Can resveratrol help manage and heal IBD?

What the science says about this nutritional supplement

By Jude Bentley

When you're living with Crohn's or ulcerative colitis, it's natural to look for anything that might support healing and reduce inflammation, especially if it's gentle, plant-based and easy to take. One compound that’s generated quite a bit of interest is resveratrol, a natural polyphenol found in red grapes, berries, peanuts and Japanese knotweed.

But is resveratrol actually useful in inflammatory bowel disease? Could it help calm the gut, support the immune system or protect the intestinal lining? Let’s explore what the current evidence suggests.

What is resveratrol?

Resveratrol is a plant compound with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating properties. It’s best known for being found in red wine (though not in meaningful therapeutic amounts) and has been studied for its potential role in everything from heart disease to ageing.

What makes it interesting in IBD is that it appears to affect many of the same pathways that are involved in gut inflammation, cell repair and immune regulation.

How might resveratrol help in IBD?

Although most of the research is still in animal studies or lab settings, resveratrol appears to offer several potential benefits that are relevant to those with Crohn’s or colitis:

1. Anti-inflammatory effects

Resveratrol has been shown to inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokines like TNF-alpha, IL-6 and NF-kB, all of which are elevated during IBD flares. This could help reduce the chronic inflammation that damages the gut lining.

2. Support for Gut Barrier Integrity

Some studies show that resveratrol helps preserve or restore the tight junctions in the intestinal wall, potentially reducing gut permeability or "leaky gut," which is known to play a role in IBD progression.

3. Antioxidant protection

Oxidative stress is often elevated in IBD, contributing to tissue damage and fatigue. Resveratrol is a potent antioxidant, helping to neutralise free radicals and protect cells from damage.

4. Immune regulation

Resveratrol may help modulate immune responses, encouraging a shift away from the overactive inflammatory responses typical of autoimmune and inflammatory conditions.

5. Possible microbiome benefits

Emerging research suggests that resveratrol may positively influence the gut microbiome, although this is still under investigation. A more balanced microbial environment could support overall gut health and resilience.

What the studies say

One small human trial found that people with ulcerative colitis who took 500 mg of resveratrol daily for six weeks had lower markers of inflammation, improved symptom scores and better quality of life. Other animal studies have shown reductions in colitis severity, improved colon structure and reduced immune over-activation.

That said, most of the research so far is preclinical. We don’t yet have large-scale human trials to confirm these effects or define optimal dosing strategies.

Is resveratrol safe?

Resveratrol is generally considered safe and well tolerated when taken in low to moderate doses, although it can interact with medications, particularly blood thinners. As always, check with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

In IBD, it is best used in remission or quieter phases rather than during a full-blown flare. It may support ongoing healing and inflammation control, particularly when combined with other approaches like diet, stress reduction and gut-supportive nutrients.

Can resveratrol support gut repair?

Resveratrol appears to activate important cellular pathways involved in healing, including SIRT1 and AMPK, which play a role in inflammation control, cell repair and metabolic regulation. Its effects at a biochemical level suggest it may help create an internal environment that supports recovery and resilience in the gut. For those looking to enhance their overall approach to healing, resveratrol could be a valuable addition.

The bottom line

Resveratrol is not a magic bullet, but it may have a role in supporting the gut environment and calming inflammation in Crohn’s or colitis. While more research is needed, it could be a useful addition to a broader healing strategy.

If you’re managing your IBD with natural tools, resveratrol is worth exploring, especially if your body responds well to plant-based antioxidants. It won't replace medication or other core elements of your treatment plan, but it may offer an extra layer of support.

References

Samsamikor M et al. (2016). Resveratrol Supplementation and Ulcerative Colitis: A Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Pilot Study. Arch Med Res, 47(4):304–309

Larrosa M et al. (2009). Resveratrol attenuates inflammation and oxidative stress in an experimental murine model of Crohn's disease. Eur J Pharmacol, 633(1-3):78–84

Rahimi R et al. (2010). A review of the efficacy of herbal medicines in inflammatory bowel disease. World J Gastroenterol, 16(39):4504–4514

Singh AP et al. (2019). Resveratrol, a natural polyphenol, suppresses colitis-associated colon cancer by targeting colon cancer stem cells and cancer cell proliferation. J Nutr Biochem, 64:35–43