Resveratrol, a naturally occurring plant
polyphenol found in grapes, is the principal biologically active component in red wine. Clinical studies have shown that
resveratrol due to its potent
anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties are cardio-protective, chemotherapeutic, neuroprotective, and display anti-aging effects. Oxidative stress and
inflammation play a critical role in the initiation and progression of age-related ocular diseases (
glaucoma,
cataract,
diabetic retinopathy and
macular degeneration) that lead to progressive loss of vision and
blindness. In vitro and in vivo (animal model) experimental studies performed so far have provided evidence for the biological effects of
resveratrol on numerous pathways including oxidative stress,
inflammation,
mitochondrial dysfunction, apoptosis, pro-survival or angiogenesis that are implicated in the pathogenesis of these age-related ocular disorders. In this review, we provide a brief overview of current scientific literature on
resveratrol, its plausible mechanism(s) of action, its potential use and current limitations as a nutritional therapeutic intervention in the eye and its related disorders.