Resveratrol is found in over 70 plant species including nuts, grapes, pine trees, certain vines and red wine. Some experts believe resveratrol may be a factor in the French paradox that coronary heart disease mortality in France is lower than other similar industrialized countries due to the frequent consumption of red wine.

Resveratrol has been shown in animal and laboratory studies to exhibit antioxidant, anticancer, antiproliferative, antifungal, antiviral, and antibacterial effects however data in humans is lacking.

At this time, there are no high quality human trials available supporting the efficacy of resveratrol for any indication. However, there are several observational studies that correlate the consumption of wine with a decrease in cancer and/or cardiovascular disease risk. There are multiple possible contributing factors to these conditions, and studies of resveratrol are difficult to design and implement. Too much alcohol intake can actually be dangerous. Further research is needed before a firm recommendation can be made.

Ban-ji-ryun, ban-zhi-lian, banjiryun, Belamcanda chinensis, bergenin, betulin, betulinic acid, cis-piceid, cis-resveratrol (cis-3,4,5- trihydroxystilbene), Cissus quadrangularis, Elephantorrhiza goetzei, epsilon-Viniferin (a dimer of resveratrol), Erythrophleum lasianthum (Caesalpinioidae, Leguminosae), flavanoid, French paradox, Gnetum montanum, gnetin H (a resveratrol analog), grape seed proanthycyanidin extract (GSPE), grape skin, heyneanol A (a resveratrol tetramer), hydroxystilbene, ko-jo-kon, Liliaceae, lyophilized grape powder (LGP), mangiferonic acid, non-flavanoid polyphenol, Paeonia lactiflora Pall. (Paeoniaceae), pallidol, parthenocissine A, phenolic antioxidant, phytoalexin, phytoantitoxin, phytoestrogens, phytohormones, phytostilbene, piceatannol, Polygonum cuspidatum, polyphenol, prenylflavanone, protykin, quadrangularin, red wine, red wine polyphenol, RESV, resverol, resveratrol 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside, Reynoutria japonica, Scutellaria barbata D. Don (Lamiaceae), Sophora moorcroftiana Benth., Sophora tomentosa L., stilbene, stilbene derivative resveratrol (RES), stilbene polyphenol, stilbenoid, suffruticosol B (a resveratrol analog), trans-3,4',5-trihydroxystilbene, trans-piceid, trans-resveratrol, transhydroxystilbene, tyrphostin, vatdiospyroidol (a resveratrol tetramer), Vaticapauciflora, Vatica rassak (Dipterocarpaceae), vaticanol C (a resveratrol tetramer), vaticaphenol A, Veratrum taliense, viniferin (a resveratrol analog), Vitis vinifera L.

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.

Cancer (Grade: C)
The effects of resveratrol cannot be adequately assessed from trials using foods, wine or combination products containing resveratrol and other substances. Well-designed clinical trials of resveratrol alone are needed before a recommendation can be made in regards to cancer prevention and/or treatment.

Cardiovascular disease (Grade: C)
The effects of resveratrol cannot be adequately assessed from trials using foods, wine or combination products containing resveratrol and other substances. Well-designed clinical trials of resveratrol alone are needed before a recommendation can be made.