Unlocking the Secrets of Ageing: The Powerful Role of Resveratrol

• September 01 2023, by SANUSq Research team

In the quest for longevity, scientists are leaving no stone unturned. One molecule that has been capturing attention is resveratrol, a natural phenolic compound found in various foods like grapes, peanuts, and red wine. This article delves deep into the research surrounding resveratrol's role in ageing and its potential in enhancing life spans.

1. The Ageing Conundrum: More Than Just Time and Wear

If we were to compare humans to cars, considering age as the mileage and the model year, it would seem that time and heavy usage inevitably lead to wear and tear. However, unlike inanimate machines, living organisms possess the ability to repair and defend themselves. This capability is influenced by external factors such as environment and lifestyle, and internal ones like genetics.

Longevity, or the extension of life, has been a focal point in anti-ageing research. It was formerly believed that ageing was an active continuation of an organism's genetically programmed development. Once an individual matured, it was thought that "ageing genes" directed its journey towards the end of life. However, this idea has been debunked.

Current consensus holds that ageing is a result of the body's maintenance and repair mechanisms gradually declining. This occurs as evolutionary natural selection has no reason to keep these mechanisms working once an organism has passed its reproductive age.

2. The Role of Resveratrol in Ageing

Resveratrol, a bioactive compound found in plant foods, has been discovered to have various health-promoting effects, such as antioxidation, anti-inflammation, and immunomodulation. It has been found to possess anti-ageing capabilities, contributing to the extension of lifespan and prevention of age-related diseases.
The anti-ageing mechanisms of resveratrol are mainly through reducing/removing oxidative stress, relieving inflammatory reaction, improving mitochondrial function, and successfully regulating apoptosis. Essentially, it can be considered as an "anti-ageing gene," working against the concept of "ageing genes."

Longevity and Life Extension

Studies have shown that resveratrol can extend lifespan in many animal models. Its effect on lifespan extension is mainly attributed to inducing autophagy, reducing oxidative stress, and providing neuroprotection.

Furthermore, some fruits and vegetables, such as grape, peanut, blueberry, cucumber, tomato, red cabbage, and spinach, have relatively high contents of resveratrol. The effects of these food sources on lifespan extension are a promising area of future research.

3. Resveratrol's Impact on Age-Related Diseases

Ageing is a primary risk factor for a plethora of diseases. As age grows, individuals become more susceptible to various diseases like neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, obesity, and malignant tumors. Resveratrol's potential in combating these age-related diseases has been established in various studies.

Neurodegenerative Diseases

Ageing is associated with neuroinflammation, autophagy dysregulation, neuronal apoptosis, and elevated oxidative status, all of which increase the risk of neurodegenerative diseases. Resveratrol has shown potential in protecting against neurodegenerative diseases by inducing neuronal differentiation, improving behavioral performance, increasing the production of new neurons, and promoting hippocampal neurogenesis.

Cardiovascular Diseases

Cardiovascular disease is one of the leading causes of death globally. Ageing is associated with impaired vascular function due to endothelial dysfunction and altered redox balance, thus increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Resveratrol can decrease atherosclerosis and improve cardiovascular health, possibly through reducing superoxide generation, enhancing the nitric oxide level, and improving oxidative stress.

Sarcopenia

Sarcopenia, an age-related syndrome characterized by the progressive loss of muscle mass and function, can be effectively improved with resveratrol. Resveratrol treatment has been shown to improve the mass and function of skeletal muscle and decrease the occurrence of sarcopenia.

Cancer

Age is a critical risk factor in the occurrence and development of cancers. Studies have shown that resveratrol treatment can suppress the formation of cancer by inhibiting cell proliferation.

4. Mechanisms of Resveratrol on Ageing

Ageing is caused by numerous factors within the body. Years of oxidative stress, low-grade inflammation, and cell apoptosis are the leading causes of ageing within the body. In addition, evidence now shows that gut microbiota imbalance and mitochondrial dysfunction contribute greatly to the signs of ageing.

Combating Oxidative Stress

Oxidative stress contributes massively  to the ageing process. Factors such as lipid peroxidation, protein peroxidation, and an impaired defense system brought about by excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) gradually compromise cell structures and functions, eventually leading to cell senescence and acceleration the ageing process. Studies show that resveratrol can impede the formation of oxidative stress, thereby exerting an anti-ageing effect.

The Inhibition of Inflammation

A chronic low-grade inflammation level commonly exists in the ageing process, and this is known as inflammageing. Resveratrol has been shown to exert an anti-ageing effect through improving inflammatory response.

The Improvement of Mitochondrial Function

Mitochondria play a key role in the metabolism of aerobic organisms. Mitochondrial dysfunction and decreased mitochondrial content are hallmarks of ageing. Resveratrol has been shown to regulate mitochondrial function, delaying the ageing process.

The Regulation of Apoptosis

Apoptosis, or programmed cell death, is a critical process in ageing. Excessive neuronal apoptosis can promote the development of neurodegenerative diseases. Resveratrol has been shown to regulate apoptosis to protect against ageing and age-related diseases.

5. The Potential of Resveratrol in Human Ageing

Human ageing might be controlled by tweaking a handful of genes. The discovery of resveratrol's potential in influencing these genes opens the door for the development of medications that modulate the activity of Sirtuin enzymes, potentially treating specific conditions such as Alzheimer's, cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.

6. Conclusion

While the fountain of youth remains elusive, the potential of resveratrol in enhancing health and longevity is undeniable. As research continues to unfold, it's fascinating to imagine a future where ageing is not just a consequence of time and tear, but a process we can actively influence and control. The secrets of ageing are slowly being unlocked, and resveratrol holds a promising key. The best way to supplement resveratrol is via Liposomal resveratrol supplements

References:

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2. Fajemiroye J. O., da Cunha L. C., Saavedra-Rodriguez R., et al. Ageing-induced biological changes and cardiovascular diseases. BioMed Research International. 2018;2018:14. doi: 10.1155/2018/7156435.7156435
3. Kodali M., Parihar V. K., Hattiangady B., Mishra V., Shuai B., Shetty A. K. Resveratrol prevents age-related memory and mood dysfunction with increased hippocampal neurogenesis and microvasculature, and reduced glial
4. Casciaro M., Di Salvo E., Pace E., Ventura-Spagnolo E., Navarra M., Gangemi S. Chlorinative stress in age-related diseases: a literature review. Immunity & Ageing. 2017;14:p. 7. doi: 10.1186/s12979-017-0104-5.
5. Picca A., Lezza A. M. S., Leeuwenburgh C., et al. Fueling inflamm-ageing through mitochondrial dysfunction: mechanisms and molecular targets. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2017;18:p. 15. doi: 10.3390/ijms18050933

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