The Effects of Resveratrol on Menopausal Cardio-metabolic Changes: A Systematic Review

Menopause is known as a stage in a woman's natural life cycle in which menstrual periods permanently stop with developing age. This review aims to review the modulating mechanistic effects of resveratrol (RSV) on cardiometabolic changes associated with menopause.

To identify published studies before January 12, 2025, a comprehensive search was conducted across various electronic databases, such as Web of Science, PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library. Based on the study's objectives, two reviewers independently performed data extraction to ensure accuracy and reduce bias. The extracted data were subsequently reviewed.

RSV has reductive effects on blood pressure, improves endothelial function, and enhances insulin-stimulated glucose uptake. It also decreases fasting blood glucose levels, insulin levels, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and adipocyte hypertrophy. Increased estradiol levels correlate with improved cerebrovascular function and enhanced neurovascular coupling. However, the effects on body weight, body mass index (BMI), and lipid metabolism are inconsistent; some studies reported reductions in fat volume and changes in thermogenesis-related gene expression. Moreover, total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels increase. While RSV demonstrates potential benefits for vascular function and metabolic regulation, further research is necessary to determine its long-term efficacy.

The findings align with existing evidence on RSV's vascular and metabolic benefits, underscoring its complementary therapeutic potential. Limitations, like bioavailability, differences in patient characteristics, and inconsistent lipid outcomes, call for standardized and long-term studies.

RSV, as a phytoestrogen, increases estrogen levels in the intervention groups. RSV shows potential effects in modulating the most studied menopausal cardio-metabolic changes.