Resveratrol, a natural polyphenol commonly found in plant sources such as grape skins, peanuts, and blueberries, has emerged as a focal molecule in scientific research in recent years. Its research presents multi – dimensional and in – depth trends.
In the exploration of new disease prevention and treatment areas, resveratrol shows great promise. In the field of neurodegenerative diseases, studies suggest that it may regulate the signaling pathways within neurons, reduce the deposition of β – amyloid proteins, and inhibit neuroinflammation, thus potentially preventing or alleviating Alzheimer’s disease. In cardiovascular disease research, preliminary experiments indicate that resveratrol can improve vascular endothelial function, decrease blood viscosity, inhibit platelet aggregation, and consequently reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease. Moreover, in the fight against viral infections, researchers have found that high concentrations of resveratrol can inhibit the replication of poxviruses (such as vaccinia virus and monkeypox virus) in human cells at the early stage of infection, providing new ideas for the development of novel antiviral therapies.
In – depth exploration of the mechanisms of action of resveratrol is also a current research focus. In terms of its antioxidant mechanism, resveratrol can activate the body’s antioxidant enzyme systems, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH – Px), enhancing the cells’ ability to scavenge free radicals and reducing oxidative stress damage. Regarding the anti – inflammatory mechanism, it may inhibit the activation of the nuclear factor – κB (NF – κB) signaling pathway, reducing the release of inflammatory mediators such as tumor necrosis factor – α (TNF – α) and interleukin – 6 (IL – 6), thereby alleviating the inflammatory response at its root. Additionally, research on its molecular mechanisms in cell cycle regulation, apoptosis induction, and other aspects is ongoing to clarify its specific roles in processes such as anti – cancer.
In the improvement of drug formulations, scientists are committed to overcoming the problems of poor stability and low bioavailability of resveratrol. The application of nanotechnology provides new opportunities. By preparing novel formulations such as resveratrol nanoparticles and nanoliposomes, its stability and targeting ability in the body can be significantly enhanced. For example, encapsulating resveratrol in nanoliposomes not only increases its water solubility but also enables it to act more precisely on diseased tissues, reducing its distribution in normal tissues, improving therapeutic effects, and minimizing potential side effects. Furthermore, the construction of synergistic nanocarriers with other substances, such as the synergistic nanocarrier of quercetin and resveratrol designed by the research team from Jiangnan University, which optimizes the loading positions of the two substances at different levels of the carrier, improves the encapsulation efficiency and thermal stability, and achieves a sustained – release effect during the simulated digestion process, further enhancing the application potential of resveratrol.