Resveratrol: potential therapeutic effects on ocular health

Resveratrol, a polyphenolic compound predominantly found in grapes and red wine, exhibits significant biological activity due to its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Known for its cardioprotective, chemotherapeutic, neuroprotective, and anti-aging effects, resveratrol has garnered attention for its potential in managing age-related ocular diseases, such as glaucoma, cataract, diabetic retinopathy, and macular degeneration—conditions, where oxidative stress and inflammation play central roles in disease progression and vision impairment. Both in vitro and animal studies indicate that resveratrol impacts key biological pathways, including oxidative stress modulation, inflammation reduction, mitochondrial protection, apoptosis regulation, and angiogenesis suppression, which are implicated in the pathology of these ocular conditions. Resveratrol with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-angiogenic properties, shows promise in treating ophthalmic diseases by targeting oxidative stress and abnormal angiogenesis, offering a safer, non-invasive alternative to conventional drugs and better scientific validation than herbal remedies. This review synthesizes current research on resveratrol’s mechanisms of action, therapeutic potential, and limitations as a treatment for eye disorders, highlighting its promise as a nutritional intervention and areas requiring further exploration.