Resveratrol Information: Uses and Benefits

stryder — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 12:07:00 -0400

Resveratrol was first isolated in 1940 from the roots of the white hellebore plant. It has since been found in various plants, including grapes, berries, Hy Zhang root, Giant Knotweed, and peanuts in varying amounts.

Resveratrol is a chemical that is classified under a group of compounds known as phytoalexins. These compounds are produced by plants that have been stressed or are under attack by bacteria and fungus, acting as “antibiotics” and helping to fight against the attacking organism. The type of plant, region, and severity of attack, determines how much Resveratrol is produced.

Resveratrol first came under the public microscope when scientists started studying the French paradox. The French paradox dealt with questions as to why heart disease, high cholesterol, and subsequent related health problems and deaths were so low among the French. The paradox lies in the fact that the French culture has a diet high in saturated fats and cholesterol; which is consumed daily in a course style manner. The fact that a glass of wine accompanied most meals did not elude researchers, so they focused on the many phytonutrients that are found in wine. The scrutiny on this paradox culminated in a 2006 study that found mice lived longer when given a Resveratrol supplement. Interest in Resveratrol has risen immensely in the past few years and with the multitude of benefits, one can see why.

Some of the benefits of Resveratrol may include:

Enhances eyesight and color perception
Decreases blood pressure
Decreases cholesterol
May normalize estrogen levels
May normalize prolactin levels
Induces biological changes that mimics a calorie restricted environment
Enhances cell wall integrity and promotes vessel elasticity and overall cardiovascular health
Fantastic antioxidant with high ORAC levels
Increases cardiovascular endurance and efficiency
Glucose disposal
Anti-inflammatory
Possible anti-cancer activity
May be a neuro-protectant
May act as a SERM (Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators)
Anti-aging
May stimulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, inducing a positive testosterone response, without inducing adverse effects.

Its anti-aging potential seems to come from Resveratrol’s activating enzymes, which prolongs the time cells have to repair broken DNA. Also related, its calorie restricting ability seems to be involved with the activation of the SIRT1 enzyme which has a higher level in the blood stream when the body is in a caloric deficit (dieting). When this enzyme is secreted in abundance in lab rats: decreased cholesterol, increased mitochondria, lower insulin levels, and low blood sugar have been noted.

Some studies have shown the compound can extend the lifespan of mice by around 15%, and fruit flies over 90%. Resveratrol seems to boost muscle endurance by increasing the amount and production of the “powerhouse” of muscle cells, the mitochondria. Mitochondrion produces Adenosine-Tri-Phosphate, which fuels the first few seconds of any movement, as well as acting as fuel for many bodily processes. For bodybuilders and health enthusiasts this basically means the more of these powerhouses you have working hard for you, the harder you can work out!

The fact that Resveratrol has well documented anti estrogen effects means it is a great choice for an all natural testosterone booster such as the NutraPlanet TNT Stack™, as well as an ideal counterpart to PCT where it can also be useful to inhibit prolactin in addition to preventing a rebound in estrogen. The blood pressure and cholesterol lowering effects can also be of help if one is taking hormones or anything that may cause these to rise. If you are dieting, trying to lose a few pounds, or just trying to stay lean, the glucose disposal and caloric deficit mimicking effects make this a no-brainer to use in your daily supplement arsenal.

With the myriad of health benefits: cosmetic, external, and internal, Resveratrol should be in the arsenal of anyone interested in Hardcore Health!

Bodybuilding and Fitness Uses of Resveratrol

One thing that grape seed extract has been known for is extending and enhancing the effectiveness of nitric oxide supplements. These supplements increase the formation of a gas called nitric oxide, which acts as a vasodilator. A vasodilator is a substance that expands blood vessels. This in turn enables more blood to flow through the vessels. This will give you the appearance of being much bigger, leaner, and harder—depending on your body fat levels.

Effects of increased nitric oxide production go beyond the purely cosmetic. The increased blood flow also brings more oxygen, (potentially increasing endurance), and nutrients (potentially increasing recovery and growth), and of course you get the pumped up feeling that most fitness enthusiasts love. Research shows that Resveratrol has the same exciting N.O. enhancing activity of grape seed; it does this by inducing more production of nitric oxide synthase. This enzyme is responsible for the synthesis of nitric oxide.

The usual supplement used to achieve this N.O. Explosion, is L-Arginine, or one of its many forms, including Arginine Ethyl Ester, (AEE) and Arginine Alpha-Ketoglutarate (AAKG). There are also other N.O. boosters that offer the same benefits using different pathways such as Norvaline, Citrulline Malate, Cordyceps, Coleus Forskohlii, and Beta Alanine. These other compounds also have health benefits as well.

For a quick boost to your NO-Xplode, Nos-Ether, Super Pump, or any other N.O. supplement, add a cap of Resveratrol and you will feel the difference!

Anti Inflammatory Effects

It is a well-known fact that the root of many medical problems, disorders, and diseases can be traced to some sort of inflammatory response within the body. Two of the most notable would be cardiovascular disease and cancer.

There are new studies and evidences that show Resveratrol exhibits a variety of different pathways to exert its anti-inflammatory effects. By down-regulating the inflammatory response and inhibiting the synthesis and release of inflammatory intermediaries, and inhibiting certain enzymes like COX-2 and iNOS. Another key to Resveratrol’s anti-inflammatory action is the inhibition of Activator Protein 1 (AP-1 for short). Activator Protein 1 seems to be inhibited by Resveratrol, AP-1 similarly is important in the regulating of inflammatory genes caused by oxidative stress and its inhibition may contribute to the anti-inflammatory properties of Resveratrol. This is possibly the main pathway which Resveratrol may exert its anti-cancer effects.

Muscle Fiber Switching

One other thing of note for sport enthusiasts is the possibility that Resveratrol may be able to change the predominant muscle fibers a person has. Everyone has both slow twitch fibers, (type 1) and fast twitch fibers, (type 2, subcategorized into 2a and 2b). Slow twitch fibers have more mitochondria than the fast twitch fibers, which is why they are harder to tire, and are used in activities that call for endurance, high aerobic capacity and constant movement (like running). These types of fibers contract more slowly than their fast twitch brethren, which consume less energy. Fast twitch fibers, on the other hand, fire fast and often, which consumes more energy. These are the muscle fibers predominantly used in anaerobic activities such as sprinting and weightlifting. Type 2a fibers are a blend of both fibers, while 2b is the quick powerful contracting fibers. We are born with close to the same percentage of both fibers for a 50/50 mix for the most part. Those rare individuals that may have more fibers of one type will excel in a sport or activity that lends itself to their predominant muscle fiber type. So for instance, if you have more fast twitch fibers, you have the tools to be a good power lifter. If you have more slow twitch, then you have the tools to be a good marathon runner. We have known for a while that training in certain ways can have a beneficial effect on certain fiber types, and can help you make one type predominant. For instance, if you train in plyometrics long enough, you may influence in a positive manner the amount of fast twitch fibers you have, making quick powerful movements easier. What does all of this have to do with Resveratrol? It seems that this super nutrient can also influence the ratio of fibers you have. Combined with proper training, this can be enhanced. One study was done on mice which showed this “fiber switching” without exercise! So far it appears that Resveratrol only causes switching to type 1 fibers. Scientists are also unsure of how this is, because Resveratrol works on so many different pathways. Hopefully more research will soon shed light on this exciting development.

Assimilation and Use

One final note on Resveratrol is its bioavailability. Resveratrol is metabolized so quickly, that high blood concentrations are difficult to obtain. Taking your entire daily dose, along with something like Bioperine, should help Resveratrol be utilized more efficiently.

Because of Resveratrol’s anti-inflammatory effects, it should not be taken with compounds that cause inflammation for a beneficial effect, such as Arachidonic Acid (X Factor). Also, an additional amount of vitamin C should be taken as Resveratrol may inhibit its absorption.