What is resveratrol?
Resveratrol is a compound that plants like grapes make to protect themselves from stress, once hailed as an anti-aging molecule because it extended life in yeast.
Resveratrol is like a promising rookie who dominated the minor leagues (yeast, worms, mice) but never delivered in the major leagues (humans).
Why it matters for aging
Resveratrol is found in grape skins, red wine, peanuts and some berries, but in small amounts. Supplements contain far more. The body absorbs it but breaks it down very quickly, so little reaches the blood in its original form.
Its story is a classic cautionary tale in longevity science: a striking lab result, a compelling mechanism, huge investment, and disappointing human results.
A common myth
Resveratrol, and red wine, slow aging by switching on longevity genes.
There's no good human evidence that resveratrol extends life. In older Italians, those with the most resveratrol in their bodies didn't live longer, and a major drug program based on it was abandoned.
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Updated Nov 9, 2026 · All terms