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LIFE EXTENSION
Perhaps the most exciting research being
conducted on resveratrol is occurring within
the realm of life extension.
Researchers have determined that resveratrol
has the ability to extend the lives of
yeast, worms, fruit flies, a certain species
of fish, and obese mice up to 70%, 29%, 24%,
50%, and 31% respectively (depending on the
amount of resveratrol given). Whether these
results will transfer to humans is not
known.
So how does resveratrol extend life in
certain organisms?
The exact answer is not known but a
widely asserted theory is that Resveratrol
activates an enzyme that is present in the
bodies of many living organism called
sirtuin 2 (or SIR2). SIR2 is believed to
extend cell life by 'coercing' cells to
repair themselves (i.e. repair their DNA
while increasing the production of
protective antioxidants) as opposed to
dying. In essence, it is believed
resveratrol extends the lives of individual
cells and the lives of the 'host' organisms
are extended as a result.
Interestingly, SIR2 is also activated by the
practice of Caloric Restriction (reducing
the calories in a 'normal' diet by around
40% while still consuming the necessary
vitamins and minerals a body need; that is,
replacing high calorie foods with low
calorie nutrient rich foods). Science has
proven that calorie restriction increases
the lives of organisms such as mice while
significant health benefits have been
observed in monkeys and humans - studies are
underway to determine if calorie restriction
extends the lives of monkeys and humans -
many in the scientific community are
optimistic that it does.
Many scientists (and those in the venture
capital community) are extremely optimistic
about the future of resveratrol for disease
prevention, disease treatment, and life
extension; researchers from institutions
such as Harvard and the Massachusetts
Institute of Technology (MIT) are currently
developing pharmaceuticals based on the
chemical structure and properties of
resveratrol. It is believed that these drugs
are 5 or more years away from commercial and
regulatory feasibility.
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