---
title: Resveratrol and Curcumin to Promote Mitochondrial Biogenesis
description: Resveratrol and curcumin, polyphenols with antioxidant properties, may promote mitochondrial biogenesis to support cellular energy production.
image: https://www.casi.org/hubfs/casi/featured/adobestock_182164911.jpeg
---

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# Resveratrol and Curcumin to Promote Mitochondrial Biogenesis

DM Danielle C. Male, MS, CNS, LDN Aug 10, 2023

![Resveratrol and Curcumin to Promote Mitochondrial Biogenesis](https://www.casi.org/hs-fs/hubfs/casi/featured/adobestock_182164911.jpeg?width=960)

The mitochondrion, also known as the "powerhouse of the cell," plays a pivotal role in energy production by generating [adenosine triphosphate (ATP)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26802309/). This organelle is also crucial in [various metabolic pathways](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26802309/), including lipid metabolism, gluconeogenesis, calcium flux regulation, and the management of [cellular stress responses](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27143655/), such as autophagy and apoptosis. To meet the body's energy demands, cells undergo [mitochondrial biogenesis](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26802309/), a process responsible for creating new mitochondria. 

Mitochondrial biogenesis occurs prominently in tissues with [high ATP demands](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27143655/), like the brain, heart, and skeletal muscles. Maintaining a [balance](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27143655/) between mitochondrial biogenesis and [mitophagy](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27143655/) (the removal of mitochondria through autophagy) is of significant clinical relevance for human health. Consequently, [dysfunctional mitochondrial biogenesis](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26802309/) has been associated with several human conditions, including cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative disorders, and type 2 diabetes. Mitochondrial dysfunction is also [associated with fatigue](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4136529/) and may be clinically relevant in individuals with [chronic fatigue syndrome](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4136529/) or [post-viral fatigue](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4136529/). 

Additionally, [reactive oxygen species (ROS)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27058985/) are generated naturally during ATP production in the mitochondria. However, excess ROS may [impair](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27058985/) optimal mitochondrial biogenesis. As a result, polyphenols that demonstrate antioxidant properties, such as [resveratrol](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27058985/) and [curcumin](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27143655/), may have dual benefits on mitochondrial health: promoting healthy antioxidative status and the production of new mitochondria.

Resveratrol, a member of the [stilbene](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26802309/) family found in [plant foods](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26802309/) like grapes, peanuts, cocoa, jackfruit, blueberries, and cranberries, has been the subject of [numerous preclinical studies](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26802309/). Its potential clinical benefits include demonstrated [antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26802309/) and supporting [cardiovascular health, healthy glucose metabolism, and healthy aging](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26802309/).

Through [in vitro and in vivo experimental models](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26802309/), resveratrol has been shown to promote mitochondrial biogenesis in various cell types, including those found in the liver, cardiovascular system, brain/neurons, adipose tissues, and muscles. Resveratrol may promote mitochondrial function during [metabolic dysfunction](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26802309/), such as unhealthy glucose metabolism. Furthermore, resveratrol may support [mitochondrial mass and DNA content](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27058985/), potentially supporting the constituents of the electron transport chain and factors related to mitochondrial biogenesis. It may also support [SIRT1-dependent nitric oxide production](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27058985/), which may help promote mitochondrial biogenesis.

Curcumin is a bright, yellow-colored [polyphenolic compound](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31580521/) derived from the rhizomes of turmeric (*Curcuma longa* L.). Curcumin has been shown [in vitro and in vivo](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27143655/) to promote mitochondrial function and biogenesis, primarily through the induction of the [PGC-1α-related signaling pathway](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27143655/). Similar to resveratrol, curcumin has demonstrated [antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31580521/) and may also support [liver, heart, and immune health](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31580521/).

Resveratrol and curcumin may promote healthy mitochondrial biogenesis. Supporting mitochondrial biogenesis may be clinically relevant to the general population, but especially for individuals with high energy demands or aging individuals.

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DM

### Danielle C. Male, MS, CNS, LDN

Clinical Application

## Clinical Considerations in Practice

 In clinical practice, practitioners considering the topics discussed above may also weigh nutrient form, delivery and formulation, alongside individual patient variability.

### Practitioner Formulation Example

![Mitochondrial NRG™](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/lemtscrs/production-www/582f7de1236a03a3cdfbb273796ef1f6c7328f69-2000x2000.png?w=128&h=128&fit=max&auto=format)

Mitochondrial NRG™

CoQ10, alpha lipoic acid, D-ribose and B vitamins · Capsules

[Explore Formulations →](https://www.designsforhealth.com/products/mitochondrial-nrg)

## Continue your research

#### [Research & Education Ubiquinone vs. Ubiquinol: Does the Form of CoQ10 Matter – Or Is Delivery the Real Key? Mar 17, 2026](https://www.casi.org/articles/ubiquinone-ubiquinol-coq10-delivery)

#### [Research & Education Your CoQ10 Supplements May be Missing a Key Ingredient: Geranylgeraniol (GG) Feb 10, 2026](https://www.casi.org/articles/coq10-supplements-key-ingredient-geranylgeraniol)

#### [Research & Education Mitochondrial Health and Cardiovascular Function: The Overlooked Connection Jan 15, 2026](https://www.casi.org/articles/mitochondrial-health-cardiovascular-function-connection)

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