Recognition of Resveratrol – The Most Important 10 Years
Resveratrol is one of the most popular ingredients of health supplements available in the market. Apart from slowing down the process of aging and improving longevity among humans, resveratrol is currently being studied for its potential to fight cancer, heart diseases and other disorders. Since its first mention in the 1930s, a number of research works have added to its popularity. The following discussion is about the important 10 years that helped resveratrol to gain worldwide recognition.
First Mention in 1939
Resveratrol was first mentioned by M. Takaoka, a Japanese researcher in the year 1939. He mentioned it in his article after successfully isolating it from Veratrum album. Veratrum is a medicinal plant, but is poisonous in nature. It is also believed that resveratrol got its name from resorcinol, a derivative obtained from the Veratrum species. Also known as hellebore, Veratrum album has its root as the source of resveratrol.
Extraction from Japanese Knotweed in 1963
In the year 1963, another source of resveratrol was discovered in the form of Japanese knotweed. A plant with oval-shaped leaves, knotweed is nowadays cultivated in different parts of the world to obtain resveratrol. In fact, the plant has recently gained importance as an alternative to grape skins in resveratrol based dietary supplements.
Presence in Grapes in 1976
The presence of resveratrol in grapes was first confirmed in the year 1976. It was discovered that grape skin has high content of resveratrol. A team of doctors led by Langcake and Pryce reported that grapevine tissues produced resveratrol to protect themselves against the attack from bacteria, viruses and fungi.
French Paradox Studies in 1992
The year 1992 should be considered as the milestone year in the recognition of resveratrol. The research on the benefits of resveratrol came into light because of French Paradox. Scientists started taking interest in the fact that despite of eating diet rich in saturated fats, the French people had comparatively fewer instances of heart diseases. Moreover, the people living in this part of the world are known to have better longevity. The paradox was studied in relation to the high consumption of red wine that ultimately discovered the presence of resveratrol in wine. No wonder that wine has become the chief source to obtain dietary resveratrol.
Cancer Fighting Potential Suggested in 1997
The next big achievement came in the year 1997 when resveratrol was discovered to have potential for fighting skin cancer. Though, the studies so far have been successful only in animal models. Apart from skin cancer, lung cancer and mammary tumors are other related diseases for which resveratrol is considered to be an effective remedy.
Potential to Increase Lifespan in 2003
A group of scientists suggested in the year 2003 that resveratrol has the potential to increase longevity among different sets of creatures. However, the research for this too has been limited to the animal models. Yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae and worm Caenorhabditis elegans were among the animal models used for the research work.
First Experiment on Vertebrates in 2006
The first resveratrol experiment on vertebrates was conducted in 2006 and it showed positive results in increasing lifespan. A team of Italian scientists fed a fish with nine week median lifespan on resveratrol supplementation and found an increase of 56% in its lifespan.
Weight Loss Benefits in 2006
A number of studies conducted in 2006 suggested the usefulness of resveratrol in weight reduction. The scientists concluded that resveratrol activates the Sirtuin 1 gene that increases endurance during weight loss workouts. This laid the foundation for the introduction of resveratrol based weight loss supplements in the market.
Resveratrol Supplement Sale Boosted in 2006
Numerous researches and extensive coverage by media boosted the sale of resveratrol based supplements in the year 2006. Health conscious people in different parts of the world started showing interest in these supplements to achieve benefits like weight loss and postponement of aging signs.
Neurodegenerative Diseases Fighting Potential in 2008
Another significant study in 2008 proved that resveratrol is useful in fighting neurodegenerative diseases, Alzheimer’s diseases being the most common one. Resveratrol is considered to prevent the formation of plague in brain that can further prevent the occurrence of these diseases.
Resveratrol is indeed a popular topic of research among the scientists all over the world. One can expect to find many more applications of this useful ingredient in the future.
Welcome to our site. Here, you will find an array of information on one of the greatest medical discoveries of all time - resveratrol. Now utilized in a number of high quality products, resveratrol has some incredible properties which simply cannot be found in any other naturally produced substance in the world. Find out more about these properties below.
