Findings from published scientific literature indicate that resveratrol may be the most effective plant extract for maintaining optimal health and promoting longevity. Resveratrol is a phytoalexin, a natural plant antibiotic which is produced by Vitis vinifera as a response to attack by molds. Because of the widespread use of pesticides in modern wine making, including the practice of copper sulphation, the level of resveratrol in modern wines has plummeted. Red wine contains resveratrol, but the quantity varies depending on where the grapes are grown, the time of harvest and other factors. In fact, usually only one to three mg of resveratrol per liter of red wine is currently found, even in the most robust red wines. After years of relentless research, a standardized resveratrol extract is now available as a dietary supplement.

Research funded by the Life Extension Foundation showed that a combination of low-dose (20 mg) resveratrol plus grapeseed extract mimicked many of the favorable gene expression changes seen in calorie-restricted animals. Other studies, however, indicate that higher doses may be needed to obtain all of resveratrol’s positive benefits including promoting healthy insulin sensitivity, enhanced mitochondrial function, reduced expression of inflammatory factors, and protection against the toxic effects of a high-fat diet.

Life Extension has evaluated published studies on resveratrol to establish the doses humans might need to take to duplicate the remarkable laboratory findings. The results of Life Extension’s analysis yield a wide range of potentially effective doses: from 20 to 250 mg a day and higher. The resveratrol potency you choose may be based on your current state of health and/or your desire to reach the upper limits of a healthy human life span.

Pterostilbene, a stilbene compound from the same family as resveratrol, has been shown to work synergistically with resveratrol, to unlock one’s longevity genes … thus conferring even greater anti-aging benefits.

Based on studies that higher amounts of resveratrol may be beneficial, Life Extension offers a 100 mg resveratrol product working in concert with pterostilbene.