A red wine extract called resveratrol has been shown to help mice live longer. What does that mean for us humans?

First, some background. Resveratrol is a protective compound produced by grapes, berries and other plants in response to environmental stresses. Resveratrol has potent antioxidant activity and also has the ability to inhibit platelet aggregation, thus making the blood less likely to clot. In addition, it has anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor and anti-infective properties. Resveratrol may even by helpful in preventing neuronal damage in Alzheimer’s disease.

What made resveratrol popular was a November 2006 study published by Harvard University researchers that reported mice lived longer when given a resveratrol supplement. One group of mice ate a normal diet. The second was fed a high-calorie diet and the third had the same high-calorie diet but was given resveratrol supplements. By the time the mice were 114 weeks old, about 60 percent in the high-calorie group had died, compared to about 40 percent in the low-calorie diet group and the group with the high-calorie diet supplemented with resveratrol. The mice taking resveratrol had healthier heart and liver tissue, decreased blood sugar levels, better insulin sensitivity and were more active than the other rodents.

Previous studies had found that resveratrol had a similar longevity benefit on yeast, flies and worms. This was the first evaluation of resveratrol on survival extension in mammals.

Red wine, particularly pinot noir, has a high concentration of resveratrol (about 1.5-3 mg per liter). Much of the resveratrol sold in supplement form is from the herb polygonum cuspidatum. The most common dosage is 10 mg of resveratrol per capsule or tablet.

More research needs to be done to determine the ideal dosage of resveratrol and how it would interact with other supplements or medicines. I plan to take one 10 mg capsule once or twice a week until more research is available. And I also plan to drink one or two ounces of red wine most evenings with dinner.

[Ed. Note: Ray Sahelian, M.D., is a practicing physician and best-selling author. He is a leading authority on natural supplements and nutrition. For the latest research on organic ways to improve your health and well-being, click here.]

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