Resveratrol: properties, use, contraindications

Curated by Maria Rita Insolera, Naturopath

Resveratrol is a polyphenol found in various plants and has excellent healing properties. Useful for lowering blood cholesterol levels, it stimulates collagen production and gives tone and elasticity to the skin. Let's find out better.

Polygonum cuspidatum plant from which resveratrol is extracted

What is resveratrol

Resveratrol is a plant molecule that can be extracted from the plant Polygonum cuspidatum, from grapes or wine.

However, it is Polygonum, a plant used for its laxative properties, to contain the highest concentration of resveratrol in the roots.

Resveratrol is a natural substance, but recent studies have shown that it can also be produced through careful chemical synthesis . Resveratrol improves the general health of the organism.

It is mainly used as an anti-aging remedy, to fight inflammation, it also prevents cancer, improves the cardiovascular system, strengthens the immune system.

Resveratrol is found in the form of a natural supplement and is found mostly extracted from Japanese plants.

Main functions of resveratrol

Resveratrol is an anti-inflammatory with an antioxidant action; useful against cholesterol and cardiovascular diseases, it is able to slow down the spread of tumors.

Its beneficial action also affects the health of the skin because it is able to stimulate the production of collagen and fight against the signs of aging .

Resveratrol can produce effects similar to those of healthy and natural foods such as fruit and vegetables, as both are rich in antioxidants that counteract the symptoms of old age.

The anti-tumor action of Resveratrol derives from the molecule's ability to counteract the formation of free radicals specific to the tumor.

Recent scientific studies have also demonstrated the antiviral, anti-diabetic and neuro-protective action of resveratrol.

Where is it

Resveratrol is present in red wine, in the skins of red grapes, in grape juice, in peanuts, in mulberry and in some Chinese herbs. Resveratrol is also found in berries, peanuts and pine nuts.

Resveratrol is contained in all wines, but its quantity is very variable. Resveratrol is found in greater quantities in red wine than in white wine, in vineyards cultivated at high altitudes, compared to those at low altitude, in vineyards fertilized with nitrogen compared to others in which nitrogen has not been used.