Comprehensive Library Of Resveratrol News

The newly published study is compelling — especially given the fact one medication is not likely to result in control of blood pressure.  Just 50 milligrams of resveratrol used as a companion with lisinopril (ACE inhibitor) meaningfully increases the effectiveness of anti-hypertensive therapy.  [Experimental & Therapeutic Medicine 2017]

The medical control of blood pressure is low, between 30-50% with an additional 20-30% resistant to treatment. The frequency with which the target control blood pressure level can be achieved with use of a single drug is also low. It usually takes two drugs to meaningfully control blood pressure with fewer than half of the patients achieving control.  [American Journal Hypertension 2001; Centers for Disease Control]

A large increase in the use of multiple anti-hypertensive drugs was reported from 2001 to 2010 (36.8% to 47.7%). [Circulation 2012]

Resveratrol significantly controlled blood pressure when used in tandem with the ACE inhibitor drug lisinopril and also lowered abnormally high liver enzyme levels.  The use of resveratrol with an ACE inhibitor (Prinivil, Zestril) resulted in the mean blood pressure to fall within the normal range without the need for additional medications.  [Experimental & Therapeutic Medicine 2017]

Other drugs used to control blood pressure are beta blockers that slow the heart rate, diuretics (water pills) that excrete water, and calcium blockers. [American Journal Hypertension 2001]  Beta blockers induce fatigue, asthma, impotence and deplete coenzyme Q10.  Diuretics induce depletion of water soluble nutrients, particularly magnesium, potassium and vitamin C.  Resveratrol appears to be safer than drugs.

Human studies that employed resveratrol to measure control of blood pressure are sparse.

In another study a combination of polyphenolic molecules from Giant Knotweed, green tea, bilberry and grape seed achieved a 4.4-point reduction in diastolic blood pressure (resting heart number).  [European Journal Clinical Nutrition 2016]

While it is said that “Many studies have shown anti-hypertensive effects of resveratrol in different pre-clinical models of hypertension… results have been mixed and in some cases resveratrol had no effect on blood pressure.” [Frontiers Physiology 2014]

However mixed-result studies were largely conducted in the animal lab that doesn’t parallel human biology because rodents and other animals except guinea pigs internally secrete vitamin C that helps to control blood pressure whereas humans do not synthesize vitamin C.  [American Journal Clinical Nutrition 2012]

The first sign of blood vessel disease is the inability of arteries to dilate (widen) upon physical exertion or emotional stress, a biological phenomenon called flow mediated dilatation.  Resveratrol, like lisinopril (but without the zinc depleting side effects of lisinopril and a chronic cough that often develops with use of lisinopril) improves the ability blood vessels to widen with increased blood flow.  [Nutrition Metabolism Cardiovascular Disease 2011]  In regard to flow mediated dilatation, Longevinex®, a commercially available nutraceutical, bested plain resveratrol by a factor of two.  [Nutrition Research 2011]

An interesting study would be to combine a natural nitric oxide-inducing agent such as beetroot or garlic in place of lisinopril with resveratrol as an all-natural approach to achieve a healthy blood pressure within the normal range. [Nutrients 2015; Integrative Blood Pressure Control 2014]  #### ©2017 Bill Sardi, Resveratrol News