Resveratrol is a polyphenolic antioxidant found in red wine grapes, peanuts, chocolate, berries and Japanese knotweed root. Taking resveratrol may provide disease-fighting and anti-aging benefits. There is no known toxicity for resveratrol use in humans and more controlled clinical trials are needed to study its effect in the body.
Estrogenic Effects
Resveratrol has been shown to both inhibit and activate estrogen receptors in studies, according to the Linus Pauling Institute. Estrogen-dependent cancers, such as breast and prostate cancer, require estrogen hormones in order to grow. For this reason resveratrol could theoretically aggravate certain cancers with its mild estrogenic effect.
Anticoagulant Activity
Resveratrol has been shown to have anticoagulant activity in vitro. Due to this blood-thinning effect, resveratrol could increase the risk of bleeding when combined with anticoagulant and anti-platelet drugs, as well as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin and ibuprofen. Based on this theory, resveratrol could also interact with blood pressure medication, causing dangerous low blood pressure levels.
Cytochrome Inhibition
According to the Linus Pauling Institute, resveratrol may increase the bioavailability and therefore toxicity of certain drugs. If potent pharmaceutical drugs are more bioactive, they will be better absorbed, causing potential overdosage. Resveratrol may interact with HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, calcium channel agonists, anti-arrhythmic agents, HIV protease inhibitors, immunosuppressants, anti-histimines and erectile dysfunction medications.
Other Side Effects
There are some other anecdotal effects reported by resveratrol users. Joint pain, tendonitis, stomach cramping and/or decreased appetite have occurred. Another possible side effect may be a jittery, caffeine-like feeling, which may be accompanied by insomnia. Diarrhea and numbness in the extremities have also been reported, according to Web For Health.com.
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