Resveratrol Infusion

General Information

Resveratrol (trans-3,4,5-trihydroxystilbene) is a polyphenolic phytoalexin produced by plants in response to environmental stressors such as ozone, UV radiation, heavy metals, or pathogenic microorganisms. This synthesis occurs via the enzyme stilbene synthase.

Although resveratrol is best known from the skins of red grapes, therapeutically relevant concentrations are primarily found in the root of Polygonum cuspidatum (Japanese knotweed), a plant highly regarded in traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine. Other natural sources include peanuts, blueberries, and raspberries.

For medical use, highly pure, natural resveratrol is preferred.

Indications

Resveratrol is being studied and used as an adjunctive therapy in the following areas:

• Cardiovascular diseases
• Neurodegenerative diseases
• Chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases
• Malignant diseases (cancers)
• Metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes
• Preventive medicine

A key pathophysiological link is oxidative stress, which plays a crucial role in the development of these diseases.

Mechanism of Action

The therapeutic effects of resveratrol are based on a variety of molecular targets and regulatory processes:

• Antioxidant effect: Direct neutralization of reactive oxygen species (ROS)
• Epigenetic regulation: Influence on signaling pathways and transcription factors
• Anti-inflammatory: Inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines and enzymes
• Metabolically active: Improvement of glucose and lipid metabolism
• Endothelial modulation: Promotion of nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability and vasodilation

Additional Clinically Relevant Effects

Cardioprotection

• Improvement of ventricular function
• Reduction of myocardial hypertrophy
• Anti-atherosclerotic action
• Protection from ischemic injury

Neuroprotection

• Effects in Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s disease, and ALS
• Protection from alcohol-induced neurotoxicity

Metabolic Effects

• Improvement of insulin sensitivity
• Reduction of blood glucose and lipid levels
• Modulation of mitochondrial function

Hemostasis

• Inhibition of platelet aggregation
• Possible potentiation of anticoagulant medications

Resveratrol in Oncology

Numerous preclinical and clinical studies show that resveratrol can:

• Induce pro-apoptotic proteins
• Inhibit anti-apoptotic factors
• Reduce tumor initiation, promotion, and progression
• Lower chemoresistance by inhibiting NF-κB

Tumor types with demonstrated effects:

• Colorectal cancer, breast, pancreatic, prostate, and lung cancer
• Cervical cancer, leukemia, glioblastoma, neuroblastoma
• Inhibition of tumor cell proliferation and metastasis
• Protection from cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity

When combined with chemotherapy or radiotherapy, resveratrol can act both protectively (against side effects) and sensitizing (enhancing treatment efficacy).

Indications According to Current Research

Malignant Diseases:
Lung, pancreatic, colon, breast, prostate, cervical cancer, leukemia

Autoimmune Diseases:
Type 1 diabetes, lupus, ulcerative colitis, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis

Infectious Diseases:
H. pylori, S. aureus, T. gondii, HIV, MERS-CoV

Cardiovascular Diseases:
Atherosclerosis, hypertension, myocardial ischemia

Metabolic Diseases:
Obesity, type 2 diabetes, NAFLD (non-alcoholic fatty liver disease)

Conclusion

Resveratrol is one of the most promising secondary plant compounds in modern preventive and complementary medicine. Due to its multimodal effects on inflammation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial function, and tumor biology, it represents a valuable addition to the integrative treatment of numerous chronic diseases.