http://www.pycnogenol.com/media/media_research_library.php1: Nutr Res. 2008 Nov;28(11):729-37.Links
Cardioprotective actions of grape polyphenols.
Leifert WR, Abeywardena MY.
Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Division of Human Nutrition, PO Box 10041, Adelaide BC, SA 5000, Australia. wayne.leifert@csiro.au
The aim of this review is to discuss the accumulating evidence that suggests that grape extracts and purified grape polyphenols possess a diverse array of biological actions and may be beneficial in the prevention of some inflammatory-mediated diseases including cardiovascular disease. The active components from grape extracts, which include the grape seed, grape skin, and grape juice, that have been identified thus far include polyphenols such as resveratrol, phenolic acids, anthocyanins, and flavonoids. All possess potent antioxidant properties and have been shown to decrease low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol oxidation and platelet aggregation. These compounds also possess a range of additional cardioprotective and vasoprotective properties including antiatherosclerotic, antiarrhythmic, and vasorelaxation actions.
Although not exclusive, antioxidant properties of grape polyphenols are likely to be central to their mechanism(s) of action, which also include cellular signaling mechanisms and interactions at the genomic level. This review discusses some of the evidence favoring the consumption of grape extracts rich in polyphenols in the prevention of cardiovascular disease. Consumption of grape and grape extracts and/or grape products such as red wine may be beneficial in preventing the development of chronic degenerative diseases such as cardiovascular disease.
1: J Med Food. 2008 Dec;11(4):610-4.Click here to read Links
Beneficial effects of resveratrol on atherosclerosis.
Fan E, Zhang L, Jiang S, Bai Y.
College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tian Jin, People's Republic of China. fan@pflanzenphys.uni-halle.de
Atherosclerosis, a progressive disease characterized by the accumulation of lipids and fibrous elements in the arteries, is a most important contributor to cardiovascular diseases. Resveratrol is a naturally occurring phytopolyphenol compound and shows the ability to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. In this review, beneficial effects of resveratrol on the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis, including regulation of vasodilator and vasoconstrictor production, inhibition of oxidative stress/reactive oxygen species generation, anti-inflammation, inhibition of modification of low-density lipoproteins, anti-platelet aggregation, and its abilities to impede progression and modulate complications of atherosclerosis, are discussed.
1: Curr Med Chem. 2008;15(19):1887-98.Click here to read Links
Trans-resveratrol: a magical elixir of eternal youth?
Orallo F.
Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela (La Coruña), Spain. fforallo@usc.es
Trans-resveratrol or (E)-resveratrol <3,4',5 trihydroxy-trans-stilbene, t-RESV or (E)-RESV> is a natural component of Vitis vinifera L. (Vitaceae), abundant in the skin of grapes (but not in the flesh) and in the leaf epidermis and present in wines (especially red wines). In in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo experiments, t-RESV exhibits a number of biological activities, including anti inflammatory, antioxidant, platelet antiaggregatory and anticarcinogenic properties, and modulation of lipoprotein metabolism. Some of these activities have been implicated in the cardiovascular protective effects attributed to t-RESV and to red wine.
Prior to 2002 there had been no previous studies describing the potential effects of t-RESV on the lifespan extension. However, in the last 5 years, several researchers have reported that t-RESV is a potent activator of sirtuin enzymatic activity, mimics the beneficial effects of caloric restriction (CR), retards the aging process and increases longevity in a number of organisms from different phyla such as yeasts, worms, flies and short-lived fish. In addition, t-RESV seems to be effective in delaying the onset of a variety of age-related diseases in mammals (e.g.: rodents). Therefore, this review will basically focus on the possible role of t-RESV to extend life duration and on some of the mechanisms by which t-RESV may act as an anti-aging agent.