A single intake of a resveratrol-arginine conjugate improves microvascular function compared to trans-resveratrol in postmenopausal women

• A significant increase in the fRHI was observed 1 h after intake of ResArg compared to trans-Res.
• Significant reductions in platelet reactivity were noted 1 h after ResArg intake, but not for trans-Res.
• Plasma resveratrol levels were increased 30 and 60 min after the consumption of both ResArg and t-Res.

Resveratrol supplementation has been reported to improve markers of vascular function, but poor bioavailability of the parent compound is thought to limits its use. In this study, we compared the effects of a resveratrol-arginine conjugate (ResArg) to trans-resveratrol (trans-Res), the standard form used in supplements, on measures of microvascular function 1 h and 2 h after intake. Postmenopausal women were assigned to consume 90 mg of resveratrol as either ResArg or t-Res, in a double-blind, randomized, crossover design, at least one week apart. Microvascular function was assessed by peripheral arterial tonometry, and calculated as the reactive hyperemia index (RHI) and the Framingham RHI (fRHI); at 1 h, platelet reactivity, plasma resveratrol and nitrate/nitrite levels were also measured. A significant increase in fRHI was observed 1 h after intake of ResArg compared to trans-Res. Significant reductions in platelet reactivity were noted 1 h after ResArg intake, but not for trans-Res. Plasma resveratrol levels were increased 30 and 60 min after the consumption of both ResArg and t-Res. The results suggest a more rapid and pronounced response from ResArg than trans-Res on certain markers of vascular function.

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