Resveratrol: Cellular actions of a potent natural chemical that confers a diversity of health benefits

Resveratrol is a polyphenolic flavonoid with potent antioxidant activity. It is found in a diversity of plants, notably berry fruit, and is attracting increased attention due to its health benefits, especially in common age-related diseases such as cancer, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and neurological conditions. Resveratrol has positive effects on metabolism and can increase the lifespan of various organisms. Its effects arise from its capacity to interact with multiple molecular targets involved in diverse intracellular pathways. Most well known is the ability of resveratrol to activate sirtuins, a class of NAD+-dependent deacetylases that affect multiple transcription factors and other protein targets. More potent sirtuin activators have now been discovered by large-scale screening programs. Resveratrol and the new compounds are the subject of clinical trials to determine their consumer safety and suitability for the prevention and treatment of most common diseases of aging.