The impact of Resveratrol on the outcome of the in vitro fertilization: a pilot randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Background Resveratrol is a natural polyphenolic compound present in plants and red wine with many potential health benefits. This compound has various anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor properties and can improve cellular mitochondrial activity. This pilot trial was designed to evaluate the effect on the outcome of IVF of Resveratrol supplementation in women > 35 years with good ovarian reserve (AMH > 1.2 ng/ml). Women were randomized to receive or placebo or Resveratrol (150 mg twice per day) for three months preceding the ovarian stimulation (OS). All patients were stimulated with a starting dose of recombinant FSH ranging between 150 and 300 IU according to age and ovarian reserve. GnRH antagonist flexible protocol was adopted for pituitary suppression. Triggering was performed with urinary hCG (10.000 IU). Results The study was conducted between January 2019 and December 2022 with aa total of 37 cases and 33 controls were recruited. A statistically significant increase in the follicle output rate (FORT) and follicle-to oocyte index (FOI) in women treated with resveratrol was observed compared with control group (0.92 versus 0.77 [p = 0.02], and 0.77 versus 0.64 [p = 0.006], respectively). No statistically significant differences in the number of oocytes retrieved, biochemical pregnancy, clinical pregnancy and live birth rates were observed between groups. Conclusions Preliminary results from this study indicate that pre-treatment with resveratrol may improve ovarian sensitivity to exogenous FSH, which in turn may decrease the risk of hypo-response to OS.