Lindsay Brown, associate professor in the School of Biomedical Sciences at The University of Queensland and author of the research says “The breadth of benefits is remarkable – cancer prevention, protection of the heart and brain from damage, reducing age-related diseases such as inflammation, reversing diabetes and obesity, and many more.”

“It has long been a question as to how such a simple compound could have these effects but now the puzzle is becoming clearer with the discovery of the pathways, especially the sirtuins, a family of enzymes that regulate the production of cellular components by the nucleus.

The major points to the study established the following:

Resveratrol exhibits therapeutic potential for cancer chemo-prevention as well as cardio-protection. Brown states “It sounds contradictory that a single compound can benefit the heart by preventing damage to cells, yet prevent cancer by causing cell death,.”The most likely explanation is that low concentrations of Resveratrol activate survival mechanisms of cells while high concentrations turn on the in-built death signals in these cells.”

Resveratrol may inhibit age-related disorders, like neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and inflammation. Brown says “The simplest explanation is that resveratrol turns on the cell’s own survival pathways, preventing damage to individual cells,”. “Further mechanisms help, including removing very reactive oxidants in the body and improving blood supply to cells.”

Low doses of resveratrol increase cellular survival as a function of cardio- and neuro-protection, while high Resveratrol doses increase cell death. “The key difference is probably the result of activation of the sirtuins in the nucleus,” said Brown. “Low activation reverses age-associated changes, while high activation increases the process of apoptosis or programmed cell death to remove cellular debris. Similar changes are seen with low-dose versus high-dose resveratrol: low-dose resveratrol produces cellular protection and reduces damage, while high-dose resveratrol prevents cancers,” Said Brown.

These findings seem to point to resveratrol’s dual role in both maintaining health blood flow and heart health when taken in lower doses, while also exhibiting anti-cancer ant-tumor qualities in larger doses.
Final notes made by Stephen Taylor, from the University of Queensland Pharmacology department, is that red wine Resveratrol is largely inactivated by the digestive processes in the stomach and liver before it reaches the blood stream. So, he concludes that the biological effects could be even more profound with greater bioavailability – this suggests the possible potency of Resveratrol supplements that deliver Resveratrol in capsules, that can pass through the digestive process without dissolving rapidly, may be a better source of Resveratrol than tablet or powders.

In particular, it sites the mighty investment prowess of GlaxoSmithKlein, the publically traded behemouth that has invested to date over $700 Million in the resveratrol research and product development. With the baby boomers segment of 75 million strong hitting their elder phase of life, many are fascinated and excited by the prospects of extending their lives well beyond the average lifespan with new technologies and natural products. Longevity is a billion dollar industry and resveratrol is one of the most promising products available leading the race to our immortality!

The article from wired.com was written about the US Army’s quest to extend the lives of their elite soldiers, keeping them in peak performance – essentially trying to build stronger longer lasting soldiers! If the army is researching longevity and looking at resveratrol along with properties found in the mitochondria proteins in long living naked mole rats (see article link below) we know we are closing in on potentially discovering some of natures amazing natural fountain of youth remedies!

http://www.wired.com/dangerroom/2009/04/army-looks-to-keep-troops-forever-young/

When scientists were studying what is now known as the ‘French Paradox’ – the low incidence of heart disease among the French, despite a diet high in fat – the suggestion was offered that the high wine consumption among the French might be a factor in the mystery. While this is still being disputed, it is interesting to look at the studies that have been done on resveratrol, and what they might offer all of us looking for a healthy way to boost our quality of life.

Studies done on mice found that resveratrol supplements counteracted the harmful effects of a high fat diet. Three groups of mice were used, one on a standard diet with supplementation of resveratrol, one on a high fat diet, also with supplementation of resveratrol, and one on a high fat diet without the resveratrol supplementation. Results showed that the two groups with resveratrol supplementation had a 30% lower risk of death than the group fed a high fat diet without the added benefit of resveratrol supplementation.

Although studies of resveratrol’s effects on humans remain sparse, numerous studies have been carried out on resveratrol’s effects on animals and insects. In one such study, done by a group in 2003 and reported in the journal Nature, the lifespan of a type of yeast was shown to be significantly extended from resveratrol treatment. Later studies on resveratrol conducted by this same group found life spans were prolonged for fruit flies and a type of roundworm. Another group reported in 2006 that studies done on a fish with a lifespan of only nine weeks showed, after resveratrol treatment, the life span of the fish was increased by up to 56%, marking the first successful results of resveratrol supplementation for vertebrae. With news like this, it’s no wonder that resveratrol seems to have anti-aging properties. However, rather than anti-aging, studies have shown that resveratrol instead improves the functioning of cells and the absorption of nutrients, thus leading to a longer and healthier life.

Studies continue on resveratrol, and they all look promising. Past and current studies on resveratrol have proven it to be a powerful antioxidant, with anti-inflammatory properties as well as anti-fungal and anti-microbial effects. Research studies have also found that resveratrol is a powerful agent for heart health, helping to prevent blood clots and keep blood vessels open and pliable. Cancer prevention also tops studies done on resveratrol, which findings show resveratrol helping to arrest tumor growth.

Studies for resveratrol aren’t going to stop any time soon. As more attention is paid to this wonder of nature, we are sure to hear about many more studies touting the benefits of certain foods, a glass of red wine, and resveratrol supplements. And that is something we can all look forward to.

Resveratrol is found in many different plants, including peanuts and Japanese Knotweed and dark skinned fruits such as pomegranates, blueberries, and cranberries. Resveratrol is also found in grapes, fueling many articles on the health benefits of red wine. To be sure, if you over imbibe red wine, you will have side effects, though not from an overdose of resveratrol. To get the amount of resveratrol into your body that is normally used in studies, you would have to drink several bottles daily. Instead, manufacturers have developed resveratrol supplements, and they are available in varying dosages and strengths. While long-term side effects of resveratrol supplementation in humans are not yet known, many positive resveratrol side effects have been reported by both scientists and resveratrol users. However, there are some points to keep in mind.

First, it is important to know that resveratrol does have mild estrogenic activity that has not yet been evaluated in humans, so until more is known it is recommended that woman with estrogen-sensitive conditions, including some cancers, consult with their health practitioner before taking resveratrol supplements to avoid any possible side effects. It is also recommended that resveratrol supplementation be avoided by children and women who are pregnant, nursing, or trying to conceive, to avoid possible anti-growth side effects. Also, because resveratrol does act as a blood thinner (one of the reasons it has been noted as heart-healthy), it is suggested that people already on blood thinning medication avoid resveratrol supplementation unless recommended by their doctor, in order to avoid any adverse side effects. The same goes for others that are using prescription drugs – always consult with your doctor first.

Resveratrol Side Effects

Negative side effects have been noted in volunteer participants taking mega doses (500 – 1000 mg) of resveratrol. While these resveratrol side effects were reversible, they are worth considering. The side effects experienced included diarrhea, abnormal blood tests, over thinning of the blood, headaches, and anxiety. Current recommendations to avoid these side effects are to start moderate (20 – 50 mg doses) and increase gradually, staying below the 500 mg dose, and taking into consideration your own body size and current health status.

Even with the above considerations, resveratrol supplements have been sold for several years now, with no major side effects (i.e. non-reversible) reported. Rather, the positive side effects of resveratrol are becoming widely known and discussed. Users often report that the side effects they experience from taking resveratrol supplementation range from higher and more prolonged energy and endurance, greater mental clarity, and better sleeping habits. Scientific studies in the lab report that positive side effects of resveratrol include lowered cholesterol, prolonged life spans in test animals and insects, anti tumor and cancer development properties, metabolic balance, and anti fungal and microbial properties. With side effects like that, the horizon looks rosy for this molecule, and we can all look forward to continuing research as we further our quest for a longer and healthier life.