Resveratrol is a natural antioxidant found in grapes, pine bark, peanuts, certain vines and Japanese knotweed. A potent antioxidant, resvertarol is reported to improve heart health, fight cancer and diabetes, as well as provide anti-aging benefits. Red wine grapes and Japanese knotweed, the main sources for resveratrol products, contain the active ingredients resveratrol, proanthocyanidins and anthocyanins.
Resveratrol
The primary active ingredient is resveratrol itself, which is a natural component of certain vines, pine trees, peanuts, red grapes and a plant called Japanese knotweed. Resveratrol plays an important role in the protection of plants from bacteria, fungus and other pathogens. Resveratrol is believed to have anti-cancer, neuro-protective, cardio-protective and anti-aging benefits. In animal tests, resveratrol has been shown to change gene expression, switching on certain genes that code for longevity. Resveratrol may mimic the effects of caloric restriction, which has been shown to boost lifespan in animal tests, according to the Life Extension Foundation.
Proanthocyanidins
Proanthocyanidins are the active antioxidants in berries and grapes. These short chains of catechins are known by man names, including oligomeric condensed tannins and oligomeric proanthocyanidin complexes, or OPCs. Proanthocyanidins are found in the highest concentrations within dark-colored blue or purple berries and grapes, as well as in pink bark extract. Resveratrol products naturally contain proanthocyanidins when they are sourced from red wine grapes. Proanthocyanidins may decrease free radical production, improve heart health, decrease carcinogens and offer anti-aging properties.
Anthocyanins
Another active ingredient in resveratrol products, anthocyanins are larger molecules than proanthocyanidins, and are considered to be polymeric condensed tannins. Both proanthocyanidins and anthocyanins are called polyphenols, polyphenolics, flavanoids and/or plant pigments. Most healthy fruits contain varied amounts of phenolic acids, quercetin, catechins, epicatechins, proanthocyanidins and anthocyanins. Anthocyanins, in particular, can improve blood flow, strengthen collagen and blood vessels and offer anti-inflammatory properties. Readily crossing the blood-brain barrier, they are thought to have many disease-fighting benefits, including prevention of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.
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