Supplement · Longevity & metabolic
Resveratrol
Also known as: Pterostilbene
A famous 'longevity' polyphenol whose striking animal results haven't carried to people.
- Evidence
- Bronze· animal data only
- Sources cited
- 1
- Last reviewed
- 22 July 2026
Resveratrol, a red-wine polyphenol, became famous for activating sirtuins and extending lifespan in simple organisms and some animal studies. Pterostilbene is a more bioavailable analogue marketed similarly.
In humans the results have been largely underwhelming, inconsistent effects on metabolic and cardiovascular markers and no demonstrated longevity benefit, not helped by poor absorption. A striking example of animal data failing to translate; interesting but unproven in people.