The cardioprotective effects of resveratrol are primarily due to its ability to protect cells against oxidative damage by scavenging free radicals and inhibiting their production. Resveratrol also increases antioxidant levels[1] and inhibits the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (i.e., TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6).[2][3][4] Resveratrol also appears to have anti-fibrotic and anti-hypertrophic effects in the heart[5][6] and may improve mitochondrial biogenesis and function.[7][8]
Regarding its lipid-lowering and glucose-lowering effects, resveratrol activates the metabolic regulators AMPK and Sirt1, thereby improving lipid metabolism and fat accumulation in the liver[9] and increasing glucose uptake into skeletal muscle (i.e., improving insulin sensitivity) — explaining resveratrol’s potential to treat nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), type 2 diabetes, and related conditions.