The polyphenol resveratrol (RSV) exists in high quantities in certain foods (e.g. grapes and nuts). However, the capacity of RSV to confer physiological health benefits and a biological mechanism through which this might occur remains unclear.

Aged, RSV‐treated (300 mg·kg⁻¹·day⁻¹) and genetically modified [endothelial NOS (eNOS^−/−)] female mice were assessed using histomorphometric and μCT analysis. Alongside in vivo analysis, molecular siRNA knockdown and pharmacological manipulation of eNOS, BMP2 and sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) and functional cellular assays in an osteoblast cell line panel, explored the mechanism through which RSV might impact overall bone volume.

RSV promoted osteoblast activity and bone growth in vivo. RSV dose‐dependently and simultaneously increased alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and eNOS levels. Similarly, NO‐donor treatment increased ALP, runt homology transcription factor 2, BMP2 and stimulated bone formation, whilst eNOS‐deficient mice displayed a bone loss phenotype. Moreover, RSV‐induced increase in ALP and BMP2 expression was blocked in eNOS^−/− osteoblasts and by BMP‐inhibitor noggin. The longevity‐linked SIRT1 enzyme was positively regulated by RSV and SIRT1 deletion reduced eNOS, BMP2 and ALP. Like eNOS deletion, loss of SIRT1 blocked RSV‐induced osteoblast activity; however, SIRT1 levels remained unchanged in eNOS^−/− mice, indicating RSV activation of SIRT1 stimulates BMP2 release via eNOS. This signalling axis is supported by decreased SIRT1, eNOS and BMP2 confirmed in old versus young bone.

These findings suggest a new mechanism of action in bone remodelling and the ageing skeleton, where RSV positively impacts bone homeostasis via SIRT1 activation of BMP2.