Resveratrol is a polyphenol antioxidant found in grapes, purple grape juice, red wine, peanuts, some berries and in supplement form. Resveratrol works in several ways to reduce inflammation. Researchers are beginning to understand the complex mechanisms of how resveratrol is effective for preventing inflammation.
Suppression of Prostaglandins
One way resveratrol works is in suppressing prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are hormone-like substance made of fatty acids and are markers of inflammation. Sickness and infection within the body can cause a prostaglandin release, which is oftentimes what causes pain. Cardiovascular disease is characterized by the release of prostaglandins. Resveratrol acts to suppress prostaglandins in white blood cells and this may be how resveratrol is thought to be cardioprotective, according to a study in the 2006 journal "Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety."
COX-2
Another component to resveratrol and inflammation deals with an enzyme known as cyclooxygenase-2, or COX-2. This enzyme is responsible for making prostaglandins which are associated with inflammation. Resveratrol has been found to decrease the activity of COX-2 which means there is a decrease in creation of prostaglandins, as explained by a 2004 study in the journal "Biofactors."
Cytokines
Cytokines are protein molecules secreted by cells of the immune system. Cytokines contribute to inflammation in the body. Resveratrol prevents the inflammatory action of cytokines. An example of this was seen in a study published in the 2003 journal "Thorax" in which resveratrol prevented release of cytokines from cells in the lungs. These particular cells, known as alveolar macrophages, play a role in consuming inhaled particulate matter. The participants in the study were smokers and patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Nuclear Factor
Various cancers involve an inflammatory process. Nuclear factor is a protein that binds to DNA and regulates the genes involved in inflammation and generation of tumors. There are various types of nuclear factors in the body. Resveratrol has shown the potential to inhibit the activity of some nuclear factors preventing inflammation and tumor growth, which was reflected in a study published in the June 2000 issue of the "Journal of Immunology."
References
- "Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety"; Bioactivity of Resveratrol; Robert King, et al.; 2006
- "Biofactors"; Resveratrol Inhibits Phorbol Ester-induced Cyclooxygenase-2 Expression in Mouse Skin ...; J Kundu, et al.; 2004
- "Thorax"; Inhibition by Red Wine Extract, Resveratrol ...; S. Culpitt, et al.; 2003
- MedlinePlus: Cytokines
- "Journal of Immunology"; Resveratrol Suppresses TNF-Induced Activation of Nuclear Transcription Factors NF-κB...; Sunil Manna, et al.; 2000
