Resveratrol, a compound found in certain plants such as grapes, raspberries, and peanuts, is marketed as a nutritional supplement due to its potential anti-aging properties. Studies in mice have shown evidence for longer life, but further research is needed. Resveratrol may also have antioxidant properties and help reduce memory loss, but there is some concern that it may contribute to breast cancer. The FDA has registered it as an investigational drug.
Resveratrol is a chemical compound found in certain plants. It is called phytoalexin because plants naturally produce it as an antibiotic substance to fight bacteria and fungi. Plants that contain resveratrol include grapes and the skins of wine grapes, raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, and blueberries. It can also be found in peanuts, certain pine trees, and Japanese knotweed.
Many believe that resveratrol may have anti-aging properties, which has led to the substance, usually derived from Japanese knotweed, being marketed as a nutritional supplement. So far, studies in mice have provided the only evidence for claims that it can lead to longer life.
One of the initial reasons that resveratrol was considered potentially beneficial was the observation of the French lifestyle. Although the French tend to eat a higher fat diet than many other countries, they have an unexpectedly low incidence of heart disease. Many believe that the lower levels of heart disease are due to frequent consumption of red wine. Although red wine has been shown to have blood-thinning effects, many feel that resveratrol may also play a role.
It should be noted that the amount of resveratrol in red wine is relatively minimal. Probably the best common food source if you want to consume this compound in its natural state is peanuts. Peanuts have a significantly higher content than berries or grapes that produce the chemical.
Preliminary studies suggest that resveratrol may be an excellent antioxidant, extend exercise tolerance, and help reduce memory loss. There is some evidence to support the claim that it may increase the ability to fight retroviruses such as HIV and herpes simplex.
Since it is also an anti-aging drug, it has already been marketed as a nutritional supplement. This may be a bit premature as not all negative impacts have been studied. There is some evidence in mouse studies to suggest that resveratrol might act like an estrogen in the body and actually contribute to more cases of breast cancer.
However, resveratrol nutritional supplement contains small amounts, compared to what can be derived naturally from food. Some suggest that when resveratrol is consumed in food, it can actually leave the body much faster than the chemical supplement version. Also, the supplements are in much lower doses than used in most mouse studies, so the effects could be minimized.
Still, resveratrol remains an interesting plant compound that deserves further study. The Food and Drug Administration has registered it as an investigational drug, so it will likely receive further study. There is certainly evidence to suggest that it can be of great benefit to humans.
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