Resveratrol Suppresses Inflammation

A report published online in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism reveals the finding of a trial conducted at Kaleida Health’s Diabetes-Endocrinology Center of Western New York of an anti-inflammatory benefit for an extract of Polygonum cuspidatum, which contains resveratrol.*

Twenty healthy participants were randomized to receive a dose providing 40 milligrams resveratrol per day or a placebo for 6 weeks. Blood samples were analyzed for indices of oxidative and inflammatory stress, in addition to other factors.

The research team found a reduction in reactive oxygen species, which are unstable molecules that provoke oxidative stress and inflammation, in participants who received resveratrol. The resveratrol group also experienced a decrease in the inflammation protein tumor necrosis factor-alpha as well as inflammation markers interleukin-6 and C-reactive protein (CRP). “These actions, demonstrated for the first time in vivo, are consistent with potential anti-atherogenic and anti-aging effects,” the authors write.

Editor’s note: It is possible that Polygonum cuspidatum has other beneficial compounds in addition to resveratrol.

—D. Dye

Reference

* J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2010 Jun 9.