There are legends about the longevity of the French. They say they owe their longevity above all to the consumption of red wine, but it is not because of alcohol that they enjoy a lack of cardiovascular problems. Resveratrol is a compound that occurs in grapes and is not precipitated during fermentation, so red wine can be a real elixir of youth. But isn’t its role overstated?
The health benefits of resveratrol are numerous, including its potential to help with Alzheimer's disease by facilitating the clearance of β-amyloid peptide and providing neuroprotective benefits. It is also known for preventing various diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and diabetes, thanks to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
What is Resveratrol?
Definition and Sources of Resveratrol
Resveratrol is a fascinating polyphenolic compound that belongs to the class of stilbenes. This fat-soluble compound exists in both trans and cis molecular configurations, with the trans form being more prevalent and biologically active. Resveratrol is produced by certain plants as a defense mechanism in response to stress, injury, fungal infection, or ultraviolet (UV) radiation. You can find this compound in various plant species, including grapes, berries, peanuts, and pomegranates. The skin of red grapes is particularly rich in resveratrol, which is why red wine, grape juice, and some resveratrol supplements are excellent sources of this compound.
Chemistry of Resveratrol
Chemically, resveratrol is a stilbenoid polyphenol characterized by two phenol rings linked by an ethylene bridge. Its chemical structure, known as trans-3,5,4′-trihydroxystilbene, can exist in two isomeric forms: cis- and trans-resveratrol. The trans form is dominant and is attributed with various biological activities, including inducing cellular responses such as cell cycle arrest, differentiation, apoptosis, and enhancing the anti-proliferation of cancer cells. This unique chemical structure allows resveratrol to interact with multiple cellular pathways, making it a compound of significant interest in medical research.
Resveratrol - occurrence
Researchers are sceptical about all natural medicine innovations. They look for answers to the question of whether a particular compound or remedy is actually effective. Putting the myth of longevity of the French on the line by drinking red wine, they set up an experiment involving elderly people who drank a glass of red wine once a day. The results of the study were not revolutionary, with resveratrol in grapes, where it is most abundant, proving to be of little effect. However, the researchers drew attention to an important fact: it is a comprehensive diet, not a single ingredient, that has a real impact on a person’s life.
Red wine alone is not enough. Grapes in their unprocessed form, but also after fermentation, are by far the most rich source of this compound. A little further on, the list of other products containing the elixir of youth begins, namely:
- berries (strawberries, blueberries, blackcurrants),
- jackfruit,
- nuts,
- cocoa and chocolate,
- tomato peel.
Resveratrol can also reduce blood clotting, which is beneficial for cardiovascular health.
These are, of course, sources of the naturally occurring compound. Resveratol as tablets is increasingly on offer in health food shops, and for those reluctant to take this form of supplement there is also resveratol in drops. Additionally, resveratrol may impact hormone-sensitive conditions like breast cancer.
Resveratrol - intrinsic properties and health benefits
Resveratrol has the most positive effect primarily on the cardiovascular system. This is due to the inhibition of platelet aggregation, which prevents the formation of dangerous blood clots. It also reduces the absorption of bad cholesterol (LDL), which has a direct impact on reducing the risk of atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attack and coronary heart disease. The compound has also been proven to lower blood pressure as early as one hour after ingestion.
Another property of resveratrol is its effect on regulating energy balance. This in turn may prevent diet-related diseases, which include obesity. This is because the compound stimulates the process of fat cell disintegration. It also influences metabolic disorders such as diabetes. Resveratrol also has a significant role in cancer prevention and therapy by increasing the effectiveness of chemotherapy. It can even inhibit the spread and metastasis of existing cancers by disrupting cancer cell growth through mechanisms like downregulating specific genes and impacting cellular processes. As a powerful antioxidant, it also reduces the risk of neurodegenerative diseases (including Alzheimer’s disease) and prevents osteoporosis. The importance of clinical trials in confirming these health benefits cannot be overstated.
Resveratrol has shown potential benefits in managing various risk factors associated with metabolic syndrome, including improvements in vascular health and endothelial function.
Biological Activities of Resveratrol
Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase (eNOS) Activation
One of the remarkable effects of resveratrol is its ability to activate endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), an enzyme crucial for the production of nitric oxide (NO) in the endothelium. NO is a potent vasodilator that helps relax blood vessels and improve blood flow. The activation of eNOS by resveratrol has been linked to its cardiovascular protective effects, including the reduction of blood pressure and the prevention of atherosclerosis. Additionally, eNOS activation by resveratrol has shown anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects, making it a promising therapeutic agent for various diseases.
Resveratrol in red wine
Resveratrol is a substance that some plants synthesise in response to fungal infections or under the influence of a stress factor such as water shortage, UV radiation or tissue damage. More resveratrol also appears in plants grown in warm climates. This substance is also produced during the fermentation process of grape skins, which is why wine, especially red wine, is an excellent source of resveratrol as it is in longer contact with the skins during the fermentation process than white wine. Red wines generally contain higher concentrations of resveratrol compared to other types of wine. The average resveratrol content of red wine is around 1.9 mg per litre. On the other hand, Pinot Noir, St.Laurent, Merlot and Blaufränkisch are considered to be the richest in terms of this component. Instead of wine, children and non-drinkers can provide their bodies with resveratrol in the form of fresh grapes and grape juice.
Resveratrol found in red wines offers various health benefits, including its roles as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. It may also provide protective effects against chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, and Alzheimer's.
Resveratrol for cholesterol
In order to understand how resveratrol affects our cardiovascular system, it is worth tracing the processes that lead to one of its most dangerous diseases, namely atherosclerosis. Dysfunctions of the cardiovascular system originate from poor nutrition, insufficient physical activity and smoking. Initially, the diseases are associated with an increase in the level of bad cholesterol and damage to the endothelium of blood vessels. This in turn leads to inflammation and platelet activation. Atherosclerotic plaque is formed in the damaged areas, which narrows the lumen of the vessels and reduces their elasticity. Resveratrol has a protective effect on all these problems, as it not only reduces the absorption of bad cholesterol, but also improves insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance. Additionally, it inhibits platelet aggregation, dilates blood vessels and stops the inflammatory process. Resveratrol also inhibits the production of reactive oxygen species, contributing to its protective effects against cellular damage.
Resveratrol in cosmetics
Like any anti-ageing agent, resveratrol quickly gained the attention of cosmetic companies. Its properties have been proven by numerous studies, so we can safely say that it has an antioxidant effect by removing free radicals from the body and minimising their impact on the body. Thus, it protects skin cells from dying, which causes faster skin ageing. However, oral resveratrol faces bioavailability challenges, though it shows potential benefits in reducing cancer cell proliferation and improving glycemic control in type 2 diabetes.
In terms of regeneration, resveratrol also performs very well. It has regenerative, firming and anti-inflammatory effects. It prevents oxidative stress, which causes more wrinkles and robs the skin of its firmness. Its benefits are undoubtedly demonstrated by its ability to penetrate the stratum corneum, allowing it to have a deeper effect. Resveratrol treatment has shown potential benefits for cardiovascular health and diabetes, enhancing insulin sensitivity and improving heart function in diabetic models.
Skin rejuvenating effects include:
- improving the hydration level and structure of the skin,
- improving the elasticity of the skin,
- anti-inflammatory and soothing effects,
- strong anti-oxidant properties,
- improvement of skin repair processes,
- beneficial effect on vessels, including reduction of swelling,
- lightening of discolourations,
- reduction of the number and depth of already existing wrinkles,
- positive effect of resveratrol on skin health
As a cosmetic ingredient, resveratrol works perfectly, however, introducing red wine into the diet on a permanent basis is not advisable. It may cause unnecessary complications, and will not bring the expected benefits. It is much more sensible to use the offer of cosmetics producers or supplements in tablet or liquid form. Additionally, resveratrol has been shown to inhibit cancer cell growth by interacting with specific molecular pathways, making it a valuable compound in cancer prevention.
