Effects of resveratrol on mitochondrial biogenesis and physiological diseases

Plants produce a number of biological active substances with healthy benefits. Resveratrol (3,5,4′-trihydroxystilbene), a polyphenol produced by plants has been associated with many health beneficial properties, including its ability to induce mitochondrial biogenesis and fight against health problems such as obesity, inflammation, heart diseases, cancers among others. Mitochondrial dysfunction is recognized as central to the pathogenesis and development of many diseases. Thus the present review describes how resveratrol (RSV) may counteract physiological and age-related diseases/disorders through its effect on mitochondrial biogenesis and function. In addition, we discuss the chemistry, main sources, and the doses of RSV shown in previous studies to be efficient for the prevention and treatment of different diseases. Through its ability to improve mitochondrial dysfunction, RSV can be used in the prevention and/or treatment of human physiological diseases. However, more research for optimal dose in a human scale is still relevant. This review brings new hope to the therapy of physiological diseases as it will provide useful future perspectives for the planning of clinical studies on RSV and mitochondrial dysfunction-related diseases.