# Piceatannol

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/piceatannol
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-19
**Evidence Score:** 4 / 10
**Category:** Compound
**Also Known As:** 3,4,3',5'-Tetrahydroxy-trans-stilbene, 4-[(E)-2-(3,5-dihydroxyphenyl)ethenyl]benzene-1,3-diol, 3,5,4'-Trihydroxy-3'-hydroxystilbene, Astringin metabolite, Trans-piceatannol, Stilbenoid polyphenol, Resveratrol analog

## Overview

Piceatannol is a stilbene compound found in grapes and red wine that activates the SIRT1 pathway with greater potency than resveratrol. Research suggests it may help regulate [blood glucose](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) levels and support fat metabolism through [sirtuin activation](/ingredients/condition/longevity).

## Health Benefits

• May reduce postprandial [blood glucose](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) by 17.8% based on a small RCT (n=12, PMID: 25694035) - preliminary evidence
• Potentially reduces fat mass and improves adiponectin levels in obese men when combined with exercise (n=20, 8-week trial) - preliminary evidence
• Activates SIRT1 pathway more potently than resveratrol for cellular [longevity](/ingredients/condition/longevity) - preclinical evidence only
• May inhibit [inflammatory pathway](/ingredients/condition/inflammation)s through NF-κB suppression - primarily in vitro data
• Could support metabolic health via AMPK activation - limited human evidence

## Mechanism of Action

Piceatannol activates SIRT1 (sirtuin 1) deacetylase enzymes more potently than resveratrol, promoting cellular [longevity](/ingredients/condition/longevity) pathways and metabolic regulation. It enhances glucose uptake through GLUT4 translocation and improves [insulin sensitivity](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) via AMPK activation. The compound also modulates adiponectin production and fatty acid oxidation through peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor pathways.

## Clinical Summary

A small randomized controlled trial (n=12) demonstrated a 17.8% reduction in postprandial [blood glucose](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) following piceatannol supplementation, though this represents preliminary evidence requiring larger studies. An 8-week trial in obese men (n=20) combining piceatannol with exercise showed potential improvements in fat mass reduction and adiponectin levels compared to exercise alone. Current human research is limited to small sample sizes and short durations, making definitive clinical recommendations premature.

## Nutritional Profile

Piceatannol (3,3',4,5'-tetrahydroxy-trans-stilbene) is a naturally occurring polyphenolic stilbenoid compound with molecular formula C14H12O4 and molecular weight 244.24 g/mol. It is a hydroxylated analog of resveratrol, possessing an additional hydroxyl group at the 3' position on the B-ring, which significantly influences its bioactivity and [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) capacity. Primary natural sources include passion fruit (Passiflora edulis) seeds (~2.5–4.8 mg/g dry weight), Japanese knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum), rhubarb (Rheum rhaponticum), grapes (Vitis vinifera, particularly skin and seeds at ~0.1–0.5 µg/g), berries (blueberries, bilberries in trace amounts), white tea, and certain tree barks (Picea species, from which it derives its name). It also occurs as a metabolite of resveratrol via cytochrome CYP1B1-mediated hydroxylation in vivo. Piceatannol contains no macronutrients (protein, fat, carbohydrate, fiber) as it is a single bioactive compound, not a food matrix. Key bioactive characteristics: ORAC antioxidant capacity significantly exceeds resveratrol (~2–3× greater radical scavenging due to the catechol moiety on the B-ring); acts as a potent Syk tyrosine kinase inhibitor (IC50 ~10 µM); SIRT1 activator with reported EC50 lower than resveratrol; AMPK pathway activator; inhibitor of [NF-κB](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) and COX-2 signaling. Bioavailability notes: Oral bioavailability is estimated at <5% in humans, similar to or slightly better than resveratrol, due to extensive phase II [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) (glucuronidation and sulfation) primarily in the intestine and liver. Major circulating metabolites include piceatannol-3'-O-glucuronide and piceatannol-4'-O-sulfate. The catechol group enhances protein binding but also renders it susceptible to oxidative degradation. Absorption is improved when co-administered with lipid-based carriers or piperine (potential 1.5–2× increase in plasma AUC based on preclinical analogy with resveratrol). Peak plasma concentrations after oral dosing of ~20 mg in humans reach approximately 0.5–2.0 µM transiently (Tmax ~1–2 hours), with rapid clearance (t½ ~1–2 hours). Enterohepatic recirculation may contribute to a secondary plasma peak. Gut microbiota can further metabolize piceatannol to dihydroresveratrol and lunularin, which may retain partial bioactivity. Typical supplemental doses in clinical studies range from 20–40 mg/day, though passion fruit seed extract standardized to piceatannol content (often 5–10% w/w) is more commonly available commercially.

## Dosage & Preparation

Clinically studied doses range from 15-100 mg/day oral administration, with 100 mg single dose for acute glucose modulation and 15 mg/day for 8 weeks in obesity trials. Pure powder (>98% purity) or standardized extracts containing 0.1-1% piceatannol from passion fruit seeds are typical forms. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Piceatannol appears well-tolerated in short-term studies, with no significant adverse effects reported in available clinical trials. As a stilbene compound similar to resveratrol, it may theoretically interact with anticoagulant medications due to potential effects on platelet function. Safety during pregnancy and lactation has not been established, and the compound should be avoided during these periods. Long-term safety data in humans is currently lacking, warranting caution with extended use.

## Scientific Research

Human clinical evidence for piceatannol is extremely limited, with only two small RCTs identified: a 2015 study (n=12, PMID: 25694035) showing 100mg reduced glucose response by 17.8%, and a 2018 trial (n=20) using 15mg/day with exercise showing reduced fat mass. No large-scale trials or meta-analyses exist, with most research confined to preclinical models.

## Historical & Cultural Context

While piceatannol itself has no prominent traditional use as an isolated compound, its plant sources have historical applications: passion fruit in South American folk medicine for anxiety since the 19th century, and Japanese knotweed (Hu Zhang) in Traditional Chinese Medicine for [inflammation](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) since ~100 BCE. The compound occurs in low concentrations naturally and was not traditionally isolated.

## Synergistic Combinations

Piperine, Quercetin, Resveratrol, Curcumin, EGCG

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How much piceatannol should I take daily?

Clinical studies have used doses ranging from 50-100mg daily, but optimal dosing remains unclear due to limited research. Most studies showing glucose benefits used 50mg taken before meals.

### Is piceatannol better than resveratrol?

Laboratory studies suggest piceatannol activates SIRT1 pathways more potently than resveratrol, but human clinical data comparing the two compounds directly is lacking. Both offer similar theoretical benefits through sirtuin activation.

### What foods contain piceatannol naturally?

Piceatannol is found primarily in red grapes, red wine, and grape seeds, with smaller amounts in passion fruit and white tea. However, dietary sources provide relatively low concentrations compared to concentrated supplements.

### Can piceatannol help with weight loss?

One 8-week study in obese men showed potential fat mass reduction when combined with exercise, but piceatannol alone has not been proven effective for weight loss. More research is needed to establish definitive weight management benefits.

### How long does it take for piceatannol to work?

Blood glucose effects may occur within hours of supplementation based on postprandial studies, while metabolic changes like improved adiponectin levels typically require several weeks of consistent use. Individual responses may vary significantly.

### What does the current research evidence show about piceatannol's effects on blood sugar control?

A small randomized controlled trial (n=12) found that piceatannol may reduce postprandial blood glucose levels by approximately 17.8%, suggesting potential benefits for blood sugar management. However, this represents preliminary evidence from a single small study, and larger, longer-duration trials are needed to confirm efficacy and establish optimal dosing protocols. More research is required before piceatannol can be recommended as a primary strategy for blood glucose control.

### Is piceatannol safe to take with common medications?

Limited clinical data exists on piceatannol interactions with medications, particularly those metabolized by cytochrome P450 enzymes. Because piceatannol may have anticoagulant or antiplatelet properties based on preliminary research, caution is warranted if you take blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs. Consult a healthcare provider before combining piceatannol with medications, especially if you take drugs for cardiovascular or metabolic conditions.

### Who is most likely to benefit from piceatannol supplementation based on current research?

Preliminary evidence suggests obese individuals engaged in regular exercise may see improvements in fat mass reduction and adiponectin levels when using piceatannol as an adjunct. Those interested in SIRT1 pathway activation for cellular longevity may also consider it, though human clinical evidence for longevity benefits remains absent. Current research quality and sample sizes are too limited to recommend piceatannol as a primary intervention for any specific population.

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*Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com*
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