstract
25 Jin et al. 2023no noteworthy statistical variances in adverse effects
32 Jeyaraman et al. 2020no adverse events observed in all three studies
37 Andrés et al. 2026Most interventions were well tolerated at the nutritional doses tested.
42 Ezzat et al. 2026Localized dermatitis to systemic reactions; patch testing confirms sensitization
46 Yadegar et al. 2024no significant adverse events reported
47 Soltani et al. 2023not reported; caution advised for high dose and older adults

6. What Remains Open: Limits of the Evidence

  • The heterogeneity of the forms, doses and preparations used makes generalization of the results difficult.
  • Many individual studies have small participant numbers and short to medium durations.
  • The transferability to different patient groups is unclear, as the populations vary greatly.
  • Mixed preparations with other active substances do not allow a clear attribution of the effects to resveratrol alone.
  • For several endpoints, only individual or contradictory results are available.

7. Bottom Line: What Is Established About Resveratrol

Resveratrol is a plant polyphenol that has been studied in human studies for cardiovascular, metabolic and aging questions. The results are mixed: several controlled studies and meta-analyses show improvements in lipid profile, blood pressure, endothelial function, inflammatory markers, cognition and glucose metabolism, while other studies found no differences or even less favorable values. The strength of evidence of the table is overall high, but the heterogeneity of the preparations, doses and populations as well as small sample sizes limit the informative value. Tolerability is predominantly described as good, with mild gastrointestinal side effects in individual studies.

Frequently Asked Questions

How well has Resveratrol been studied in humans?

We evaluated 257 human studies on Resveratrol, including 134 randomised controlled trials and 66 meta-analyses or systematic reviews; the controlled studies include 6,721 participants in total. As of 15 October 2026.

Does Resveratrol help with cardiovascular system and vascular function? What the studies show

We evaluated 22 meta-analyses or systematic reviews, 47 controlled studies and 12 further studies; the controlled studies include 2,228 participants in total. Result of the controlled studies: mixed. Strength of evidence under our published rules: high. Sources: 4789

Does Resveratrol help with inflammation and oxidative stress? What the studies show

We evaluated 15 meta-analyses or systematic reviews, 37 controlled studies and 15 further studies; the controlled studies include 1,987 participants in total. Result of the controlled studies: mixed. Strength of evidence under our published rules: high. Sources: 491218

Does Resveratrol help with cognition and brain? What the studies show

We evaluated 5 meta-analyses or systematic reviews, 13 controlled studies and 9 further studies; the controlled studies include 761 participants in total. Result of the controlled studies: mixed. Strength of evidence under our published rules: high. Sources: 11252933

Does Resveratrol help with ageing and general health status? What the studies show

We evaluated 4 meta-analyses or systematic reviews, 11 controlled studies and 4 further studies; the controlled studies include 771 participants in total. Result of the controlled studies: mixed. Strength of evidence under our published rules: high. Sources: 4112153

Which forms of resveratrol were investigated in the studies?

Most studies used trans-resveratrol, sometimes micronized or in preparations with improved absorption. Individual studies tested resveratrol as a component of mixed preparations with other plant substances or vitamins. The exact forms and doses are listed in the table.

Do the studies show an effect on the cardiovascular system?

Several meta-analyses found lower values for total and LDL cholesterol 47915 and for blood pressure, especially in type 2 diabetes 8922. Other meta-analyses and studies found no differences 212438111112, and in one training study resveratrol attenuated the training effect 135. The results are therefore mixed.

Is there evidence of an effect on inflammation and oxidative stress?

Several meta-analyses found lower C-reactive protein 4912181958, while several controlled studies found no difference in inflammatory markers 77117140146168. In head and neck cancer, the oxidative marker malondialdehyde rose more markedly with resveratrol than without 87.

How safe is resveratrol in the studies?

The studies predominantly report good tolerability. Mild gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea or diarrhea occurred in individual studies 72. In one study with a mixed preparation of resveratrol and TA-65, LDL cholesterol rose 71, and one meta-analysis reported an increase in alanine aminotransferase 23. Serious adverse events were not associated with resveratrol 62.

What are the most important limitations of the studies?

The studies differ greatly in the forms, doses, preparations and populations used, which limits comparability. Many individual studies have small participant numbers and short to medium durations. Mixed preparations with other active substances do not allow a clear attribution of the effects to resveratrol alone. For several endpoints, only individual or contradictory results are available.

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    Effect of Resveratrol on Markers of Oxidative Stress and Sirtuin 1 in Elderly Adults with Type 2 Diabetes
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    Resveratrol improves cognitive function and quality of life in postmenopausal women
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    Resveratrol in Hepatitis C Patients Treated with Pegylated-Interferon-α-2b and Ribavirin Reduces Sleep Disturbance
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    Beneficial Role of Resveratrol on Oxidative Stress in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial
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    Effect of Resveratrol-Based Nutritional Supplement on Choroidal Thickness: A Pilot Study
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    Supplementation with resveratrol modified gut microbiota improving insulin sensitivity and lipid metabolism in subjects with obesity and insulin resistance
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    Effect of Resveratrol on Endothelial Function in Patients with CKD and Diabetes: A Randomized Controlled Trial
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    Resveratrol blunts the positive effects of exercise training on cardiovascular health in aged men
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    Effect of resveratrol administration on metabolic syndrome, insulin sensitivity, and insulin secretion
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    Resveratrol promotes foot ulcer size reduction in type 2 diabetes patients
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    The impact of resveratrol on the outcome of the in vitro fertilization: an exploratory randomized placebo-controlled trial
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    Higher dose of resveratrol elevated cardiovascular disease risk biomarker levels in overweight older adults - A pilot study
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    Resveratrol supplementation reduces ACE2 expression in human adipose tissue
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    Resveratrol and Copper for treatment of severe COVID-19: an observational study (RESCU 002)
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    Resveratrol Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder-A Pilot Study
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    Influence of resveratrol supplementation on IVF-embryo transfer cycle outcomes
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International Health Research · https://ih-research.com/en/knowledge/resveratrol/ · Last updated: 2026-10-15