Resveratrol Keeps the Heart Young

A new animal study indicates that low doses of resveratrol, an antioxidant compound naturally found in grapes, pomegranates, red wine among others, can potentially boost the quality of life in old age by improving heart health. The effects of resveratrol seems to mimic that of caloric restriction, which involves keeping to 20 to 30 percent less calories than a typical diet. Caloric restriction is believed to be effective in extending lifespan by reducing cellular stress response.

In this study, the researchers compared the genetic responses of animals to either restricted diets or normal diets including small doses of resveratrol, and found that resveratrol had virtually the same effects as restricted diets.

In the heart, for example, there are at least 1,029 genes whose functions change with age. In animals on restricted diets, 90 percent of those heart genes experienced alterations in gene expression, while low doses of resveratrol thwarted age-related change in 92 percent. The new findings, say the study’s authors, reveal how red wine’s special ingredient helps keep the heart young.

In short, the authors note that a glass of wine or food or supplements containing even small doses of resveratrol are likely to help stave off cardiac aging.

The researchers are planning a phase 1 clinical trial to begin this summer to further explore the effects of resveratrol on memory, physical performance, inflammation and oxidative damage in elderly individuals.