Trans-Resveratrol · 3,5,4'-trihydroxystilbene
The sirtuin activator from red wine — synergizes with NAD+ for longevity signaling.
FDA
Research Only
WADA
Not Listed
HALF-LIFE
~1–3 hours
ROUTE
Oral
SCHEDULE
Daily with fat-containing meal
In Plain English
The sirtuin activator from red wine — synergizes with NAD+ for longevity signaling.
Status & Legality
NATTY?
No Test ExistsNo established test exists for this compound.
FDA
Research OnlyFor research purposes only. Not FDA approved.
WADA
Not ListedNot currently on WADA prohibited list.
COMPOUNDING
Not from pharmaciesNot available from licensed compounding pharmacies.
PRESCRIBED
Not prescribedNot prescribed in conventional medicine.
ROUTE
OralAdministration via oral.
Sirtuin activation
Anti-aging signaling
Cardiovascular protection
Anti-inflammatory
Resveratrol is a polyphenol found in red wine, grapes, and berries that gained mainstream longevity attention through David Sinclair's research. It activates SIRT1 and other sirtuins — NAD+-dependent enzymes that regulate DNA repair, metabolism, and stress resistance. The longevity case for resveratrol is strongest when paired with NAD+ precursors (NMN/NR), which provide the substrate sirtuins consume. Bioavailability is poor alone; micronized or combined with fat significantly improves absorption.
GI discomfort at high doses
Mild estrogenic activity at high doses (theoretical concern)
Headache
Blood thinning effects at high doses — caution with anticoagulants
Buying supplements without verifying trans-resveratrol content — cis-resveratrol is inactive; verify the active isomer on the label
Not taking with fat — bioavailability without dietary fat is very poor (~20%); always take with a fat-containing meal or fish oil
Using resveratrol without an NAD+ precursor — resveratrol activates sirtuins that depend on NAD+ as their substrate; without NMN or NR, the pathway stalls
Anticoagulants (warfarin) — modest blood-thinning effect at high doses; monitor INR if on warfarin
CYP enzyme substrates — resveratrol inhibits multiple CYP isoforms; check medications metabolized by CYP2C9 and CYP3A4
Estrogen medications — mild estrogenic activity at high doses; relevant for hormone-sensitive conditions
The Sinclair longevity stack doesn't work without the NAD+ component — resveratrol activates SIRT1 but SIRT1 is catalytically inert without NAD+ as its substrate. NMN or NR is the required co-supplement. Trans-resveratrol 250–500 mg with a fat-containing meal + NMN 500 mg is the protocol most consistent with the published longevity research.
Stats
Sources & Studies
Baur JA, Sinclair DA., Nat Rev Drug Discov, 2006