Thursday
Jun252009
Thu, June 25, 2009 | Lisa Barger Resveratrol
“What is resveratrol? I know it’s what makes wine good for you but what IS it?”
Resveratrol is a protective substance, or phytoalexin, that plants produce when they are attacked by fungi, bacteria and other organisms. It’s found in the skin of red grapes and, as you know, survives the winemaking process to be also present in bottled wines.
In respect to human health, resveratrol is interesting because it seems to be part of the reason that the so-called Mediterranean diet is linked to longer, healthier lives. Some experiments with a special short-lived fish known scientifically as Nothobranchius furzeri found that by giving these fish resveratrol scientists could extend their lives dramatically.
And not only did resveratrol make the fish live longer; it also kept them mentally sharp for much longer and reduced neurofibrillary degeneration in their brains.
Other studies have suggested that moderate intake of red wine might be linked to lower rates of some kinds of cancer and lower rates of some form of heart disease. A few studies have even suggested that the resveratrol in wine may even help people have healthier immune systems than non-drinkers.
Now, obviously, no one is recommending that everyone run out and start drinking. And “moderately” means just under a glass of wine per day for women and fewer than 2 glasses per day for men.
And, of course, the only person who should really tell you if wine is appropriate for you is your own doctor. Ask him if the resveratrol offered by a glass of wine would be right for you.
References:
Valenzano, D., et al. (2009). Resveratrol and the pharmacology of aging: a new vertebrate model to validate an old molecule. Cell Cycle.
Valenzano, D., et al. (2006). Resveratrol prolongs lifespan and retards the onset of age-related markers in a short-lived vertebrate. Current Biology.
Pervaiz, S., et al. (2009). Resveratrol: Its Biological Targets and Functional Activity. Antioxidants and Redox Signaling.
Resveratrol is a protective substance, or phytoalexin, that plants produce when they are attacked by fungi, bacteria and other organisms. It’s found in the skin of red grapes and, as you know, survives the winemaking process to be also present in bottled wines.
In respect to human health, resveratrol is interesting because it seems to be part of the reason that the so-called Mediterranean diet is linked to longer, healthier lives. Some experiments with a special short-lived fish known scientifically as Nothobranchius furzeri found that by giving these fish resveratrol scientists could extend their lives dramatically.
And not only did resveratrol make the fish live longer; it also kept them mentally sharp for much longer and reduced neurofibrillary degeneration in their brains.
Other studies have suggested that moderate intake of red wine might be linked to lower rates of some kinds of cancer and lower rates of some form of heart disease. A few studies have even suggested that the resveratrol in wine may even help people have healthier immune systems than non-drinkers.
Now, obviously, no one is recommending that everyone run out and start drinking. And “moderately” means just under a glass of wine per day for women and fewer than 2 glasses per day for men.
And, of course, the only person who should really tell you if wine is appropriate for you is your own doctor. Ask him if the resveratrol offered by a glass of wine would be right for you.
References:
Valenzano, D., et al. (2009). Resveratrol and the pharmacology of aging: a new vertebrate model to validate an old molecule. Cell Cycle.
Valenzano, D., et al. (2006). Resveratrol prolongs lifespan and retards the onset of age-related markers in a short-lived vertebrate. Current Biology.
Pervaiz, S., et al. (2009). Resveratrol: Its Biological Targets and Functional Activity. Antioxidants and Redox Signaling.
This is "retired" article left in place for archival purposes. It may not reflect current thinking or research on the topic.
Reader Comments (2)
How long do you think it will take them to complete the scientific study on longterm use of resveratrol to prove whether or not it has anti aging benefits? I am asking since it was recently found and some studies could take up to 10 years or so?
You know, that's a really good question and the truth is, I don't know. I've heard of studies being halted just a few weeks after they were started and other studies that looked at years of data. I just don't know.