Lee Swanson Research Update

Anti-inflammatory Power of Resveratrol Gets Human Data Boost

August 2010

New research has observed the suppressive effects of resveratrol on inflammation and oxidative stress in humans—the first time such effects have been observed.

Oxidative stress and chronic inflammation are part of the root causes of many diseases such as cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance, and auto-immune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and Alzheimer’s.

The new study, published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, investigated the effects of resveratrol-containing Polygonum cuspidatum extract (PCE) on oxidative stress and inflammation by measuring its suppressive effect on reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and range of inflammatory mediators.

The study, led by Prof. Paresh Dandonda from the University at Buffalo, suggests that resveratrol may reduce oxidative stress and inflammation through increased expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines, and a reduction in pro-inflammatory molecules.

The aims of the new study were to investigate the effect of PCE on oxidative and inflammatory stress in normal human subjects. The researchers wrote: "There is data showing the anti-inflammatory effects [of resveratrol] in vitro, but there is no data demonstrating this in humans."

In the study, 20 healthy participants were randomized to receive placebo or PCE (containing 40 mg resveratrol) over a six-week period.

Researchers observed that the resveratrol-rich PCE suppressed ROS generation and also suppressed binding of the pro-inflammatory cytokine NFkB.

In parallel to these effects, the study witnessed a reduction in the expression of two major pro-inflammatory molecules (JNK-1 and IKKB), leading to an anti-inflammatory response. The study also saw a reduction in the expression of SOCS-3, a protein that is modulated by pro-inflammatory cytokines.

"The observations suggest a potent anti-inflammatory effect of PCE-containing resveratrol."

The results demonstrated in the research are the first time that such findings have been seen in humans, but are consistent with potential anti-atherogenic and anti-aging effects of resveratrol, concluding that PCE "has a comprehensive suppressive effect on oxidative and inflammatory stress."

Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism Published online ahead of print

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