Resveratrol, a polyphenol compound, is produced when some plants, including grapes, blueberries and some pines, are put under different biotic and abiotic stresses like physical injury, fungal infection, and UV light exposure. It lowers "bad" low-density lipoprotein and raises "good" high-density lipoprotein. If you want to use resveratrol supplements, do so under the supervision of your doctor.
Stilbenes
The root of Polygonum cuspidatum, a herb of the buckwheat family, contains stilbenes, a group of natural compounds with many biological properties. One highly potent stilbene known as resveratrol has been shown to exhibit several physiological activities. Joan Spainhour of the Wilkes University has found that resveratrol and resveratrol glucoside piceid can significantly decrease cholesterol and triglycerides accumulation in the liver of mice.
Resveratrol: A Natural PPAR Activator
Resveratrol is a natural PPAR alpha agonist. PPAR alpha, a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily of ligand-dependent transcription factors, is involved in regulating lipid metabolism. Brain lipid metabolism is of particular interest because it improves brain function and reduces the incidence of stroke. Therefore, resveratrol could have a significant protective effect on stroke in people with high cholesterol and triglycerides levels, according to Shobu Namura, M.D., Ph.D., of the Morehouse School of Medicine.
Dose
An optimal therapeutic dosage for consumption of resveratrol to reduce LDL in human still has not been derived due to the lack of scientific research. However, an approximate dosage of 500 mg per day has been deduced from animal models used in various research studies.
Adverse Effects
Resveratrol has some similar estrogenic effects as endogenous estrogen due to similar structural attributes. It stimulates growth of breast cancer cells, according to a study at NYU Langone Medical Center. Women who have a brief history of breast cancer or has a possibility of developing a breast cancer must avoid taking resveratrol or any diet rich in resveratrol.
References
- Stanford University: Huntington's Outreach Project for Education: A Look at How Resveratrol, A Component of Red Wine, May Be Used to Treat HD
- Iowa State University: Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition: Power Foods; Sally Barclay
- Wilkes University; Medical Attributes of Polygonum Cuspidatum - Japanese Knotweed; Joan Spainhour; July 1997
- Morehouse School of Medicine: Research Interests; Shobu Namura
- NYU Langone Medical Center: Resveratrol
