ABSTRACT
Resveratrol is a naturally occurring compound that is found in a small number of plants. The absorption, bioavailability, and metabolism of resveratrol have been studied in humans. Thus, the plasma pharmacokinetics of resveratrol appear to be described satisfactorily by an open two-compartment model. The data show that resveratrol is readily absorbed from the gut and that measurable concentrations are achieved in various tissues. Resveratrol has proved to be able to protect purified rat brain mitochondria submitted to anoxia and reoxygenation from dysfunction at very low concentrations. Resveratrol sulfation has been documented in human liver and human duodenum. In the absence of information on the biological effects of resveratrol metabolites, future research on the antiinflammatory and anticancer properties of this compound should take into account its low levels in the human body following oral administration and use them as a reference for designing new studies.
