WHAT IS RESVERATROL?

Resveratrol is an antioxidant. secondary plant compound from the group of polyphenols and has already been discovered in more than 70 plant species, such as red grapes, raspberries, blueberries, apples, soybeans, and peanuts. However, it is concentrated in v.a. in the skins of red grapes and serves the plant as a natural defense against parasites, fungal infestation and adverse weather conditions such as moisture, UV radiation and temperature fluctuations.

Resveratrol is considered the secret behind the so-called French Paradox.This refers to the good heart health of the French despite their high alcohol and fat consumption. However, the amount of resveratrol in red wine is probably insufficient for a noticeable effect. One would have to drink so much wine that the disadvantages of the alcohol would outweigh any benefits.

The plant with the highest resveratrol content is Japanese knotweed.Resveratrol is found in all parts of the plant, but most abundantly in the root. Therefore, we use this as a 100% natural source for our resveratrol capsules.

WHAT WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CIS- AND TRANS-RESVERATROL?

Resveratrol exists in two different geometric forms (so-called isomers): cis- and trans-resveratrol, only the trans form exhibits full bioactivityOur premium resveratrol contains at least 98% trans-resveratrol of optimal bioactivity.

CAN RESVERATROL ALSO BE SUFFICIENTLY CONSUMED THROUGH FOOD?

Unfortunately, food contains only minute amounts of resveratrol. To consume the contents of one resveratrol capsule (500 mg), for example, one would have to eat 400 kg of red grapes or 1250 kg of apples.. Values ​​vary greatly in red wine, but even assuming a maximum value of 10 mg per liter of red wine, it becomes clear that even with red wine, the amount of a capsule cannot be consumed in any quantity – at least not without the adverse effects of increased alcohol consumption.

Grape juice is also not an option, even if you were to drink liters of it, because it contains significantly less resveratrol than red wine. This is because resveratrol is located in the kidneys. v.a...in the skins of the grapes, which are discarded as pomace after pressing during juice production. In red wine production, however, there is sufficient time during maceration for the resveratrol from the skins to transfer into the wine.

WHEN AND HOW SHOULD RESVERATROL BE TAKEN?

Studies suggest that resveratrol in the morning on an empty stomach and combined with grape seed extract (OPC) which has the best bioavailability.

• Combination with piperine: Wightman E.L., Reay J.L., Haskell C.F., Williamson G., Dew T.PKennedy D.O. Effects of resveratrol alone or in combination with piperine on cerebral blood flow parameters and cognitive performance in human subjects: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over investigation. Br. J. Nutr. 2014;112:203–213. doi: 10.1017/S0007114514000737
• Take in the morning on an empty stomach: Almeida L., Vaz-da-Silva M., Falcão A., Soares E., Costa R., Loureiro A.I., Fernandes-Lopes C., Rocha J., Nunes T., Wright L., Soares-da-Silva P. Pharmacokinetic and safety profile of trans-resveratrol in a rising multiple-dose study in healthy volunteers. Mol. Nutr.Food Res. 2009;53:7–15. doi: 10.1002/mnfr.200800177
• Combination with grape seed extract (OPC): Rotches-Ribalta M., Andres-Lacueva C., Estruch R., Escribano E., Urpi-Sarda M. Pharmacokinetics of resveratrol metabolic profile in healthy humans after moderate consumption of red wine and grape extract tablets. Pharmacol. Res. 2012;66:375–382. doi: 10.1016/j.phrs.2012.08.001

WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE HEALTH EFFECTS?

Resveratrol simulates the effects of fasting.

Cellular waste is constantly produced as part of cell metabolism., such as errors in protein synthesis (misfolded proteins) or damaged mitochondrial fragments. This waste is normally broken down by cellular cleansing processes, v.a. through so-called autophagyThe cellular "recycling system" is responsible for this process. Lysosomes then attach to these waste products, and their enzymes break down this waste into its individual components, making it reusable. Lysosomes are therefore also referred to as the "stomach" of our cells.

Unfortunately, this autophagy process doesn't work as well in old age.This leads to an accumulation of molecular waste in the cells, eventually impairing normal cell functions. Over the years, this cellular waste can then contribute to relevant age-related diseases such as diabetes, Alzheimer's, or Parkinson's.

One way to activate autophagy is through caloric restriction (fasting). In times of food scarcity, the body activates the enzyme sirtuin, thereby triggering autophagy to release nutrients from protein waste. As a side effect of this nutrient extraction, misfolded proteins and defective organelles are broken down. This aligns well with observations from numerous studies showing that caloric restriction in laboratory animals has extended lifespans and counteracted aging processes.

The first systematic study on the positive effects of caloric restriction dates back to 1937 by Clive McCay: a 33% caloric restriction in laboratory rats resulted in a) a significant increase in maximum lifespan and b) a 50% increase in average lifespan.

Resveratrol is able to activate the sirtuin enzyme even without caloric restriction.In a double-blind crossover study, overweight but otherwise healthy participants received either 150 mg/day of resveratrol or a placebo for one month. Metabolic changes were observed in the resveratrol group that also occur with calorie restriction. SIRT1 was activated, the fat content of muscle cells increased (where the fat was then burned), while fat in the liver decreased; the mitochondria in the muscle cells were more active, and blood sugar levels fell, as did systolic blood pressure, blood lipid levels, and inflammation markers (see [reference]). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22055504/ ).

This basic principle appears to be the cause of numerous positive health effects of resveratrol, which are already well documented in studies.

• Resveratrol and “longevity” (healthy longevity): Resveratrol can activate the enzyme sirtuin-1 (SIRT1), which slows down aging processes in cells. (cf. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23471411/ and https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24439680/ ).
• Resveratrol in Alzheimer's prevention: In a study lasting approximately one year, patients with moderate Alzheimer's disease received 0.5 g/day of resveratrol; the dose was gradually increased to 2 g (see [reference]). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26362286/ The study showed that resveratrol can have an activating effect on the brain, for example, reducing inflammatory processes in the CNS (central nervous system) and improving blood flow in the brain. In patients with type 2 diabetes, 75 mg of resveratrol per week was sufficient to noticeably improve cognitive performance and blood supply to the brain (see [reference]). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27420093/ In another study, the administration of 250-500 mg per day to healthy subjects led to improved blood flow to the brain (see [reference]). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20357044/ Administering 250 mg resveratrol plus 20 mg piperine over three days resulted in a significant increase in hemoglobin levels (anemia is a relevant risk factor for dementia) (see [reference]). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24804871/ ).
• Resveratrol in cancer prevention: Here too, it is the autophagy activated by resveratrol that can lower certain markers involved in cancer development, such as insulin-like growth factor (IGF) or IGF-binding protein. The following review from 2021 (see...) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34101276/ ) describes how resveratrol u.aResveratrol triggers the release of anti-cancer signaling molecules such as IFN-γ and TNF-α, and also inhibits the release of TGF-β (which can promote cancer growth). Furthermore, it is shown how resveratrol can stimulate T helper cells and macrophages so that they can target cancer cells more effectively. Finally, resveratrol makes cancer cells more sensitive to the apoptosis ("cell suicide") signals of the immune system.
• Resveratrol for diabetes mellitus: Resveratrol is often used in the treatment of diabetes mellitus because it is said to improve vascular function, increase fat breakdown in the liver, and reduce oxidative stress, which in turn leads to improved insulin sensitivity (see [reference]). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20181810/ and https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21385509/In another study, ten overweight participants were given 1-2 g of resveratrol per day for four weeks – with the result that insulin sensitivity improved and better blood sugar levels after meals (postprandial blood sugar) were also observed (see [reference]). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22219517/ ).
• Resveratrol as protection for the nerves: In a 2017 study (see https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28329051/ ), it has been shown that resveratrol can protect muscles and synapses from the negative effects of the aging process.
• Resveratrol for healthy bones: A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study from 2014 concluded that resveratrol can increase bone density (see [reference]). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25322274/ ). 66 male subjects, all suffering from overweight, lipid metabolism disorders, blood sugar disorders and high blood pressure, were administered a) 1000 mg, b) 150 mg resveratrol or c) a placebo over four months – with the result that bone density in the lumbar region had increased significantly in the 1000 mg group compared to the placebo group.