Resveratrol, << rehz VEER uh trahl, >> is a chemical found in certain plants that is thought by some people to counter the effects of aging and to have other medicinal properties. Foods that contain significant amounts of resveratrol include blueberries, cranberries, red or black grapes, mulberries, cocoa, peanuts, and raspberries. Resveratrol is also found in red wine and purple grape juice. Resveratrol is a type of plant chemical called a phytoalexin. It helps plants repair injuries and protects them from infection. Resveratrol is also sold as a dietary supplement. Scientists are studying resveratrol to determine if it is effective in treating certain diseases or enhancing health.
In some experiments, animals fed resveratrol at an early age lived longer than animals not given resveratrol. In one study, middle-aged mice fed a high-fat diet along with large amounts of resveratrol gained weight and experienced high levels of cholesterol and other lipids (fatty substances) in the blood, similar to other mice fed the high-fat diet without resveratrol. However, the mice fed resveratrol did not develop problems like fatty livers or insulin resistance and lived longer than the mice fed the high-fat diet without resveratrol. Insulin regulates the body’s use of sugars and other nutrients. Insulin resistence is a decrease in the body’s ability to use insulin. This may predispose a person to the development of diabetes. See Diabetes .
Many scientists believe that resveratrol works by activating proteins called sirtuins in the body. Sirtuins are activated in animals fed a diet drastically reduced in calories. Such caloric restriction has been shown in experiments to extend the lifespan of many kinds of animals. Sirtuins help control the use of energy in living cells. If food intake is too low, they alter the use of resources to help maintain the body. In the wild, this enables animals to survive famines. It also allows them to postpone breeding until the environment can better support the survival of the parent and offspring.
Some scientists hope that resveratrol supplements can provide similar healthful effects in people. Although no scientific study has yet shown any health benefits in people taking resveratrol supplements, clinical trials are investigating whether resveratrol supplements can help prevent dementia, cancer, and other diseases. Scientists have also not yet evaluated the potential long-term risks of taking resveratrol supplements. People should consult a physician or registered dietitian before taking any dietary supplement to improve health.
