Compound found in skin of grapes, blueberries and raspberries may improve female fertility, Anglia Ruskin University study suggests
A compound found in the skin of grapes, blueberries and raspberries has the potential to improve female fertility, research suggests.
A systematic review into resveratrol - a polyphenolic compound known for its anti-ageing, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties - found evidence to indicate resveratrol can improve the quantity and quality of egg cells, called oocytes.
One possible explanation is that resveratrol reduces oxidative stress, helping to protect mitochondrial DNA from damage and enhancing telomerase activity so that cellular ageing is reduced.
Resveratrol also activates the molecule sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), which is typically reduced in aged oocytes, so may slow cell ageing and extend ovarian lifespan.
The review, involving researchers from Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) and the Queen Elizabeth Hospital King’s Lynn NHS Foundation Trust, and colleagues in Italy and South Korea, examined all previously published research on resveratrol and female reproductive health, including 24 in vitro and in vivo studies and 9,563 human participants.
Four studies specifically investigated resveratrol in connection with the quantity of matured oocytes, with two reporting an increase and two finding no significant differences. Two studies assessed the quality of matured oocytes and both reported an improvement among women who took resveratrol.
The review, published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, also found evidence resveratrol could potentially treat infertility associated with endometriosis and have positive effects on polycystic ovary syndrome and obesity-related infertility, by inhibiting pathways involved in androgen production and reducing inflammation and oxidative stress.
There were mixed results regarding miscarriage and pregnancy data. Five studies reported on pregnancy rates, with two indicating an increase, two finding no difference and one reporting a decrease among those taking resveratrol. The study that found a decrease in pregnancy rates also reported an increase in miscarriage rates, while a second study found no difference.
Resveratrol is generally considered safe when consumed in moderate amounts through diet and through supplements, in doses of up to five grams a day for a month. However, the safety of high-dose supplementation, particularly over long periods, remains unclear.
Senior author Lee Smith, professor of public health at ARU, said: “Our systematic review on resveratrol and female fertility is a comprehensive overview of all current research, and it highlights the compound’s potential to improve reproductive outcomes and possibly pave the way for new, less invasive treatments, using natural substances.
“However, our findings are based on a number of limitations, including the limited number of human studies, the different parameters of each study and the lack of robust data on dosage and side effects, particularly related to birth defects or foetal abnormalities.
“Therefore, there is a need for further clinical trials, involving human participants, in order to translate these promising results into practical recommendations for women looking to improve their fertility, including guidance on the safe and effective dosage of resveratrol.”
