Resveratrol
Bronze· animal data onlyAlso known as: Pterostilbene
A famous 'longevity' polyphenol whose striking animal results haven't carried to people.
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.
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Written and reviewed by Mathew Beale, MSc Biotechnology, University of Reading.
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