Hermetica Superfood Encyclopedia
The Short Answer
Oxyresveratrol is a stilbene compound found in mulberry that demonstrates potent antioxidant activity through free radical scavenging mechanisms. This bioactive compound inhibits tyrosinase enzyme activity and provides neuroprotective effects in preliminary research models.
CategoryNamed Bioactive Compounds
GroupCompound
Evidence LevelModerate
Primary Keywordoxyresveratrol benefits
Synergy Pairings3
Oxyresveratrol (Stilbene) — botanical close-up
Health Benefits
Origin & History
Natural habitat
Oxyresveratrol (trans-2,3',4,5'-tetrahydroxystilbene) is a naturally occurring stilbenoid polyphenol found in plants including Artocarpus lakoocha, mulberry wood, Schoenocaulon officinale, and Polygonum multiflorum, where it functions as a phytoalexin. This compound features a trans-1,2-diphenylethylene core structure with four hydroxyl groups—two on each aromatic ring.
“The research dossier does not provide information on the historical or traditional use of oxyresveratrol in traditional medicine systems. While the compound is found in several medicinal plants, specific traditional applications were not documented in the available sources.”Traditional Medicine
Scientific Research
The available research on oxyresveratrol consists primarily of in vitro studies and chemical characterization rather than human clinical trials. No randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or meta-analyses with PubMed PMIDs were identified in the provided research dossier.
Preparation & Dosage
Traditional preparation
No clinically studied dosage ranges for human subjects have been established in the available research. Standardized extract concentrations and dosing protocols for different formulations have not been determined through clinical trials. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.
Nutritional Profile
Oxyresveratrol (3,5,3',4'-tetrahydroxystilbene) is a pure polyphenolic stilbene compound, not a whole food ingredient, and therefore does not possess a conventional macronutrient or micronutrient profile. As a discrete phytochemical (molecular weight: 244.24 g/mol; molecular formula: C₁₄H₁₂O₄), its profile is characterized entirely by its bioactive compound identity. It is naturally found in Morus alba (white mulberry) heartwood (concentrations up to 1.0–2.8 mg/g dry weight), Artocarpus lakoocha (up to 10–15% of heartwood extract in some reports), and grape canes (trace levels). As an isolated compound: no caloric value, no fiber, no protein, no vitamins, no minerals. Bioactive concentration in standardized extracts typically ranges from 95–99% purity in research-grade material. Bioavailability notes: Oxyresveratrol demonstrates superior water solubility compared to resveratrol due to its additional hydroxyl group, which may enhance oral bioavailability. It undergoes rapid Phase II metabolism (glucuronidation and sulfation) in the intestinal wall and liver, similar to resveratrol, with peak plasma concentrations (Tmax) reported at approximately 30–60 minutes post-oral administration in rodent models. First-pass metabolism is significant; bioavailability in humans is not yet precisely quantified but estimated to be moderate (>resveratrol baseline). No significant protein, fat, or carbohydrate content applicable.
How It Works
Mechanism of Action
Oxyresveratrol scavenges reactive oxygen species including hydrogen peroxide and nitric oxide through direct electron donation mechanisms. The compound inhibits tyrosinase enzyme activity, reducing melanin synthesis pathways. In neuronal tissues, oxyresveratrol prevents apoptotic cell death by modulating cellular oxidative stress responses during ischemic conditions.
Clinical Evidence
Current evidence for oxyresveratrol comes primarily from in vitro studies demonstrating antioxidant activity with IC₅₀ values of 45.3 μM for nitric oxide and 28.9 μM for DPPH radical scavenging. Animal model studies show neuroprotective effects against transient cerebral ischemia-induced apoptosis. Human clinical trials evaluating oxyresveratrol supplementation are limited. The evidence base remains preliminary and requires controlled human studies to establish therapeutic efficacy.
Safety & Interactions
Safety data for oxyresveratrol supplementation in humans is limited due to lack of extensive clinical trials. No significant adverse effects have been reported in available preliminary studies, but comprehensive toxicity data is not established. Potential interactions with anticoagulant medications may exist due to stilbene compound properties, though specific drug interactions have not been documented. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid supplementation due to insufficient safety data.
Synergy Stack
Hermetica Formulation Heuristic
Also Known As
trans-2,3',4,5'-tetrahydroxystilbene2,3',4,5'-tetrahydroxystilbeneOXYtrans-oxyresveratroltetrahydroxystilbeneHe Shou Wu stilbenemulberry stilbene
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the effective dosage of oxyresveratrol for antioxidant benefits?
No established human dosage exists for oxyresveratrol supplements as clinical trials determining optimal therapeutic doses have not been conducted. In vitro studies show antioxidant activity at concentrations of 28.9-45.3 μM, but this does not translate directly to oral supplementation requirements.
How does oxyresveratrol compare to resveratrol in potency?
Oxyresveratrol contains additional hydroxyl groups compared to resveratrol, potentially enhancing its antioxidant capacity through increased free radical scavenging ability. Direct comparative studies measuring relative potency between these stilbene compounds in human subjects are not available.
Can oxyresveratrol help with skin lightening effects?
Oxyresveratrol inhibits tyrosinase enzyme activity, which is involved in melanin synthesis pathways responsible for skin pigmentation. However, clinical studies confirming skin lightening effects in humans have not been conducted, and topical application data is limited.
What foods naturally contain oxyresveratrol?
Mulberry (Morus alba) is the primary natural source of oxyresveratrol, particularly concentrated in the bark and root extracts. Other sources include certain species of berries and grapes, though mulberry contains significantly higher concentrations of this stilbene compound.
Are there any side effects from taking oxyresveratrol supplements?
No documented side effects from oxyresveratrol supplementation exist in current literature, primarily due to limited human studies. As with other stilbene compounds, theoretical concerns include potential blood-thinning effects, but specific adverse reactions have not been reported in available research.
What is the difference between oxyresveratrol and other stilbene compounds?
Oxyresveratrol is a trihydroxylated stilbene that demonstrates superior free radical scavenging potency compared to its parent compound resveratrol, with lower IC₅₀ values for both DPPH radicals (28.9 μM) and nitric oxide (45.3 μM). Its additional hydroxyl groups enhance its antioxidant capacity and tyrosinase inhibition properties, making it biochemically distinct from other stilbenes like piceatannol or pterostilbene. This structural advantage translates to greater effectiveness in in vitro antioxidant assays.
Is oxyresveratrol safe to take with blood pressure or cardiovascular medications?
While oxyresveratrol shows neuroprotective potential and scavenges nitric oxide in vitro, no clinical drug interaction studies have been conducted between oxyresveratrol supplements and cardiovascular or antihypertensive medications. Individuals taking blood pressure medications should consult their healthcare provider before adding oxyresveratrol, as nitric oxide modulation could theoretically affect vasodilation and medication efficacy. Current evidence is limited to animal models and in vitro studies, so clinical interaction data is not yet available.
Why is the evidence for oxyresveratrol's neuroprotective effects considered preliminary?
Oxyresveratrol's neuroprotective benefits against apoptotic cell death in cerebral ischemia have only been demonstrated in animal model studies, not in human clinical trials. In vitro and animal research cannot reliably predict human efficacy due to differences in metabolism, bioavailability, blood-brain barrier penetration, and dose response in living organisms. To establish clinical relevance, well-designed human studies measuring cognitive outcomes or stroke recovery would be needed to confirm these preliminary findings.
Explore the Full Encyclopedia
7,400+ ingredients researched, verified, and formulated for optimal synergy.
Browse IngredientsThese statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
hermetica-encyclopedia-canary-zzqv9k4w oxyresveratrol curated by Hermetica Superfoods at ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com and licensed CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 (non-commercial share-alike, attribution required)
