June 28, 2011

Resveratrol shows promise as human antiaging compound

A review published online on June 20, 2011 in the journal Molecular Nutrition and Food Research concludes that the polyphenol resveratrol, which has recently gained attention as a possible aging and disease-preventive compound, could indeed possess an ability to help retard the development of some of the conditions associated with aging in humans.

In their introductory remarks, Heather Hausenblas of the University of Florida, James Smoliga of Marywood University and Joseph Barr of the University of Pennsylvania note that nearly 4000 studies have been published on the subject of resveratrol and that one study, conducted in 2007, found two-thirds of those who use multiple supplements include resveratrol in their regimen. "Studies using purified enzymes, cultured cells, and laboratory animals have suggested that resveratrol has antiaging, anti-carcinogenic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties that might be relevant to chronic diseases and/or longevity in humans," they write. "This review aims to examine the current state of knowledge on the effects of resveratrol on humans and to utilize this information to develop further guidelines for the implementation of human clinical trials."

Although the review included just 15 peer-reviewed human trials involving varying doses of resveratrol, the authors conclude that there is significant evidence of a potential for the compound to prevent disease and improve human health. "We believe the evidence is sufficiently strong to conclude that a single dose of resveratrol is able to induce beneficial physiologic responses, and that either weeks or months of resveratrol supplementation produces physiologic changes that are predictive of improved health, especially in clinical populations with compromised health," they write.

In addition to resveratrol's anti-inflammatory effect, the compound's role as an antioxidant could be partly responsible for its numerous benefits. Antioxidants suppress the formation of free radicals that damage the body's cells and lead to the development of disease. “It’s not so easy to say resveratrol is the main factor,” stated Dr Hausenblas, who is an exercise physiologist at the University of Florida. “It’s one piece of the overall puzzle that reduces the free radicals.”

”We’re all looking for an anti-aging cure in a pill, but it doesn’t exist," she commented. "But what does exist shows promise of lessening many of the scourges and infirmities of old age.”

Chronic inflammation

The New England Journal of Medicine published several studies in the year 2000 showing that the blood indicators of inflammation are strong predictive factors for determining who will suffer a heart attack (Lindahl et al. 2000; Packard et al. 2000; Rader 2000). The January 2001 issue of Life Extension Magazine described these studies and explained how individuals could protect themselves against these inflammatory markers (such as C-reactive protein, homocysteine, and fibrinogen).

A growing consensus among scientists is that common disorders such as atherosclerosis, colon cancer, and Alzheimer's disease are all caused in part by a chronic inflammatory syndrome.

For those who have multiple degenerative diseases, the cytokine profile blood test and the C-reactive protein blood test are highly recommended. This may be done through your own physician or the Life Extension Foundation. If your cytokine test reveals excess levels of cytokines such as TNF-a, IL-1(b), or both, nutritional supplementation, dietary modifications, and low-cost prescription medications such as PTX are advised.

The following nutrients are suggested:

• The docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) fraction of fish oil may be the most effective nonprescription nutrient to suppress pro-inflammatory cytokines. Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) is a precursor of PGE1, a potent anti-inflammatory agent.
• DHEA is a hormone that decreases with age. DHEA has been shown to suppress IL-6, an inflammatory cytokine that often increases as people age. Typical doses of DHEA are 25-50 mg daily, although some people take 100 mg daily.
• Nettle leaf has been shown to suppress the proinflammatory cytokine TNF-a. Take 1000 mg daily.
• Vitamin E and N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) are protective antioxidants with anti-inflammatory properties. Vitamin E that contains gamma-tocopherol and tocotrienols provides the most broad-spectrum protection. NAC is an amino acid with antiviral and liver protectant properties. Six hundred milligrams daily is recommended.
• Vitamin K helps reduce levels of IL-6, a pro-inflammatory messenger. Vitamin K also helps in the treatment of osteoporosis by regulating calcium and promoting bone calcification. If you are taking Coumadin or other anticoagulant medicine, consult your physician before taking vitamin K.
• Consuming at least 1000 mg per day of carnosine and/or 300 mg of the European drug aminoguanidine can inhibit pathological glycation reactions in the body.

Life Extension Magazine® July, 2011 Now Available in Electronic Format

This e-issue of Life Extension Magazine® is extraordinarily easy to use, easy to navigate … with the same flip-the-page feeling you get from your printed copy, plus a few extra advantages. You can choose to search out a topic or keyword. Skim quickly. Skip ahead. Even order products.

Shed pounds by inhibiting cellular fat storage
In a major advance, two cutting-edge plant extracts have been identified that target the pathways involved in fat cell storage.

As we see it: An epidemic of denial
Nearly two-thirds of Americans are now medically classifiable as overweight or obese. Yet 30% of overweight individuals believe they’re at a healthy weight, and 70% of obese individuals feel they’re simply overweight.

State of California decrees strong warning labels on DHEA and pregnenolone
A plethora of medical evidence substantiates the safety and efficacy of DHEA and pregnenolone. That has not stopped relentless governmental assaults on your right to obtain them.

Beyond eye health: how astaxanthin combats degenerative disease
Celebrity physician Dr. Oz recently touted astaxanthin as “The #1 Supplement You’ve Never Heard of That You Should Be Taking.”

Novel citrus extract blocks deadly cancer cell signaling
Cancer cells must communicate with one another in order to proliferate and metastasize. Avant-garde researchers are finding that a specific form of modified citrus pectin disrupts their lines of communication, slowing cancer’s progress and improving prognosis.

Protection from disease: the CR way
For the past 76 years, scientific studies have confirmed the pro-longevity effects of calorie restriction.

Life Extension Update

• Resveratrol improves endothelial function in overweight men and women
• Resveratrol suppresses inflammation in human trial
• Review affirms multiple benefits for resveratrol

What's Hot

• Quercetin as good as resveratrol in fighting inflammation
• Promising future predicted for resveratrol

Life Extension® Magazine

• Living longer, healthier lives with resveratrol
• Growing evidence links resveratrol to extended life span

If you have questions or comments concerning this issue or past issues of Life Extension Update, send them to ddye@lifeextension.com or call 1-800-678-8989.

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