Clinical trials of resveratrol efficacy and safety

Trans-resveratrol is a phytoalexin from the stilbene class, polyphenolic compound from non-flavonoid group. In vitro and animal studies have shown that trans-resveratrol may exert a wide range of potential beneficial effects to human health, which involves antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective, neuroprotective, anti-diabetic and anti-cancer activity. The objective of this paper was to summarize available data concerning the most important clinical trials focused on resveratrol biological effects. The results of clinical trials indicate that resveratrol has potential cardioprotective activity in patients with increased risk of cardiovascular disease. It can also have positive effect on the circulatory function and exert anti-diabetic activity in humans, while the anti-cancer activity is still insufficiently tested. Some issues remain unsolved, such as the dose and length of treatment that would maximize the potential of resveratrol. It is expected that future, better designed and more extensive clinical trials will provide additional information related to this topic.