Resveratrol is a natural component, a polyphenolic compound that occurs naturally mainly in grapes and peanuts. 

What it is used for and where

Some studies of the 1990s had indicated it as a protective agent for coronary diseases (1) and as a potential protective agent in tumors (2) and as a hepatoprotector.

However, while recognizing the role of antioxidant agent, recent studies have questioned all the positive efficacy of this component both in contrasting cardiovascular disorders, and with respect to tumors and longevity (3).

Cosmetics

Human skin is subject to oxidative stress caused by various factors such as a polluted environment, detergents containing harmful chemical compounds, ultraviolet rays, etc. Resveratrol has demonstrated anti-oxidative properties and moderate activity against hyperpigmentation (4). Some cosmetics companies therefore include it in formulas for anti-ageing and skin care products.

"Resveratrol studies"

Molecular Formula: C₁₄H₁₂O₃

Molecular Weight: 228.247 g/mol

CAS: 501-36-0

UNII: Q369O8926Lcas

PubChem Substance ID: 24278055

MDL number: MFCD00133799

• (E)-5-(4-Hydroxystyryl)benzene-1,3-diol
• (E)-resveratrol
• 3,4',5-Stilbenetriol
• Resvida
• 3,4',5-Trihydroxy-trans-stilbene
• trans-resveratrol
• 3,5,4'-Trihydroxy-trans-stilbene
• 5-[(E)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)vinyl]benzene-1,3-diol
• 5-[(1E)-2-(4-Hydroxyphenyl)ethenyl]-1,3-benzenediol
• 3,4',5-trihydroxy-stilbene
• trans-3,4',5-trihydroxystilbene
• (E)-5-(p-Hydroxystyryl)resorcinol
• trans-1,2-(3,4',5-Trihydroxydiphenyl)ethylene
• 5-[2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethenyl]benzene-1,3-diol
• 5-((1E)-2-(4-Hydroxyphenyl)ethenyl)-1,3-benzenediol
• trans-3,4′,5-Trihydroxystilbene
• 1,3-Benzenediol, 5-[(1E)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethenyl]-
• 3,4',5-Trihydroxystilbene
• 3,5,4'-Trihydroxystilbene
• 5-[(E)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethenyl]benzene-1,3-diol

References_______________________

(1) Int J Tissue React. 1996;18(2-3):67-71.  Plasma, urine and tissue levels of trans- and cis-resveratrol (3,4',5-trihydroxystilbene) after short-term or prolonged administration of red wine to rats.  Bertelli AA1, Giovannini L, Stradi R, Bertelli A, Tillement JP.

(2) Science. 1997 Jan 10;275(5297):218-20.  Cancer chemopreventive activity of resveratrol, a natural product derived from grapes.  Jang M1, Cai L, Udeani GO, Slowing KV, Thomas CF, Beecher CW, Fong HH, Farnsworth NR, Kinghorn AD, Mehta RG, Moon RC, Pezzuto JM.

(3)  Resveratrol Levels and All-Cause Mortality in Older Community-Dwelling Adults FREE
Richard D. Semba, MD, MPH1; Luigi Ferrucci, MD, PhD2; Benedetta Bartali, PhD3; Mireia Urpí-Sarda, PhD4,5; Raul Zamora-Ros, PhD4,5; Kai Sun, MS1; Antonio Cherubini, MD, PhD6; Stefania Bandinelli, MD7; Cristina Andres-Lacueva, PhD4, JAMA Intern Med. 2014;174(7):1077-1084. doi:10.1001/jamainternmed.2014.1582.

(4) Chen J, Liu Y, Zhao Z, Qiu J. Oxidative stress in the skin: Impact and related protection. Int J Cosmet Sci. 2021 Oct;43(5):495-509. doi: 10.1111/ics.12728.