Resveratrol supports immune health through a combined approach

August 19th, 2019
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Resveratrol supports immune health through a combined approach

Written by Johannes Haerle, PhD, Senior Technical Manager, Evolva

Scientists from the University of Buffalo investigated resveratrol and how this polyphenol helps combat depression and anxiety. The underlying mechanism discovered in this preclinical trial is described as resveratrol’s ability to inhibit the enzyme phosphodiesterase, which controls the cellular signaling molecule cAMP. This mechanism has been put into the spotlight due to its ability to also regulate energy creation and support physical stamina.

Indeed, depression and anxiety may be related to energy and physical stamina, analogous to the Latin phrase “Mens sana in corpore sano” which originates back to the Roman poet Juvenal, meaning “a healthy mind in a healthy body.” In fact, if the perception of mood and wellbeing expressed by anxiety and depression can be linked to energy and physical stamina, a strong immune system might be the major determinant or even prerequisite. Therefore, we thought a review of resveratrol’s beneficial impact on the immune system, mood and wellbeing may serve as an interesting backdrop to this latest research on resveratrol’s role for healthy living.

Resveratrol protects against environmental stress  

Resveratrol is produced naturally in grapes and other plants to protect itself against UV radiation, environmental stress and fungal infections 1. Due to the anti-inflammatory and vasoactive properties, resveratrol received early attention especially in traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine. Today, resveratrol accounts for more than 12,000 scientific studies and over 200 human clinical trials, making it one of the most studied active ingredients within the dietary supplement industry. A number of beneficial health effects can be attributed to resveratrol, with researchers and clinicians pointing to the efficacy and effectivity of resveratrol based on its molecular, cellular and systemic interactions.2,3

Poor nutrition and physical inactivity can be a drawback of the Western lifestyle, and metabolic oxidative stress and systemic inflammation can be one of the consequences of it. This may challenge the immune system and if left unchecked, can result in fatigue and common colds and thereby lead to chronic diseases that may impair heart and brain health.4

Balanced nutrition and physical exercise are essential to healthy living, and certain nutraceuticals and functional ingredients like resveratrol are known to scavenge oxidative stress, reduce inflammation and help support a strong immune system.5 In combination with a balanced lifestyle, resveratrol supports a healthy immune system in a multifaceted approach.

Molecular level

First, on the molecular level, resveratrol blocks an enzyme that causes the behavior of anxiety and depression by inhibiting the reduction of the cellular mediator called cAMP; this was recently highlighted in the University of Buffalo preclinical study.6 Further downstream of the signaling cascade, cAMP also supports the increase of NAD+ and the activity of Sirt1; it is these two intermediaries plus the activation of AMPK, an essential energy sensor in cells, by which resveratrol can improve the mitochondrial function, energy creation and physical stamina.7

Resveratrol has also been identified to modulate the activity of NF-κB, which exhibits a key role in activating pro-inflammatory mediators. This activity can inhibit the release of destructive immune reactions and thereby help balance healthy immune responses.8,9 Furthermore, resveratrol has been shown to inhibit the enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX), which may help alleviate symptoms like inflammation and pain.10,11 In fact, resveratrol has been shown in human clinical trials to reduce pain and fatigue and boost the perception of well-being.12

Cellular level

On the cellular level, resveratrol has significant effects on the lifecycle of immune cells.3 Presented in a preclinical study, resveratrol regulates the humoral immune responses by upregulating the release of interferon gamma (IFN-γ?), which acts as an immuno-stimulant and downregulates the release of tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α?) which is a main trigger causing inflammation and also fever.13

Documented in a human clinical trial, resveratrol was tested on several biomarkers of oxidative stress and then compared to a placebo group. This trial indicated that resveratrol reduced the plasma protein carbonyl content, which is a widely utilized measure of protein oxidation, and significantly increased the plasma total antioxidant capacity. Furthermore, resveratrol consumption increased the endogenous regulator (Nrf2) that regulates the activity of antioxidant proteins which protects against oxidative damage (e.g. the enzyme super oxide dismutase (SOD)).14

Systemic level

On the systemic level documented in human clinical trials, resveratrol has been shown to have an overall suppressive effect on oxidative stress.15 This is as well the conclusion from a meta-analysis including 29 selected trials that resveratrol has been recognized as having a beneficial impact on reducing the production of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) which can lead to chronic oxidative stress.16

Resveratrol supports the respiratory system

Not only do respiratory infections constitute a social problem, they also have an economic impact and are a burden for families and the workplace. Nutraceuticals like resveratrol can help support a healthy respiratory system.17 One clinical study showed that the administration of resveratrol combined with carboxymethyl-beta-glucan to children resulted in a reduction in the number of days with nasal obstruction, rhinorrhea, sneezing, cough, fever and overall days of school absence.18

We at Evolva are excited to see how resveratrol can be an adjunct to support the immune system and beneficially impact health and wellbeing. Based on these findings, Evolva continues to actively support human clinical trials to investigate more of such promising health benefits. Please see our webpage https://veriteresveratrol.com and feel free to contact us for further information.

Please note this review is for educational purposes and intended for commercial use only.

References

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