As a natural polyphenolic compound, the physiological activity and potential health value of resveratrol is a research hotspot in the field of scientific research, and the role that has been confirmed or initially explored mainly involves the following aspects:
I. Core Physiological Activity
Powerful Antioxidant Role
Multiple phenol hydroxyls in the molecular structure of resveratrol can directly scavenge the body’s free radicals (e.g., superoxide anion, hydroxyl radical, and hydroxyl radical). hydroxyl radicals) and inhibit lipid peroxidation. free radicals) in the body, inhibit lipid peroxidation and reduce the damage of oxidative stress on cells (especially cell membranes and DNA). This property makes resveratrol a potential addition to the body’s “antioxidant defense system”, especially in combating oxidative damage associated with aging.
Anti-inflammatory Activity
Resveratrol can alleviate both acute and chronic inflammatory responses by inhibiting inflammatory signaling pathways (e.g., the NF-κB pathway), reducing the release of pro-inflammatory factors (e.g., TNF-α, IL-6. IL-1β), and modulating the activity of inflammation-related enzymes (e.g., the cyclooxygenase COX-2). This effect provides a theoretical basis for its application in inflammation-related diseases.
Regulation of cell signaling pathways
Resveratrol can activate a variety of proteins related to metabolism and cell survival (e.g. SIRT1. AMPK), regulating cell energy metabolism, autophagy and apoptosis, and thus affecting cell growth, differentiation and repair.
Potential health value
Based on the above physiological activities, resveratrol shows potential in a variety of disease prevention and auxiliary improvement, specifically including:
1. Cardiovascular protection
Improvement of vascular function: Improve vasodilatation function and reduce vascular resistance by protecting vascular endothelial cells and promoting nitric oxide (NO) release.
Lipid regulation and anti-thrombosis: Inhibit the oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) to reduce the formation of atherosclerotic plaques; meanwhile, inhibit platelet aggregation to reduce the risk of thrombosis.
Clinical relevance: Epidemiological studies have found that the incidence of cardiovascular disease is lower in people who drink red wine (containing resveratrol) in moderation, but it should be noted that the harms of alcohol far outweigh its potential benefits, and it should not be used as a form of supplementation.
2. Metabolic regulation and anti-obesity
Improvement of insulin resistance: Animal experiments have shown that resveratrol can improve cellular sensitivity to insulin, promote glucose uptake and utilization, and help improve the symptoms of type 2 diabetes.
Inhibit fat accumulation: By regulating genes related to adipocyte differentiation (e.g. PPAR-γ), resveratrol reduces fat synthesis and promotes lipolysis, which may assist in controlling body weight and obesity-related metabolic disorders (e.g. fatty liver).
3. Neuroprotection
Against neurodegenerative diseases: Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects can reduce oxidative damage and inflammatory reactions in nerve cells and protect neuronal structure and function. In Alzheimer’s disease models, resveratrol has been found to inhibit β-amyloid deposition (a key pathological feature of the disease) and improve cognitive function; it has also shown potential neuroprotective effects in Parkinson’s disease.
Improvement of cognition and memory: Some studies suggest that resveratrol may assist in the improvement of learning and memory by modulating neurotrophic factors (e.g. BDNF) in the brain.
4. Delaying aging-related processes
Based on the activation of “longevity genes” such as SIRT1. resveratrol has been shown to extend the lifespan of lower organisms (e.g. yeast, nematodes) in animal experiments, and also has an improved effect on aging-related indexes (e.g. telomere length, mitochondrial function) in mammals (e.g. mice). Despite the fact that human aging mechanisms are more complex, its potential “anti-aging” properties have received widespread attention.