Resveratrol Protects Against Brain Disorders

Resveratrol shows promise in protecting the brain and nervous system against disorders associated with aging and genetic factors. In laboratory studies, resveratrol’s antioxidant effect has been shown to protect against nerve cell damage caused by beta-amyloid peptide, which accumulates in the brains of [tag]Alzheimer’s[/tag] sufferers. This has led several research teams to propose that resveratrol may be a useful treatment for Alzheimer’s disease.

According to a recent report, resveratrol demonstrated a protective effect against Huntington’s disease in animal models. Huntington’s is a genetic disease associated with impaired motor skills and reduced mental abilities. Additionally, grape seed extract appears to protect rat brain cells and maintain the overall viability of the nervous system. Grape seed exerts these effects by modulating proteins implicated in cognitive disorders.

Resveratrol may offer benefits in preventing or managing conditions associated with high blood sugar, such as metabolic syndrome or diabetes. Sirtris Pharmaceuticals, a company founded by Dr. David Sinclair, leader of the Harvard resveratrol study, is conducting a clinical trial to evaluate resveratrol’s effects in controlling blood sugar in patients with diabetes.