Resveratrol, a molecule present mainly in red wine, exerts several positive effects on health. In addition to its anti-inflammatory and anticancer action, recent studies published in prestigious journals suggest that resveratrol may also delay cell aging by activating certain survival genes. With the added bonus of protection against age-related memory loss!
The skin of fruits contains an impressive arsenal of insecticidal and fungicidal molecules which serve to protect the plant from the many microorganisms present in the environment. These phytochemical defenses are especially important for high-sugar fruits like grapes, which are very attractive to nutrient-seeking pests.
To protect against these enemies, vines make large amounts of a molecule called resveratrol which accumulates in the skins of grapes where it acts as a powerful fungicide to reduce mold damage.
During the production of red wine, the fermentation of grape skins makes it possible to extract a large quantity of resveratrol and this drink is by far the best source of this molecule, which can contain up to 13 milligrams of resveratrol per liter according to the grape varieties.
One of the most exciting research developments of the past few years has been to show that resveratrol is not only essential to the health of vines, but also plays a prominent role in human health.
Several studies have in fact shown that this molecule has anti-inflammatory properties that positively influence cardiovascular health, improve physical endurance, reduce the risk of diabetes and cognitive decline and could even increase life expectancy.
But how to explain that a single molecule, produced by a plant in addition, can cause so many benefits for human health?
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Resveratrol activates protective genes
A major breakthrough in understanding the mechanisms involved in the positive impact of resveratrol has been published in the prestigious journal Nature.
Scientists have observed that resveratrol has the ability to activate several genes that have the function of protecting cells, for example by repairing DNA (PARP-1, p53), or even increasing its lifespan (FOXO3A, SIRT6).
This effect of resveratrol is observed at very low doses, easily achievable by moderate consumption of red wine, and could therefore contribute to the increase in life expectancy which has been observed in several organisms following treatment with resveratrol.
According to the scientific authors of the research, this molecular protection pathway activated by resveratrol is an ancestral process, preserved since the appearance of life on Earth, which could explain why this molecule can exert a positive impact on both plants and plants. in humans.
Activates the creation of neurons and supports memory
In another study, scientists showed that the anti-inflammatory properties of resveratrol could counteract cognitive decline, another negative effect of aging.
Using well-characterized models of age-related cognitive decline, they observed that resveratrol treatment was associated with dramatic improvement in their memory, learning ability as well as mood.
This positive effect would be caused by a marked increase in the development of new neurons (neurogenesis), better blood circulation in the brain and a reduction in inflammation in the hippocampus, the brain region involved in memory.
Drinking a glass of good red wine (and only one a day) is therefore an experience you won’t soon forget!
Source
Sajish M and Schimmel P. A human tRNA synthetase is a potent PARP1- activating effector target for res-veratrol. Nature.
Kodali M et al. Resveratrol prevents age-related memory and mood dysfunction with increased hippocampal neurogenesis and microvasculature, and reduced glial activation. Sci Rep. 2015; 5:8075.
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