A recent investigation has unveiled the potential of resveratrol, a natural substance predominantly found in grapes, blueberries, and raspberries, to improve female reproductive health. This systematic review determined that resveratrol may enhance both the quantity and quality of egg cells, suggesting a future for non-invasive fertility treatment options.
Recent findings suggest that a natural substance derived from the skin of grapes, blueberries, and raspberries might boost female fertility.
A systematic review focused on resveratrol—a polyphenolic compound renowned for its anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties—has been published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences.
A team of researchers from Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) in Cambridge, England, along with collaborators from Italy, South Korea, and the Queen Elizabeth Hospital King’s Lynn NHS Foundation Trust, analyzed all existing studies on resveratrol and female reproductive health.
After aggregating and assessing the findings from 24 studies, both in vitro and in vivo, which included a total of 9,563 human participants, the researchers uncovered indications that resveratrol can positively affect the amount and quality of egg cells, known as oocytes.
Four studies specifically looked at resveratrol’s effect on the number of matured oocytes. Of these, two reported increases while the others noted no significant change. Furthermore, two studies evaluated the quality of matured oocytes, both showing improvement in women who consumed resveratrol.
One possible reason for these findings is that resveratrol may lower oxidative stress, thereby protecting mitochondrial DNA from damage and increasing telomerase activity, which reduces cellular aging. Additionally, resveratrol activates the sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) molecule, which tends to be lower in aged oocytes, potentially decelerating cell aging and prolonging ovarian health.
The review also indicated that resveratrol might be effective in treating infertility linked to endometriosis and could benefit those with polycystic ovary syndrome and obesity-related fertility issues by blocking pathways that lead to androgen production and reducing inflammation and oxidative stress.
Importantly, the review presented variable outcomes concerning data on miscarriage and pregnancy rates. Five studies that analyzed pregnancy rates revealed mixed results: two showed an increase, two found no change, and one noted a decrease in pregnancy rates among individuals taking resveratrol. The same study that recorded a dip in pregnancy rates also noted a rise in miscarriage rates, while another found no notable differences.
Resveratrol is deemed safe when ingested in moderate quantities through food and supplements, with doses of up to five grams a day for a month being acceptable, although the safety of high-dose supplementation over extended periods is still uncertain.
Lee Smith, a Professor of Public Health at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) and the paper’s senior author, stated: “Our systematic review on resveratrol and female fertility provides a thorough examination of all existing research, highlighting the potential of this compound to enhance reproductive results and possibly lead to new, less invasive treatment alternatives utilizing natural substances.”
“However, our findings come with several limitations, such as the small number of human studies, varying study parameters, and insufficient data on dosage and side effects, especially concerning birth defects or fetal abnormalities.”
“Thus, further clinical trials involving human participants are essential to convert these promising results into actionable recommendations for women seeking to enhance their fertility, including information on the safe and effective dosage of resveratrol.”
