Perhaps the most exciting research being conducted on resveratrol is occurring within the realm of life extension.

Researchers have determined that resveratrol has the ability to extend the lives of yeast, worms, fruit flies, a certain species of fish, and obese mice up to 70%, 29%, 24%, 50%, and 31% respectively (depending on the amount of resveratrol given).

So how does resveratrol extend life in certain organisms?

As animals age (including humans) their DNA becomes damaged. This damage decreases the cell's ability to regulate which genes are turned on and off. If the wrong genes are switched on, this can harm the cell. Helping to solve this problem, enzymes called sirtuins ensure that the the incorrect genes remain switched off. Sirtuins also repair the damaged DNA. Resveratrol is a proven activator of sirtuins in animals and humans (perhaps the sirtuin that has gained the most therapeutic notariety is SIRT1. There are, however, 7 or more major members of the sirtuin family. Some or all of these are currently being investigated by major pharmceutical companies for their therapeutic potentials).

Interestingly, sirtuins are also activated by the practice of Caloric Restriction (reducing the calories in a 'normal' diet by around 40% while still consuming the necessary vitamins and minerals a body needs; that is, replacing high calorie foods with low calorie nutrient rich foods). Science has proven that calorie restriction increases the lives of organisms such as mice while significant health benefits have been observed in monkeys and humans - studies are underway to determine if calorie restriction extends the lives of monkeys and humans - many in the scientific community are optimistic that it does.

Many scientists (and those in the venture capital community) are extremely optimistic about the future of resveratrol for disease prevention, disease treatment, and life extension; researchers from institutions such as Harvard and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) are currently developing pharmaceuticals based on the chemical structure and properties of resveratrol. It is believed that these drugs are 5 years away from commercial and regulatory feasibility.

Currently, the potential benefits of resveratrol can be obtained from natural foods and dietary supplements. Natural foods included wine, grapes, peanuts, and blueberries. Dietary supplements inclued pills or tonics derived from red wine extracts, grape seed and grapeskin extracts. Most of the supplements on the market are comprised of polygonum cuspidatum (aka. Japanese knotweed) however, which has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. See the "Sources of Resveratrol" tab from more information.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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