In a test tube, resveratrol
does a great job of scavenging free radicals and other bad oxidants
that lead us to get old, grumpy and sick. The question is how does
resveratrol fare in a capsule, as a dietary supplement to keep both men
and women sharp and healthy through the decades?
Resveratrol,
which is found in red wine, is in the family of chemicals called
polyphenols and are thought to provide protection from atherosclerosis,
cancer and heart disease. They may also decrease the chances of getting
Alzheimer’s and prolong life according to some studies.
Some people believe
resveratrol may be the reason for The French Paradox, the fact that
fewer people die of heart attacks in France even though they probably
smoke more, drink more and eat a diet high in saturated fats (just
think croissants, not McDonald’s).
In our bodies somehow
other things happen when resveratrol gets introduced as a supplement.
The anti-oxidant activity of resveratrol seems to be much lower than
that of Vitamin C, Vitamin E or even Glutathione, but for reasons that
are not exactly clear or scientifically proven for now people do feel
better. Maybe it is the placebo effect at work, or maybe what science
is showing in vitro, may actually apply in vivo.
In the presence of estrogens, like the ones our bodies make before menopause, or the ones we take in the form of biodientical hormones (estradiol),
resveratrol appears to act in a cancer-protective fashion. In vitro,
breast cancer cell cultures, resveratrol appears to attack the cancer
cells in the presence of estradiol and not, when there is no estrogen
around.
To get cells to turn
to cancer cells, a biochemical reaction has to occur in the cell.
Cytochrome P450 enzymes have to metabolize compounds to create a
carcinogen. In preliminary studies, resveratrol protects the body from
this transformation by increasing activity of the phase II enzyme NADPH
which promotes elimination of potentially toxic or carcinogenic
chemicals as well as stopping cells from growing haphazardly.
In translation, that means resveratrol may help protect us from cancer if in the proper environment.
Anti-inflammatory
effects are also attributable to resveratrol along with its significant
inhibitory effect on atherosclerotic plaque formation in a number of
studies.
As for anti-aging: a
recent study in mice (they are mammals after all) demonstrated that
resveratrol altered gene expression in heart, brain and skeletal muscle
similar to that created by calorie restriction as well as causing
blunting of the natural age-related decline in heart function. There
are clinical trials under way to determine the relevancy of these
findings in humans but for now, this type of results even in mice, lead
to an entire industry being built in a hurry. Remember, glucosamine and
chondroitin? You probably take it still and believe it is making your
aching joints better. You may be interested to know the studies were
all done on dogs and only 50% of the dogs treated with the supplement
actually had positive results on their arthritic joints. Not exactly a
glowing endorsement, but it sure beats getting a bleeding ulcer from an
anti-inflammatory like ibuprofen.
Back to resveratrol.
While you could
increase your intake of resveratrol by chewing on the skin of red
grapes and downing gallons of red wine and boiled peanuts, you might
consider taking a resveratrol supplement.
The supplements
contain extracts of the root of Polygonum cuspidatum as well as red
wine and grape extracts. The supplements may contain from 10-20 mg of
resveratrol which is actually a very low dose of the active ingredient
that does all good.
There are no known
toxic effects of supplemental resveratrol in humans based on the few
trials conducted and completed on the topic so far. The most recent
trial found a dose of 5 gm a day was safe in humans. The most common
dose is now around 300 mg/kg body weight which is very much lower and
proof of safety for those concerned with over dosing.
During pregnancy I
would not recommend women take resveratrol. You don’t need it. Suffice
it to say, stay away from wine in general. There is no good reason to
even consider it during pregnancy.
Resveratrol
may increase bleeding in patients who take Coumadin or Plavix and even
NSAIDs. The way to get around that problem is to follow your tendency
to bleed with a simple blood test that will help you and your doctor
properly balance of the drugs and the supplement. By the way, do tell
your doctor about every supplement you take. You may think supplements
aren’t medications so they do not interact. You would be very wrong.
Everything interacts.
For now, resveratrol
looks promising. There may be some hype associated with its promise,
but I found no reason not to take it. Make sure you take it from a
reputable source, since many supplements promise doses their capsules
just don’t deliver. Just because the brand gets a lot of publicity
doesn’t mean it is the best and just because it is discounted it
doesn’t mean you are getting a bargain. Do your research and take the
highest quality at reasonable prices.
Take your resveratrol
and while it may turn out to be a great addition to your anti-aging,
age management regimen, remember, it is only one piece of the larger
puzzle of health.
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