Effects of resveratrol supplementation on inflammatory markers, fatigue scale, fasting blood sugar and lipid profile in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis patients: a double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled trial

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objectives: Resveratrol, a polyphenol found in grapes, has been studied extensively for its potential benefits on metabolic markers and inflammation. While promising results have been observed in animal studies and some human trials, the overall evidence is mixed. Moreover, elevated inflammatory markers have been closely linked to more severe symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Therefore, strategies to reduce systemic inflammation could potentially improve outcomes for MS patients. So we aimed to examine the effectiveness of resveratrol supplementation on inflammatory markers in patients with Multiple sclerosis (MS), in a randomized placebo-controlled double-blinded parallel clinical trial. Methods: A total of 55 subjects with MS were enrolled in this study and randomly assigned to the two groups who were supplemented with resveratrol at a dose of 500 mg/day or received placebo capsules for 8 weeks. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), Malondialdehyde (MDA), fasting blood sugar (FBS), triglycerides, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein – cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein – cholesterol (HDL-C), and the degree of fatigue were measured at baseline and after the intervention. Results: Resveratrol treatment significantly decreased TNF-α (P < 0.001), and MDA (P < 0.001) compared to the placebo. The respective increase and decrease in FBS and HDL levels were seen in both groups, while the change in participants receiving resveratrol was significantly less pronounced. Changes in the levels of TG and fatigue scale remained unchanged. Conclusion: This study showed that resveratrol supplementation exerted anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects in patients with MS. Trial registration: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials identifier: IRCT20230315057731N1.