Resveratrol

Mechanism

Resveratrol is a stilbene polyphenol found among others in grapes and Japanese knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum), showing antioxidant and inflammation-modulating effects in vitro. In the horse it is marketed predominantly in the context of joint comfort and recovery. The oral bioavailability of free resveratrol is low (rapid metabolism to glucuronides/sulfates); micronized formulations are meant to improve absorption. The equine evidence base is limited: in a randomized, placebo-controlled study, sport horses with lameness localized to the distal hock joints received resveratrol as an adjunct after intra-articular triamcinolone injection; lameness was reduced compared to placebo. Meaningful studies on isolated oral administration without concomitant treatment are largely lacking.

Cautions

• · Low oral bioavailability — free resveratrol is rapidly metabolized
• · Equine data base limited; favorable data mostly from adjunctive settings, not from monotherapy

Sources