Resveratrol works on roundworms and fruit flies, too
Readers of the August 26 2003 issue of Life Extension Update may recall the question asked in that issue’s “Life Extension Update Exclusive” headline: “Polyphenols mimic calorie restriction in yeast... will they do the same in humans?” The article summarized a report published in the journal Nature (http://www.nature.com), which revealed the findings of David Sinclair and colleagues that yeast cells treated with the polyphenol resveratrol lived 60 to 80 percent longer than their normal lifespan of nineteen generations. In a new series of experiments, also conducted by Dr Sinclair and recently published online in Nature, it was found that resveratrol extends the lifespan of the roundworm C elegans and the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster, bringing us a little closer to the answer to the question concerning whether resveratrol will similarly benefit higher species.

Resveratrol is one of several compounds that activate Sir2-like proteins (known as sirtuins), which have been found to be active in calorie-restricted organisms. Greater sirtuin activity within a cell is associated with increased survival. In the current series of experiments, Sinclair and colleagues demonstrate that sirtuin activating compounds increase the in vitro activity of Sir-2.1 and Sir2 purified from the roundworm and the fruit fly. In further experiments, the team administered diets with or without resveratrol to roundworms and observed an extension of lifespan of up to 14 percent in worms who received the compound compared to the control group.

When the effect of resveratrol was examined in fruit flies on abundant diets, the lifespan of flies who received the compound was extended up to 29 percent. While male and female flies on calorie restricted diets experienced an average extension of lifespan of 10 and 40 percent, respectively, the addition of resveratrol to the regimen did not increase longevity. The authors write that this finding “suggests that resveratrol extends lifespan through a mechanism related to calorie restriction.”

Interestingly, the female flies who received resveratrol experienced an increase in egg production, which contradicts other experimental findings that regimens that extend lifespan reduce fertility.

This research demonstrates in multicellular animals that it may be possible to elicit some of the benefits of calorie restriction without eating less by utilizing sirtuin-activating compounds such as resveratrol.

Prevention
New members often write to the Foundation for evaluation lists of the supplements they are taking. Many of these health-conscious people are under-dosing or overdosing on nutrient supplements. In many cases, people are missing just a few critical nutrients or hormones that would greatly enhance the effectiveness of their personal life extension program.

The following supplements are the most important in preventing the common diseases of aging:

1. Life Extension Mix as a cornerstone in a comprehensive supplement program (available in tablets, capsules, or powder).
2. Life Extension Super Booster containing the essential gamma fraction of vitamin E and tocotrienols along with plant extracts.
3. Coenzyme Q10 oil-filled softgel caps to improve cellular energy in the heart and brain.
4. ChronoForte, containing carnosine, a potent antiglycation agent, antioxidant, and metal chelator.
5. Cognitex and ginkgo to slow brain aging and enhance cognition.
6. Essential Fatty Acids serve as building blocks for nerve cells and cell membranes and help prevent a host of physical disorders.
7. Natural Prostate Formula for men to protect against prostate miseries; Bone Assure for women to prevent bone loss due to osteoporosis.
8. Restoring youthful hormone balance to stave off the diseases of old age that affect both men and women. (Refer to specific Male or Female Hormone Modulation protocol, and the DHEA Replacement protocol.)
9. SAMe to enhance youthful methylation and protect against neuronal, hepatic, and joint degeneration.
10. I3C/Resveratrol capsules to protect against aberrant cell growth.
11. Melatonin at bedtime to induce drowsiness and provide broad-spectrum antioxidant protection.
12. Low-dose aspirin (for most people) to help prevent dangerous blot clots and reduce chronic inflammation.

https://www.lifeextension.com/protocols

Featured Products

Resveratrol

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Indole-3-carbinol/Resveratrol

Life Extension has added resveratrol and other plant extracts to the new I3C/Resveratrol combination capsule.

Resveratrol, an extract that comes from grapes, vines and other plants, has been found by researchers to possess certain properties that may be important in maintaining optimal health.

Having isolated this nutrient from organic red grapes, a standardized extract has been developed and combined with I3C to create one of the most useful nutrients in safeguarding one's health.

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If you have questions or comments concerning this issue or past issues of Life Extension Update, send them to ddye@lifeextension.com or call 954 766 8433 extension 7716.

For longer life,

Dayna Dye
Editor, Life Extension Update
ddye@lifeextension.com
LifeExtension.com
1100 West Commercial Boulevard
Fort Lauderdale FL 33309
954 766 8433 extension 7716

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