How does resveratrol work?

Other commonly used NSAIDs, such as Bute or Banamine, inhibit both inflammatory cyclooxygenase enzymes (COX-2) as well as the gastro-protective form of the enzyme (COX-1). The COX-1 inhibitory activity of these products and associated gastrointestinal side effects, including ulcers, make them unsafe for long-term daily use.

Conversely, resveratrol does not affect the body’s production of gastroprotective prostaglandins and does not have unwanted gastrointestinal side effects. Rather than inhibiting inflammatory enzymes circulating in the body, resveratrol reduces gene expression of inflammatory mediators, such as COX-2, lipoxygenases, myeloperoxidases, nitrous oxide synthases and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα). The result is that lower concentrations of inflammatory enzymes are circulating in the body.