The researchers desired to find out if resveratrol could duplicate the effects of caloric restriction in human fat cells by altering their function or size. Other studies had previously demonstrated that resveratrol inhibited lab mice, fed high calorie diets, from becoming obese by matching the effects of caloric restriction.

In their tests they saw that resveratrol hindered the pre-fat cells from increasing and from changing into mature fat cells. Resveratrol was also found to inhibit fat storage. The most intriguing discoveries from their lab tests, related to obesity prevention or treatment possibilities, were firstly,that resveratrol decreased the creation of specific cytokines that may be linked to obesity connected disorders like diabetes, and secondly, resveratrol activated the production of a protien called adiponectin which is known to reduce the risk of heart attacks and is decreased by the onset of obesity.

In summary, the researchers from Germany concluded that resveratrol holds some promise in the treatment of obesity and obesity related disorders such as diabetes and clogged heart arteries.

The article was referenced from Science Daily which reviewed this study funded by the German Research Association and the Ministry of Science, Research and Arts.

Researchers with Harvard Medical School and BIOMOL Research Laboratories conducted studies searching for a chemical compound that could extend the lifespan of bakers yeast. Out of all the compounds they screened, resveratrol was the most powerful in aiding in longevity for the organism. The same research group is currently completing studies on roundworms, fruit flies, and mice, to see if resveratrol can extend the lifespan of higher organisms than the simple yeast. They have also completed another study where they used cultured cells from a human being. This test was conducted in hopes to find convincing evidence that resveratrol could assist in cell survival after DNA damage caused by radiation. Not only did resveratrol deliver, but the researchers found that in all four of their studies, resveratrol acted on the same genes of each to produce the longevity results that were received.

Longevity genes are known as SIR2 genes, and it seems that their evolutionary purpose is to aid in DNA repair during stressful times, allowing a life to continue after the hard times are past. These longevity genes are found in nearly all living things, not simply yeasts and roundworms. Resveratrol is produced by some plants when they are stressed for any number of reasons, and it is possible that the plants use the resveratrol to self activate their own SIR2 genes. Experiments have shown resveratrol to have many different life enhancing and extending properties in several different types of organisms, and it has also been shown to increase the activity of SIR2. However further investigation of this conclusion is warranted before resveratrol can be conclusively shown to extend longevity by activating SIR2 genes in regular biological systems outside of laboratory settings and controls.

It remains to be seen whether resveratrol will become known as one of the greatest molecules at our disposal. However, these early tests have so far shown great promise in many different areas, including longevity potentials. With that, it just might be possible for us to not only have our cake, but our wine, too.