I only have one article this month. I am trying to get ready to start my “Art of Doodling for Adults” class. I will be leaving next week for a seminar on the benefits of the meditative effects while doing this type of drawing. My class begins on October 8th in my local area. See the August issue of this newsletter for details. If you are in my local area please consider signing up for it. You’ll have a pleasant experience and leave so much more relaxed and thinking clearer. New projects each week.
EFFECTS OF RESVERATROL ON HEALTH
WHAT DOES RESERVATROL DO?
Resveratrol is a polyphenolic compound that naturally occurs in plants. It works as a potent antioxidant that makes plants resistant to diseases, injury and various stressors, including excessive UV radiation, drastic climate changes and fungal infections. Hence, it is said that when you consume resveratrol, you also get the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that it offers.
WHAT IS RESVERATROL USED FOR?
Resveratrol is basically used to help combat damaging free radicals in the body. It has shown promise against chronic illnesses, and has a particularly potent neuroprotective effects, offering protection against diseases like vascular dementia, Alzheimer’s disease and stroke. It has also shown promise in boosting mitochondrial health and may even have anticancer benefits.
A growing number of studies support resveratrol’s potential effects on cancer, with evidence dating as far back as 1997. Cancer researchers took great interest in these findings, particularly resveratrol’s ability to make cancerous tumors more vulnerable to conventional cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
In 2011 review of dietary agents that have tumor-sensitizing properties (making them more susceptible to chemo drugs) found that resveratrol was a clear candidate owing to its multi-targeting properties.
Prostate cancer, acute promyelocytic leukemia, lung carcinoma, multiple myeloma and pancreatic cancer.
Another 2011 study notes that resveratrol may help alleviate some of the debilitating side effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, which include depression, to name a few. The authors noted that these symptoms occur due to “dysregulation of inflammatory pathways” in your system, which explains the efficacy of this antioxidant.
The Department of Dermatology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, at the Columbia University in New York City did a review of preclinical studies for human cancer prevention.
It reports that the search for novel and effective cancer chemopreventative agents has led to the indentification of various naturally occurring compounds one of which is resveratrol (trans-3,4’5-trihydroxystilbene), a phytoalexin derived from the skin of grapes and other fruits. Resveratrol is known to have potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects and to inhibit platelet aggregation and the growth of a variety of cancer cells. Its potential chemopreventative and chemotherapeutic activities have been demonstrated in all three stages of carcinogensis (initiation, promotion, and progression), in both chemically and UVB-induced skin carcinogenesis in mice, as well as in various murine (rats and rodents) models of human cancers. Evidence from numerous in vitro and in vivo studies has confirmed its ability to modulate various targets and signaling pathways. This review discusses the current preclinical and mechanistic data available and assesses resveratrol’s anticancer effects to support its potential as an anticancer agent in human populations.
Effects of Resveratrol and other Polyphenols on Brain Function During Aging
A study performed at the university in Mallorca, Spain, found that the oxidative stress and more recently inflammatory processes have been identified as the major causes of brain aging. Oxidative stress and inflammation affect each other, but there is more information about the effects of oxidative on aging than regarding the contribution of inflammation on it.
The intense research for methods to delay or mitigate the effects of aging, are interesting polyphenols, natural molecules synthesized by plants (e.g. resveratrol). Their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties make them useful molecules in the prevention of aging.
Are There Side Effects of Resveratrol?
While generally safe and according to WebMD, there are no severe side effects associated with this supplement, even in high doses. However, it is still best to exercise caution and consult with your physician before taking this supplement.
You should also be careful if you are taking medications to manage a disease. Resveratrol may interact with and increase the effectiveness of medications like blood thinners and NSAIDs, so refrain from taking this supplement if you are using these prescription drugs or over the counter medications.. Resveratrol has been noted to inhibit aggregation of platelets in high-risk patients who are resistant to aspirin.
Do not give this supplement to children, as well as pregnant or breastfeeding women without the advice of a health practitioner.
Please note that taking resveratrol will be useless if you do not address our overall diet and lifestyle. Resveratrol only serves as a complement to your diet and should not be treated as a solution or cure to your health problems.
