Increasing resveratrol bioavailability: A therapeutic challenge focusing on the mitochondria

Abstract Resveratrol (RSV) is a widely studied polyphenol with diverse pharmacological properties that include antioxidant, antiinflammatory, anticarcinogenic, and antibacterial action. The primary mechanism of RSV action is mediated through regulation of mitochondrial respiratory chain functions, mitochondrial biogenesis, and mitochondria-mediated apoptosis. Evidence in literature suggests RSV to be beneficial against cancer, aging, diabetes, obesity, neurological conditions, and cardiovascular diseases. In spite of RSV being effective in a wide variety of conditions, the bioavailability of RSV is a major obstacle in realizing its full therapeutic potential. Many approaches have attempted to increase bioavailability of RSV for its effective health-promoting benefits and clinical applications. Among the approaches to enhance bioavailability of RSV, derivatization, microencapsulation, nanoformulations, and bioenhancers have reported to be effective. This chapter covers various approaches to increase RSV bioavailability along with preclinical and clinical studies using these approaches. In addition, the chapter highlights the effect of increased RSV bioavailability on mitochondria.