Dosage of Resveratrol for Cancer

Overview

Resveratrol is a natural polyphenol found in grape skins and red wine. Investigators at the Oregon State University are conducting research to examine the anti-proliferative effect of resveratrol in animal research models. The cancer benefit of resveratrol in humans has not been confirmed yet. Furthermore, there have been persistent concerns about the safety of resveratrol in relation to breast cancer. It is an estrogenic compound and can influence the risk of breast cancer. Be sure to check with your doctor before you decide to use resveratrol, especially if you are a breast cancer survivor.

Antioxidant Property

Research is being conducted in areas of antioxidant levels of grape seed extract. It contains many types of antioxidants, with resveratrol being the most potent. Antioxidants are nutrients that protect cells from free-radical damage. Free radicals are unstable oxygen molecules that damage the DNA of cells, causing genetic alternations called mutations, and may play a role in cancer development. These antioxidant benefits can be achieved by consuming 25 g to 150 mg of a standardized grape seed extract one to three times a day, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center researchers.

Therapeutic Dosages

Investigators of the Linus Pauling Institute demonstrated the inhibitory effect of resveratrol against tumors at different organ sites in animal models. However, it is currently not known exactly how much resveratrol you need to consume every day to reap its positive health benefits. Based on an experimental animal study, the effective therapeutic dose of resveratrol is 500 mg per day.

Inhibition of Cancer

Epidemiological experiments at the Oregon State University support a causative link between inflammation and cancer. Chronic inflammation induces damage to various body tissues and organs, and is a factor for many different cancers. In cell culture and animal studies, resveratrol is a potent inhibitor of cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase, the key inflammatory enzymes involved specifically in the production of tumors. Resveratrol also reduces NFkB activity, a protein that acts as a tumor promoter in inflammation, according to Jane Higdon, Ph.D., an associate professor of the Oregon State University.

Side Effects

No serious side effects have been reported from the use of resveratrol. However, it is better to avoid consuming large amounts of resveratrol during pregnancy and lactation. Resveratrol also functions as a natural blood thinner. If you take prescription anticoagulant drugs such as warfarin, you should not use resveratrol supplements without first consulting your doctor.