There is no doubt that many among us, in the context of dinner-party banter, have heard that a glass of wine a day is good for your health. Investigations of this wonder lead to the understanding of resveratrol. Resveratrol is a naturally occurring polyphenolic compound found in various berries (cranberry, blueberry, grapes), peanuts, rhubarb and a number of oriental herbs including the Japanese Giant Knotweed (Polygunum cuspidatum). Resveratrol, elicits this wondrous effect by acting as a potent antioxidant, liver detoxifier, and caloric mimetic.

We are reminded of the ‘one glass of wine a day for longer life’ anecdote. In order to obtain the substance responsible for this effect in amounts that are comparable with even the most conservative trials, one needs to consume approximately 1,000 glasses of red wine each day! A noble goal for some, but perhaps one capsule containing enough resveratrol to equal that found in approximately 100 glasses of red wine might be a more practical start.

Cardiovascular Health and Inflammation

Studies with resveratrol have reported a diverse range of physiological and biochemical effects, particularly in the areas of heart health, immunity, and inflammation. Other beneficial cardiovascular effects include the reduction of cholesterol and triglycerides. Resveratrol exerts antioxidant effects by quenching free radicals (including reactive oxygen species) that can lead to cell damage, as well as, reducing the oxidation of LDL particles, which many believe to be the initiating event in heart disease. Resveratrol has been shown to down-regulate the production of chemicals (cytokines) involved in signaling and amplifying inflammation.

Toxin Metabolism Enzymes

In addition, the modulation of the activity of the two groups of liver detoxification enzymes – Phase 1 and Phase 2 – also plays an important role in the detoxification and antioxidant effects of resveratrol. The Phase 1 family of enzymes can make certain compounds more toxic and resveratrol has an inhibiting effect on them, thereby reducing toxin formation. Alternatively, stimulation of the Phase 2 class of enzymes help facilitate the removal of toxins from the body by making these compounds even more soluble and easier for excretion.

Cis v.Trans forms

Resveratrol is a molecule that occurs in nature in two forms or as mirror-images, namely the trans and cis forms. It is the trans form of resveratrol that is active and that has been used research trials. The cis form may be at best inactive or at worst inhibit the activity of its mirror image, the trans form. There are high quality, naturally extracted sources that yield 98% plus trans activity.