Is Resveratrol YOUR key to Longevity?

Is Resveratrol YOUR key to Longevity?
As we age, our risk for numerous health conditions increases. This includes our risk for cognitive decline, cardiovascular deterioration, and poor cell regulation. While part of our increased risk is due to poor lifestyle choices, another part of this increased risk is due to declining metabolism as we age.
Is aging inevitable or reversible?
To help answer that question, Researcher David Sinclair started talking about a gene enzyme SIRT-1 and its activation as a target for age management and increasing longevity of mitochondria.
Within our bodies, activation of SIRT1 occurs during calorie restriction, exercise and with supplementation of trans-resveratrol – the active form of the highly researched nutritional ingredient resveratrol.
Trans-resveratrol is a polyphenolic compound found naturally in the skins of red and white wine grapes. Studies of numerous species have shown that a resveratrol polyphenols have been linked to a longer lifespan. (1)
Several studies support claims of trans-resveratrol activating the SIRT-1 gene enzyme playing a significant role in health. Studies demonstrate trans- resveratrol ability to suppress the activation of several transcription factors, including NF- κB, AP-1, and Egr-1 meaning trans-resveratrol ability to support a healthy cell environment and manage cell immunity are well supported. (2) Still trans-resveratrol’s anti-inflammatory support by inhibition or down-regulation of products of genes such as COX-2, 5-LOX, VEGF, IL-1, IL-6, IL-8, AR, and PSA make trans-resveratrol a strong actor in cardiovascular and endocrine maintenance. (2)
Since Sinclair’s reports on longevity and gene activation in 2013, much interest has been paid to trans-resveratrol in female and male health. Specifically working from the premise that while there are drugs that are used to effect the SIRT1 enzyme, the are focus of the drug is on “a treatment of one disease.” On the other hand, Sinclairs’ and others research reveals resveratrol could not just affect one disease, but “prevent 20 others.” (3)
Current literature establishes trans-resveratrol may be an option in age related concerns to menopause and andropause. (4) Trans-resveratrol is proposed to have estrogenic balancing effects. Large amounts of Trans-resveratrol are used clinically to support healthy androgen metabolism in both men and in women of all ages. (5)
Studies show, even small amounts taken regularly can affect a hormone balance by supporting healthy DHEA levels without the increase in deleterious androgen metabolism. In addition to the support of trans-resveratrol in healthy balance of sex hormones, Trans-resveratrol is known to assist the tissues response to insulin- an additional concern in the metabolic picture of the aging man or woman.
Some of the known benefits of trans-resveratrol are due to the speed at which it metabolizes to its ACTIVE end-product, allowing these metabolites to confer health benefits.
Using resveratrol in patients who are already healthy may have preventive benefits. For example, while a drug might be able to “mimic” the benefits of diet and exercise, Sinclair postulated that such drugs have “no impact on weight.” Resverarol, on the other hand, may have an impact on both weight and co-morbidities of excess weight
Does this mean that aging is reversible? Or that many of the concerns that come with aging can be impacted by antioxidants?
1- “Evidence for a Common Mechanism of SIRT1 Regulation by Allosteric Activators” 2013 Science
2-Aggarwal BB; Anticancer Res. 2004 Sep-Oct;24(5A):2783-840
3- David Sinclair Ph.D ;Cell Metabolism; April – June 2013, Volume 4 No 10 – 12
4-JasiÅ„ski M, JasiÅ„ska L, Ogrodowczyk M. Resveratrol in prostate diseases – a short review. Cent European J Urol. 2013
5- H-H Sherry Chow, J Transl Med. 2014; 12: 223. A pilot clinical study of resveratrol in postmenopausal women with high body mass index: effects on systemic sex steroid hormones