Resveratrol (trans-3,5,4'-trihydroxystilbene), belongs to a class
of polyphenolic compounds called stilbenes , found largely in the
skins of red grapes and root of Polygonum cuspidatum Sieb. et Zucc
( Japanese knotweed), is a component of Ko-jo-kon, an oriental
medicine used to treat diseases of the blood vessels, heart and
live.. Resveratrol is a fat-soluble compound that occurs in a trans
and a cis configuration (see figure 1). Both cis- and
trans-resveratrol also occur as glucosides (bound to a glucose
molecule). Resveratrol-3-O-beta-glucoside is also called piceid.
Sources
While present in other plants, such as eucalyptus, spruce, and
lily, and in other foods such as mulberries and peanuts,
resveratrol's most abundant natural sources are Vitis vinifera,
labrusca, and muscadine grapes, Polygonum cuspidatum Sieb.
| The Photo of Raw Material | Powder Extract Sample | Molecular Structure of Active Ingredient |
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Cardiovascular Effects
Many studies suggest that consuming alcohol (especially red wine)
may reduce the incidence of coronary heart disease (CHD). Several
studies have demonstrated that resveratrol is an effective
antioxidant. It inhibits lipid peroxidation of low-density
lipoprotein (LDL), prevents the cytotoxicity of oxidized LDL, and
protects cells against lipid peroxidation. It is thought that
because it contains highly hydrophilic and lipophilic properties,
it can provide more effective protection than other well-known
antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E. On the other hand, it is
less effective than the antioxidants quercetin and epicatechin
found in red wine. Reduced platelet aggregation has also been
demonstrated in studies on resveratrol, further contributing to its
prevention of atherosclerosis. To date, most of the research on
resveratrol's antioxidant and anti-platelet properties has been
done in vitro (in an artificial environment using test-tube or
tissue-culture preparations). Further studies in animals and humans
are necessary to determine whether resveratrol supplementation
makes sense.
Cancer-Related Effects
Resveratrol is being studied to see how it affects the initiation,
promotion, and progression of cancer. With regard to tumor
initiation, it has been shown to act as an antioxidant by
inhibiting free radical formation, and as an anti-mutagen in rat
models. Resveratrol appears to decrease tumor promotion activity by
inhibiting cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1), an enzyme that converts
arachidonic acid to pro-inflammatory substances that stimulate
tumor-cell growth . Studies related to progression have found that
resveratrol induced human promyelocytic leukemia cell
differentiation and inhibited ribonucleotide reductase, an enzyme
needed for DNA synthesis in proliferating cells . One appealing
characteristic of resveratrol's anti-cancer potential is its
minimal toxicity to blood-forming cells . More studies using both
cellular and animal models are needed before any such data would be
applicable to human use.
The similarity in structure between resveratrol and
diethylstilbestrol (a synthetic estrogen) has prompted
investigations into resveratrol's potential as a phytoestrogen (a
plant compound that produces estrogen-like effects). However, these
properties also stimulate the growth of human breast cancer cells .
This finding seems contrary to its other anticancer activities, and
is a cause for concern.
The Natural Products Association was cited in an article regarding
a new dietary supplement that contains resveratrol, a substance
researchers believe may help protect human cells from diseases such
as cancer and arthritis.
Direct Antioxidant Activity
In the test tube, resveratrol effectively scavenges (neutralizes)
free radicals and other oxidants and inhibits low density
lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation . However, there is little evidence
that resveratrol is an important antioxidant in vivo . After oral
consumption of
