Resveratrol
Polyphenol from red wine that activates sirtuins. The molecule that launched the modern longevity supplement industry. Bioavailability is the catch.
What it actually is
Not a peptide. Resveratrol is a stilbenoid polyphenol found in grape skins, red wine, peanuts, and Japanese knotweed. It's the molecule David Sinclair built his early longevity work around. The bioavailability problem is real, oral absorption is famously poor.
Why peptide users come across it
Mechanism
Activates SIRT1 (deacetylase enzyme tied to longevity gene expression), at least in cell-culture studies. Bioavailability concerns mean the in-vivo effect is debated. Also has direct antioxidant + anti-inflammatory effects independent of sirtuin pathway.
Documented dose range
Side effects
- Headache and GI upset on high doses
- Possible interaction with blood thinners
- Estrogenic activity at very high doses (theoretical)
Contraindications
- Active anticoagulant therapy (bleeding risk)
- Hormone-sensitive cancers (theoretical estrogenic effect)
- Pregnancy
The Pepdex take
Pterostilbene over resveratrol if you want anything to actually circulate. The 'red wine resveratrol' narrative was always bad math, you'd need to drink 100+ glasses to hit research doses. Take with fat (avocado, olive oil, fatty meal) for any oral form. The trial data on humans is honestly underwhelming compared to the marketing.
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