From the Guidelines
Resveratrol is not recommended for the treatment of NAFL/NASH due to lack of efficacy and potential adverse effects, as evidenced by a strong consensus of 100% in the ESPEN practical guideline 1. Resveratrol is a polyphenol found in various plants, including the skin of red grapes, red wine, peanuts, and berries. It has been studied for its potential health benefits, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. However, in the context of NAFL/NASH, the evidence suggests that resveratrol may not be effective in improving insulin resistance, steatosis, abdominal fat distribution, and plasma lipids or antioxidant activity 1. In fact, one study found that oral resveratrol (3000 mg) for eight weeks had no effect on these parameters and even increased ALT and AST levels significantly 1. Some studies have reported conflicting results, with one trial showing improvement in AST, ALT, LDL, and total cholesterol, HOMA-IR, and inflammation mediators with 150 mg of resveratrol per day for three months 1. However, these findings are not consistent across all studies, and the ESPEN practical guideline recommends against the use of antioxidants, including resveratrol, for the treatment of NAFL/NASH due to the lack of strong evidence 1. Key points to consider:
- Resveratrol may not be effective in improving NAFL/NASH parameters
- High doses of resveratrol (3000 mg) may increase ALT and AST levels
- The evidence for resveratrol's efficacy in NAFL/NASH is limited and conflicting
- The ESPEN practical guideline recommends against the use of antioxidants, including resveratrol, for the treatment of NAFL/NASH 1
From the Research
Definition and Properties of Resveratrol
- Resveratrol is a naturally occurring polyphenol with multiple health beneficial effects, including anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, cardioprotective, and neuroprotective activities 2.
- It is a phytoalexin polyphenolic compound found in various plants, including grapes, berries, and peanuts 3.
- Resveratrol belongs to polyphenols' stilbenoids group, possessing two phenol rings linked to each other by an ethylene bridge 4.
Health Benefits of Resveratrol
- Resveratrol has been reported to exhibit several biological/biochemical protective effects on heart, circulation, brain, and age-related diseases 2.
- It has anti-tumor activity and is considered a potential candidate for prevention and treatment of several types of cancer 4.
- Resveratrol has been shown to improve the therapeutic outcome in patients suffering from various diseases, including diabetes mellitus, obesity, colorectal cancer, breast cancer, and cardiovascular diseases 5.
- The polyphenol is reported to be safe at doses up to 5 g/d, when used either alone or as a combination therapy 5.
Mechanism of Action and Bioavailability
- The mechanism of action of resveratrol involves downregulation of the inflammatory response through inhibition of synthesis and release of pro-inflammatory mediators 3.
- Resveratrol has a low bioavailability and rapid clearance from the plasma, which limits its therapeutic use 3, 5.
- Recently produced micronized resveratrol formulation called SRT501 shows promise in improving the bioavailability of resveratrol 5.
Food Applications and Stability
- Resveratrol has been widely utilized in food and medicine industry due to its beneficial properties 6.
- The technologies of preparation and extraction methods of resveratrol are developing rapidly 6.
- Resveratrol is susceptible to degradation and can undergo chemical changes during food processing, which affects its stability 6.