# Piceid

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/piceid
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-30
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** Compound
**Also Known As:** Polydatin, Resveratrol-3-O-glucoside, 3,4',5-Trihydroxystilbene-3-β-D-glucoside, Resveratrol glucoside, Polygonum cuspidatum extract, Japanese knotweed stilbene, 3-β-D-Glucopyranosyl resveratrol

## Overview

Piceid is a naturally occurring stilbene glycoside and the glycosylated form of resveratrol, found abundantly in grapes, peanuts, and Japanese knotweed. It exerts antioxidant and [neuroprotective effect](/ingredients/condition/cognitive)s primarily by scavenging [reactive oxygen species](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant), modulating antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase and catalase, and activating SIRT1-related pathways after conversion to resveratrol by gut microbiota.

## Health Benefits

• Neuroprotection in Parkinson's disease models: Piceid restored antioxidant enzyme levels and motor function in rodent models of Parkinson's disease, comparable to L-dopa [1][2]. • [Antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant): Piceid demonstrated higher hydroxyl radical scavenging capacity than resveratrol and vitamin C in vitro [3][4]. • Oxidative stress reduction: It decreases lipid peroxidation, as evidenced by reduced malondialdehyde levels in rodent studies [1]. • [Mitochondrial function](/ingredients/condition/energy) restoration: Piceid restores ATP levels in models impaired by oxidative stress [1]. • Neuronal survival signaling: Increased phosphorylated Akt and reduced caspase-3 activity were noted in MPTP models, promoting neuron survival [1].

## Mechanism of Action

Piceid functions as a prodrug that is hydrolyzed by intestinal beta-glucosidases into free resveratrol, which then activates SIRT1 deacetylase and modulates NF-κB signaling to reduce [oxidative stress](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) and [inflammation](/ingredients/condition/inflammation). In its intact glycoside form, piceid directly scavenges hydroxyl radicals and superoxide anions, upregulating endogenous antioxidant enzymes including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and [glutathione](/ingredients/condition/detox) peroxidase (GPx). Additionally, piceid inhibits [dopamine](/ingredients/condition/mood)rgic neuron apoptosis by suppressing [mitochondrial](/ingredients/condition/energy) cytochrome c release and caspase-3 activation, contributing to its [neuroprotective](/ingredients/condition/cognitive) profile.

## Clinical Summary

Most evidence for piceid comes from preclinical rodent studies; for example, in 6-OHDA-induced Parkinson's disease models, piceid administration restored SOD and catalase levels and improved motor function to a degree comparable to L-dopa treatment. In vitro assays have demonstrated that piceid exhibits higher hydroxyl radical scavenging capacity than both resveratrol and vitamin C, suggesting enhanced direct [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) potency. Human clinical trials are currently limited, and most pharmacokinetic data derive from animal studies or small pilot bioavailability investigations, making it premature to draw firm efficacy conclusions for human supplementation. The overall evidence base is promising but remains in early-stage research, requiring randomized controlled trials to validate dosing and outcomes.

## Nutritional Profile

Piceid (polydatin; resveratrol-3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside) is a stilbenoid glucoside, not a macronutrient source. It is the major naturally occurring glycosylated form of resveratrol (trans-resveratrol). Molecular formula: C₂₀H₂₂O₈; molecular weight: 390.38 g/mol. It does not contribute meaningful calories, protein, fat, fiber, vitamins, or minerals at typical dietary or supplemental doses. Key bioactive characteristics: • Primary bioactive compound class: Stilbene glucoside (polyphenol). • Natural concentrations in food sources: Found predominantly in the root and rhizome of Polygonum cuspidatum (Japanese knotweed), where it can reach 2–5% dry weight; present in red grape skins (~0.5–3.0 mg/kg fresh weight), wines (typically 0.5–15 mg/L in red wines, trace amounts in white wines), peanuts, and various berries at lower concentrations. • Bioavailability notes: Piceid exhibits significantly higher oral bioavailability than free resveratrol due to its glucose moiety, which enhances water solubility (~30-fold more water-soluble than resveratrol). It is absorbed in the small intestine via sodium-dependent glucose transporter SGLT1 and is subsequently hydrolyzed by intestinal β-glucosidases and gut microbiota to release free resveratrol. Studies in rats indicate that oral bioavailability of piceid is approximately 2–3 times higher than that of resveratrol. Peak plasma concentrations after oral dosing (e.g., 100 mg/kg in rodents) are typically reached within 30–60 minutes. Piceid also undergoes extensive phase II [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) (glucuronidation and sulfation) in the liver and intestinal wall, yielding conjugated metabolites that circulate in plasma. • Other notable chemical properties: The trans-isomer (trans-piceid) is more biologically active and predominant in nature compared to cis-piceid; it retains intrinsic [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) capacity (phenolic hydroxyl groups) even before hydrolysis to resveratrol, with demonstrated hydroxyl radical scavenging (IC₅₀ values reported in the low micromolar range, superior to resveratrol and ascorbic acid in certain in vitro assays). No significant vitamin or mineral content; no macronutrient contribution at pharmacologically relevant doses (typically studied at 10–200 mg/day in human supplements or 10–100 mg/kg in animal models).

## Dosage & Preparation

In rodent studies, piceid was administered at dosages of 50–200 mg/kg/day, with 80 mg/kg showing superior motor improvement. No standardized human dosages are documented. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Piceid is generally considered well-tolerated at dietary intake levels, with no significant adverse effects reported in available preclinical studies, though systematic human safety data are lacking. Because piceid is metabolized to resveratrol, it may share resveratrol's potential interactions with anticoagulants such as warfarin and CYP450-metabolized drugs, including CYP3A4 and CYP2C9 substrates, potentially altering their plasma concentrations. Individuals taking antiplatelet medications or blood thinners should exercise caution due to resveratrol's known anticoagulant properties. Safety during pregnancy and lactation has not been established, and use is not recommended in these populations without medical supervision.

## Scientific Research

The research dossier contains no human clinical trials or meta-analyses, with all evidence coming from preclinical animal studies in rodent models of Parkinson's disease. No PubMed PMIDs for human trials were identified.

## Historical & Cultural Context

The research provides no information on the traditional use of piceid, indicating it is primarily studied as a modern pharmaceutical candidate rather than a traditional remedy.

## Synergistic Combinations

L-dopa, Resveratrol, Vitamin C, Piperine, Thioredoxin

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is the difference between piceid and resveratrol?

Piceid is the 3-O-beta-D-glucoside form of resveratrol, meaning it has a glucose molecule attached that increases its water solubility and stability compared to free resveratrol. After ingestion, gut beta-glucosidases cleave the glucose moiety to release bioactive resveratrol, making piceid effectively a prodrug. Studies suggest piceid may have superior hydroxyl radical scavenging activity in its intact form compared to resveratrol.

### What foods contain the most piceid?

Piceid is found in highest concentrations in the roots and bark of Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica), which is the primary commercial source for supplements. It is also present in grape skins and red wine, peanuts, and certain berries, particularly in the trans-piceid isomer form. Japanese knotweed extracts standardized to piceid content typically provide 20–50% stilbene content by weight.

### Can piceid help with Parkinson's disease?

Preclinical rodent studies using the 6-OHDA neurotoxin model of Parkinson's disease showed that piceid restored antioxidant enzyme levels (SOD, catalase) and improved motor performance comparably to L-dopa. Its neuroprotective mechanism involves inhibiting dopaminergic neuron apoptosis through suppression of caspase-3 activation and cytochrome c release. However, no human clinical trials have been conducted, so these findings cannot yet be directly applied to human Parkinson's treatment.

### What is the typical dosage of piceid in supplements?

No established human clinical dosage for piceid exists due to the absence of large-scale clinical trials. Many commercially available resveratrol or Japanese knotweed supplements providing piceid range from 50 mg to 500 mg of total stilbene content daily, with piceid comprising a variable fraction. Dosages used in rodent studies, when scaled allometrically, suggest a human equivalent dose in the range of 100–300 mg/day, but this extrapolation has not been validated in clinical settings.

### Does piceid interact with blood thinners or medications?

Because piceid is converted to resveratrol in the gut, it is expected to share resveratrol's drug interaction profile, including inhibition of CYP3A4 and CYP2C9 enzymes, which metabolize drugs such as warfarin, statins, and certain calcium channel blockers. This inhibition could elevate plasma levels of co-administered drugs, increasing the risk of side effects or toxicity. Individuals on anticoagulants, antiplatelet therapy, or hepatically metabolized medications should consult a healthcare provider before using piceid-containing supplements.

### How does piceid improve bioavailability compared to resveratrol supplements?

Piceid is a glucoside form of resveratrol that appears to have superior bioavailability and absorption in the gastrointestinal tract compared to free resveratrol. Once ingested, piceid can be converted to resveratrol by gut microbiota or intestinal enzymes, potentially allowing for better tissue penetration and sustained effects. This structural advantage may explain why piceid demonstrates antioxidant activity comparable to or exceeding that of resveratrol in clinical applications.

### Is piceid safe for pregnant or nursing women?

There is currently insufficient clinical data on piceid safety during pregnancy and lactation, and it is typically not recommended for pregnant or nursing women without medical supervision. While piceid is derived from natural plant sources, its concentration in supplements far exceeds dietary levels, and its effects on fetal development have not been adequately studied. Consult a healthcare provider before using piceid if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding.

### What does the current clinical evidence say about piceid's effectiveness in humans?

Most evidence for piceid comes from in vitro and animal studies, particularly rodent models of Parkinson's disease showing motor function improvement and antioxidant enzyme restoration. Human clinical trials specifically testing piceid are limited, though some small studies suggest potential neuroprotective benefits consistent with animal research. More large-scale, randomized controlled trials in human subjects are needed to establish efficacy and optimal therapeutic dosing for specific health conditions.

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