Resveratrol As An Anti-Aging Supplement

Resveratrol is a naturally occurring compound which is found in many different plants, most famously red grapes (the resveratrol is also present in red wine and red grape juice). Other sources of the compound include Japanese knotweed and other plants. Resveratrol has been demonstrated to have benefits for the circulatory and respiratory systems, anti-inflammatory properties, lower blood sugar levels and even shows great promise as a possible treatment for some cancers!

A series of studies on the effects of Resveratrol in slowing the aging process were conducted using an especially short-lived species of fish. The fish which were given Resveratrol had life spans which were 56% longer than those of the control group. The researchers think that the cumulative effect of Resveratrol in the system over time, since older fish who had received the compound for a longer duration seemed to derive more benefit from Resveratrol than did younger fish. The study seems to indicate that Resevratrol can have a slowing effect on the physical aging process.

One of the best sources of natural Resveratrol is red grapes and red wine. While found in some other fruits (including blueberries, cranberries and others), grapes contain a concentration of Resveratrol which is ten times that of any other fruit.

A lot of interest in Resveratrol has been generated by Oprah Winfrey, who has featured the benefits of the compound on her program. Dr. Mehmet Oz has also sung the praises of Resveratrol, leading to the popularity of Reseveratrol supplements. These supplements were once largely made from grape skins and seeds, but are now more commonly made from Japanese knotwood root extract instead.

Among the effects of Resveratrol are a possible improvement of the memory of users and the compound also seems to be beneficial in regulating estrogen levels in post menopausal women, which in these women seems to be partly responsible for its anti aging effects. However, Resveratrol is beneficial in slowing down some of the physical effects of aging in persons of both genders and all ages, which makes them feel; and look younger.

There is one difficulty with Reseveratrol supplements, which is that the compound makes its way through the body in a matter of hours; a 250mg supplement is nearly undetectable after only four hours! Some have raised the question of how effective Resveratrol supplements are, but these supplements are rapidly advancing with the goal of providing a longer lasting effect on the levels of the compound in the body.

Resveratrol supplements are now usually made from an extract of the Japanese knotwood. While often knocked as an invasive weed, it seems the humble knotwood may have the last laugh thanks to its high Resveratrol content. If you're looking at the labels of supplements, you may see the plant called by its Chinese name (Hu Zhang) or by its botanical one (Fallopian Japonica) or by the common nickname Japanese Bamboo.

The Japanese knotweed may be considered a weed by some, but with its Resveratrol content and the praise of famous people like Dr. Oz and Oprah Winfrey, this plant seems to be earning its keep by helping us to be healthier and live longer.