Resveratrol most likely does not prolong people's lives
Resveratrol is a natural compound found in the skins of grapes and other fruits, as well as in cocoa and nuts. Numerous animal studies have demonstrated the ability of resveratrol to reduce the risk of cancer, metabolic syndrome and neurodegeneration. However, resveratrol owes its fame to the ability to increase the lifespan of a number of model organisms. It is believed that it triggers the mechanisms involved in the life-prolonging effect of a low-calorie diet.
Scientists at the University of Otago (New Zealand) conducted a meta-analysis of the results of 19 published studies on the effect of resveratrol on the life expectancy of 6 species: yeast, nematodes, mice, fruit flies, Mexican fruit flies and African freshwater fish notobranchius furceri. The results of the meta-analysis demonstrated a high variability in the severity of the effect of resveratrol on life expectancy.
In general, resveratrol has shown itself to be an agent capable of increasing life expectancy. However, its effect is most pronounced against yeast and nematodes, whereas most more highly organized organisms (mice and fruit flies) are less susceptible to its action. The exception is fish Nothobranchius furzeri, whose risk of death under the action of resveratrol in one of the studies decreased by 500% (6 times!), but the value of this indicator varies very widely. It is known that the short life expectancy of these fish in nature is partly due to the high frequency of age-related neoplasia in the kidneys and liver. Apparently, resveratrol affects exactly this aging mechanism of notobranchius furceri.
Resveratrol is currently being tested in early stages of clinical trials and has already demonstrated a potential positive effect on maintaining insulin levels and metabolism. However, according to the results of the meta-analysis, despite its ability to increase the life expectancy of simple organisms, its positioning as a drug that ensures human longevity is very doubtful.
Article by Hector et al. The effect of resveratrol on longevity across species: a meta-analysis is published in the journal Biology Letters.
Evgeniya Ryabtseva
Portal "Eternal youth" http://vechnayamolodost.ru based on the materials of The Scientist: Resveratrol May Not Extend Life.
22.06.2012