NEWS
 

Researchers Show Resveratrol
Works In The Brain By Metal Chelating Effects

 Researchers now convincingly show that, via its iron-chelating effects, resveratrol is able to cross barriers that protect the brain from entry of toxins (blood/brain barrier) and reduce oxidation (spoilage) of fats and increase the activity of protective antioxidant enzymes in the brain of healthy rodents.  The research has application for age-related brain disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.  

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 Resveratrol decreased malondialdehyde (an end product of oxidation of fats) in brain tissues by –300%.  Doses ranging (in human equivalents) from 87.5 to 875 milligrams were effective in this regard.  Higher doses were not more effective.

Resveratrol dosage in milligrams per kilogram
(2.2 lb) of body weight

(human equivalent, 160 lb person in parentheses)

SOD activity (U/mg protein)

CAT activity (nmol/min/mg protein)

POD activity (nmol/min/mg protein)

0

1.60

0.48

9.00

1.25  (87.5 mg)

2.00

0.72

12.60

5 (350 mg)

2.50

1.20

18.00

12.5 (875 mg)

2.60

1.32

19.20

25 (1750 mg)

2.90

1.32

16.20

 SOD = superoxide dismutase  CAT = catalase  POD = peroxidase

 Resveratrol also significantly increased the activity of antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase, catalase and peroxidase by 160%, 270% and 210% (see above chart).  The forms of most of these protective enzymes were iron-controlling proteins, confirming that resveratrol’s primary action is via its ability to control metallic metals.  Loose (free) iron causes tissue damage in all forms of age-related brain disease.   While a relatively high dose of resveratrol was shown to be most effective (875 milligrams human equivalent dose), this was only a 7-day study.  It is expected that a life-long accumulation of iron in brain tissues will require a high loading dose and a lower maintenance dose.  The current fad of ultra-high dose resveratrol supplementation may be beneficial initially, but lead to anemias over longer term use.  –Resveratrol News April 2007

 

 



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