Resveratrol 150 mg (Item #171)

Resveratrol is a plant compound found in red grapes, peanuts, berries, and the Japanese knotweed plant. A number of plants produce resveratrol in response to stress, injury, infection or UV radiation. In 1992, researchers speculated that resveratrol may explain the "French Paradox" - the observation that (generally speaking) despite smoking plus a diet high in fat, the French have lower mortality from heart concerns - which may be explained by their frequent wine consumption. In vitro, resveratrol has been shown to neutralize free radicals, inhibit LDL cholesterol oxidation, platelet aggregation and stimulate eNOS (an enzyme that catalyzes nitric oxide formation). Nitric oxide is important for maintaining a healthy relaxation of the arteries. Caloric restriction has been shown to extend the lifespan of many species, including mammals. Studies have demonstrated that resveratrol extended the lifespan of living organisms by stimulating the sirtuin - a protein that mimics the effects of caloric restriction. One study found resveratrol increased the activity of the human enzyme Sirt1 in vitro. A low dose of resveratrol in the diet of mice was found to slow the age-related issues and alter gene expression in the heart, brain, and muscle similar to the way caloric restriction would.