Credited with creating the "French Paradox," resveratrol is found in functional amounts in red wine. A study of the traditional French diet initially perplexed researchers because the French eat high-fat diets yet have very low incidence of heart disease. Resveratrol is thought to be the explanation for this phenomenon because it can help to fight heart disease. In addition, resveratrol may combat cancer and diabetes, as well as support longevity and anti-aging. However, side effects may include decreased blood pressure, anticoagulant effects, increased estrogen, stomach upset, drug interaction and tendinitis.
Decreased Blood Pressure
According to the Life Extension Foundation, resveratrol may increase the production of nitric oxide in the human body. Nitric oxide widens blood vessels, which is usually a heart-healthy effect. However, resveratrol may interact with blood pressure medications, causing severely decreased blood pressure as a side effect.
Anticoagulant Effects
Resveratrol has been shown to exert natural anticoagulant and anti-platelet side effects upon the body, according to the Linus Pauling Institute. Due to these blood-thinning effects, resveratrol may increase the risk of bleeding when taken along with anti-platelet and/or anticoagulant medications. Resveratrol may also interact with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin and ibuprofen, further exacerbating the anticoagulant side effect.
Increased Estrogen
Resveratrol has been shown to exhibit estrogenic and anti-aromatase properties. Aromatase is the enzyme that converts testosterone to estrogen within the body. Increased levels of estrogen can aggravate estrogen-dependent cancers--for example, breast and prostate tumors. The Linus Pauling Institute reports that further research is needed before those at risk for tumor growth take resveratrol because it could cause the side effect of increased estrogen.
Stomach Upset
Resveratrol users have reported such gastrointestinal side effects as stomach upset and cramping, diarrhea and loss of appetite. Others have experienced caffeine-like effects.
Drug Interaction
The Linus Pauling Institute suggests that resveratrol may block cytochrome 3A4, which could cause drug interaction side effects. Resveratrol may interact with HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, calcium channel agonists, antiarrhythmic agents, HIV protease inhibitors, immunosuppressants, antihistamines and erectile dysfunction medications.
Tendonitis
Despite having natural anti-inflammatory effects, resveratrol has been reported to cause joint pain side effects in some people. Commonly manifested as tendinitis in the Achilles tendon, this pain has also affected other areas. Numbness in the extremities has also been a reported side effect of resveratrol.
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