Resveratrol bioavailability and toxicity in humans

Mol Nutr Food Res. 2010 Jan;54(1):7-16. doi: 10.1002/mnfr.200900437.

Abstract

Numerous data are now available on the beneficial properties of the polyphenolic compound resveratrol including its anti-inflammatory and antitumor effects. However, few studies have been performed with resveratrol in humans, and the results of these studies appear fragmentary and sometimes contradictory due to variations in conditions of administration, protocols and methods of assessment. This review article presents the results of recent studies investigating the pharmacokinetics, bioavailability, and toxicity of resveratrol in humans. Resveratrol is well absorbed, rapidly metabolized, mainly into sulfo and glucuronides conjugates which are eliminated in urine. Resveratrol seems to be well tolerated and no marked toxicity was reported. These data are important in the context of human efficacy studies, and they provide further support for the use of resveratrol as a pharmacological drug in human medicine.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / adverse effects*
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / metabolism
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / pharmacokinetics*
  • Antineoplastic Agents / adverse effects*
  • Antineoplastic Agents / metabolism
  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacokinetics*
  • Biological Availability
  • Biotransformation
  • Humans
  • Phytotherapy
  • Resveratrol
  • Stilbenes / adverse effects*
  • Stilbenes / metabolism
  • Stilbenes / pharmacokinetics*
  • Toxicity Tests

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal
  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Stilbenes
  • Resveratrol