Clinical Trial Finds Heart Protective Benefits For Resveratrol

Clinical trial finds heart-protective benefits for resveratrol

Tuesday, May 1, 2012. The results of a randomized trial published online on April 19, 2012 in The American Journal of Cardiology reveal a benefit for resveratrol in reducing cardiovascular disease risk factors in men and women taking statin drugs. "We have carried out the longest human trial reported thus far using a resveratrol-containing product," announce researchers Juan Carlos Espín, PhD and his associates at CEBAS-CSIC and Morales Meseguer University Hospital in Murcia, Spain.

Dr Espin's team divided 74 participants who were at high risk of cardiovascular disease to receive a grape extract containing 8 milligrams resveratrol, a grape supplement without resveratrol or a placebo daily for six months, followed by a six month period during which the dose of the treatments was doubled. Blood samples collected at the beginning of the study and at six and twelve months were analyzed for clotting factors, markers of inflammation and other values.

While the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 increased and the anti-inflammatory molecule interleukin-10 had decreased by the end of the study in the placebo group, no changes were observed among those who received grape extract without resveratrol. Subjects who received resveratrol experienced a 1.3 milligram per liter average decrease in high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) as well as a decline in tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-a) by the end of twelve months, indicating a significant decrease in inflammation. Additionally, plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1) was reduced, reflecting a reduction in the risk of excessive blood clotting, while adiponectin and interleukin 10 were increased in the group that received grape extract with resveratrol.

"In the present study, we describe for the first time that a dietary intervention with a specific grape nutraceutical containing resveratrol 8 milligrams significantly improved the inflammatory and fibrinolytic status of patients undergoing primary prevention of cardiovascular disease," the authors write. "This resveratrol-rich grape supplement seemed to exert a statin-like effect beyond patients' standard medication. In this regard, a synergistic effect between statins and this grape nutraceutical cannot be ruled out."

"Our results show for the first time that a dietary intervention with grape resveratrol could complement the gold standard therapy in the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease," they conclude.

Polyphenol as well as alcohol content contribute to wine benefit

A report published online in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition on December 28, 2012 reveals that the alcohol content of wine and the polyphenols it contains both contribute to the beverage's cardioprotective effects, but in different ways. The research helps answer the question concerning whether wine's benefits are due to its alcohol content or other factors.

A team from Spain enrolled 67 men who were at high risk of cardiovascular disease due to smoking or other risk factors. Following a two week period during which no alcohol was consumed, the participants were divided to receive red wine, dealcoholized red wine or gin daily for four weeks. This was followed by two similar trials of the beverages not previously received by each subject. Blood and urine samples were collected at the beginning and end of each treatment period, and analyzed for markers of inflammation and other factors.

The researchers found an increase in interleukin-10 (an anti-inflammatory cytokine) and a reduction in macrophage-derived chemokines in association with alcohol, while red wine polyphenols were associated with reduced intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and interleukin-6, as well as other factors. "The phenolic content of red wine may modulate leukocyte adhesion molecules, whereas both ethanol and polyphenols of red wine may modulate soluble inflammatory mediators in patients at high risk of cardiovascular disease," the authors conclude.

In a review of the study, one author commented that "The results strongly indicate an effect of wine polyphenols on inflammation and this is just what we expect from the biochemistry and nutritional effects of fruits and vegetables. The effect of ethanol, on the other hand, likely fits a hormetic mechanism, where low doses regularly supplied are protective while high doses in a single shot are worsening the progression of disease."

Life Extension Magazine® May, 2012 interactive version now live

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. Now all that convenience is right at your fingertips.

Reversing female sexual dysfunction, by Michael Downey
Scientists have discovered specific botanical-based extracts that modulate the mechanisms behind female sexual dysfunction and menopausal symptoms.

Strategies to protect and preserve your hearing, by Alexander Brookner
Studies prove that daily noise from our environment can cause problems ranging from high blood pressure and elevated heart rate to tinnitus and hearing loss.

Nutrient cocktail delays aging and extends life span, by Susan Machado
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Blood testing that can save your life, by Michael Ozner, MD
In this excerpt from his new book, Heart Attack Proof, Dr. Ozner explains which blood tests provide key preventive information and how to interpret these tests in order to avoid the risks of cardiovascular disease.

Reducing dangerous varicose veins with phlebotonics, by Sarah Clachar
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Highlight

Life Extension Update		What's Hot
	Resveratrol improves endothelial function in overweight men and women		Resveratrol shows preventive benefit in metabolic syndrome
	Two new articles confirm numerous cardiovascular benefits for grape polyphenols		Quercetin as good as resveratrol in fighting inflammation
	Resveratrol fights multiple myeloma		Nutrient combo reduces inflammation and oxidative stress

Life Extension Magazine®		Health Topics
	Extending life and fighting disease with resveratrol		Atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease
	Living longer, healthier lives with resveratrol		Chronic inflammation
	Growing evidence links resveratrol to extended life span		Blood clot prevention

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