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A natural compound found in the skin of grapes, blueberries, and raspberries has shown potential in improving female fertility, according to recent research. Resveratrol, a polyphenolic compound with known anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, is gaining attention for its role in reproductive health.
Published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, the systematic review examines the effects of resveratrol on female fertility, compiled by researchers from Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) in Cambridge, England, in collaboration with international teams from Italy, South Korea, and the Queen Elizabeth Hospital King’s Lynn NHS Foundation Trust. The study analyzed 24 in vitro and in vivo research studies, involving a total of 9,563 human participants, to evaluate the compound’s potential impact on female reproductive health.
The review highlights the compound’s ability to improve both the quantity and quality of egg cells, or oocytes. Specifically, four studies focused on the number of matured oocytes, with two reporting an increase and two noting no significant difference. Additionally, two studies examined the quality of matured oocytes, both showing improvements among women who took resveratrol.
A key explanation for these findings lies in resveratrol’s ability to reduce oxidative stress, which in turn protects mitochondrial DNA from damage and boosts telomerase activity, slowing down cellular aging. Moreover, resveratrol activates sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), a molecule typically reduced in aged oocytes, which could potentially help extend ovarian lifespan and delay cell aging.
The review also explored resveratrol’s role in addressing infertility caused by conditions like endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and obesity-related infertility. By inhibiting pathways involved in androgen production and reducing inflammation, resveratrol may offer new treatment avenues for these common reproductive health issues.
However, the review presented mixed findings regarding pregnancy and miscarriage outcomes. Five studies assessed pregnancy rates, with two indicating an increase, two finding no difference, and one showing a decrease in pregnancy rates. Notably, the same study that reported a decline in pregnancy rates also observed a rise in miscarriage rates, while another study found no difference in this regard.
Despite these promising findings, the safety of resveratrol supplementation remains a concern. It is generally considered safe when consumed in moderate amounts, either through food or supplements, at doses up to five grams per day for a month. However, the long-term safety of higher doses, especially during pregnancy, remains uncertain.
Professor Lee Smith, a Public Health expert at ARU and senior author of the study, emphasized the need for caution. “While our systematic review indicates that resveratrol has the potential to improve reproductive outcomes, further clinical trials are essential. These should focus on human participants to determine the safe and effective dosage and to assess any risks, including potential birth defects or fetal abnormalities.”
The findings of this review contribute to a growing body of research suggesting that natural substances like resveratrol could offer less invasive, promising alternatives to current fertility treatments. However, more rigorous clinical trials are necessary to provide solid recommendations for women looking to improve their fertility.
Disclaimer: This article is based on a systematic review of existing research and is not intended as medical advice. The safety and effectiveness of resveratrol supplements, especially in higher doses or during pregnancy, should be discussed with a healthcare provider before use.
