What is resveratrol?
Resveratrol is a naturally occurring polyphenol compound found in a variety of plants and has received widespread attention for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-aging properties. Resveratrol is best known for its presence in red wine, where it supports heart health and is classified as a phytoalexin, a compound produced by plants in response to stress, injury or pathogen attack [1]. Scientific research shows that resveratrol has the potential to improve cardiovascular health, reduce oxidative stress and even extend the lifespan of some organisms [2].
Main sources of resveratrol
- Grape skins and seeds: Especially prevalent in red grapes used for winemaking [3].
- Japanese knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum): Known as one of the richest sources [4].
- Berries: Such as blueberries, cranberries and mulberries, but in significantly lower concentrations [5].
- Peanuts: Contain less resveratrol [6].
Of these, grape skins and Japanese knotweed are the most commonly used sources in supplements due to their higher concentrations.
What is the difference between resveratrol in grapes and Japanese knotweed?
While the resveratrol in grapes and Japanese knotweed is chemically identical, they differ in several key aspects, including concentration, purity, extraction process, and environmental impact. Here is a detailed comparison:
| Aspect | Grapes | Japanese Knotweed |
|---|---|---|
| Concentration | Lower, around 0.1–1 mg per liter of red wine[7]. | Higher, up to 500 mg per 100 grams of knotweed [8]. |
| Purity | Contains other polyphenols like quercetin [9]. | Often more concentrated in Resveratrol [10]. |
| Extraction Process | Requires separating Resveratrol from wine-making byproducts [11]. | Simple extraction methods due to higher Resveratrol content [12]. |
| Environmental Impact | Sustainable, using grape skins from wine production [13]. | Helps control the invasive nature of Japanese knotweed [14]. |
| Cost | More expensive due to low yield and complex processing [15]. | Cost-effective due to high yield [16]. |
| Absorption & Bioavailability | Enhanced by polyphenols like quercetin [17]. | Often requires additional compounds to improve absorption [18]. |
A study conducted in 2014 found that 100 grams of Japanese knotweed contained approximately 500 mg of resveratrol, while 100 grams of grape skin only provided approximately 0.3 mg [19]. This is why Japanese knotweed is often favored for commercial resveratrol extraction.
Why We Choose Japanese Knotweed as Our Primary Source
At Botanical Cube Inc., we primarily extract resveratrol from Japanese knotweed. There are several reasons for this choice:
- Higher Yield: Japanese knotweed provides a richer source of resveratrol than grapes [20].
- Cost-Effectiveness: The high concentration of resveratrol in knotweed makes the extraction process more efficient and affordable [21].
- Sustainability: Japanese knotweed is invasive in many areas, so harvesting it helps control its spread [22].
We use a solvent extraction process, which allows us to obtain high concentrations and purity of resveratrol while minimizing environmental impact. Our extraction methods ensure that the final product is potent, pure, and meets the highest industry standards [23].
Advantages Compared to Other Natural Antioxidants
Resveratrol has unique advantages over other natural antioxidants such as quercetin, curcumin, and EGCG (from green tea):
- Heart Health: Resveratrol is particularly strong in its ability to lower cholesterol levels and improve blood flow, while curcumin and EGCG focus primarily on anti-inflammatory properties [24].
- Longevity: Resveratrol is one of the few compounds that can activate sirtuins, a type of protein associated with longevity and cell repair [25].
- Cognitive benefits: Unlike other antioxidants, resveratrol can cross the blood-brain barrier and may help prevent age-related cognitive decline [26].
If you are interested in other natural compounds with similar benefits, please consider:
- Quercetin: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties and synergistic effects with resveratrol [27].
- Curcumin: A potent anti-inflammatory agent that is particularly effective for joint health [28].
- EGCG: A powerful antioxidant found in green tea that helps with fat oxidation and metabolism [29].
At Botanical Cube Inc., we provide high-quality resveratrol extracted from Japanese knotweed. Our extraction technology ensures high potency and purity of the product, making it more suitable for supplements, skin care products and health formulas. We not only provide single raw materials, but also provide OEM custom formulation services. Whether you are looking for pure resveratrol or a custom blend, we will work closely with our customers to provide tailor-made solutions. Regardless of the size of the order, we are committed to helping our customers grow with us. If you have any questions, please contact sales@botanicalcube.com.
References
1.Shukitt-Hale, B. et al. "Resveratrol and cognitive function: A review of preclinical and clinical studies." Current Topics in Nutraceutical Research, 2014.
2.Liu, L. et al. "Antioxidant activity of resveratrol in human cells." Journal of Medicinal Food, 2015.
3.Burns, J. et al. "Content of Resveratrol in red and white wines." American Journal of Enology and Viticulture, 2002.
4.Song, K. et al. "High Resveratrol content in Japanese Knotweed." Journal of Natural Products, 2006.
5.Gonzalez-Barrio, R. et al. "Resveratrol in berries: An overview." Nutrition Reviews, 2014.
6.Kennedy, D. et al. "The Resveratrol content of peanuts." Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 2006.
7.Baur, J.A. et al. "Effects of Resveratrol on human cells." Nature Reviews Drug Discovery, 2006.
8.Wang, C. et al. "High-yield Resveratrol extraction from Japanese knotweed." Journal of Phytochemistry, 2010.
9.Cassidy, A. et al. "The polyphenolic content of grapes and Resveratrol supplements." Nutrients, 2018.
10.Wang, M. et al. "Purity and quality of Resveratrol from Japanese knotweed." Journal of Natural Products, 2015.
11.Barontini, M. et al. "Winemaking byproducts and Resveratrol extraction." Wine Economics and Policy, 2017.
12.Zhao, D. et al. "Efficient Resveratrol extraction from Japanese knotweed." Industrial Crops and Products, 2014.
13.Thomas, H. et al. "Sustainability of Resveratrol extraction from grape skins." Environmental Science & Technology, 2018.
14.Fennell, M. et al. "Harvesting Japanese Knotweed for Resveratrol and environmental impact." Journal of Invasive Plant Science, 2016.
15.Cheng, X. et al. "Cost-efficiency in Resveratrol extraction: A comparison of sources." Biotechnology Advances, 2012.
16.Zhang, Y. et al. "Cost comparison of Resveratrol extraction processes." Process Biochemistry, 2017.
17.Kundu, J.K. et al. "Synergistic effects of polyphenols like quercetin on Resveratrol bioavailability." Phytotherapy Research, 2016.
18.Walle, T. et al. "Improving Resveratrol bioavailability." Drug Metabolism Reviews, 2011.
19.Wang, L. et al. "Resveratrol content comparison in grapes and knotweed." Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 2014.
20.Zheng, Y. et al. "Advantages of Japanese knotweed as a Resveratrol source." Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2009.
21.Smith, L. et al. "Cost-effectiveness of Resveratrol extraction from various plants." Journal of Economic Botany, 2017.
22.Charles, J. et al. "Ecological impacts of Japanese knotweed harvesting." Journal of Ecology, 2013.
23.Liu, H. et al. "Solvent extraction techniques for Resveratrol." Journal of Food Engineering, 2018.
24.Frojmovic, S. et al. "Resveratrol and cardiovascular health." Cardiology Research and Practice.