Resveratrol is a polyphenol with powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It has been widely publicized for its cardiovascular health benefits, however, there are few human studies in patients with atherosclerogenic diseases.
According to a study published last week in the International Heart Journal, researchers demonstrated improved arterial stiffness and reduced oxidative damage in patients with type II diabetes.
Resveratrol activates sirtuins, which are the same proteins activated by caloric restriction and exhibits anti-atherosclerotic effects.
This study consisted of 50 patient with type II diabetes. All participants received either a supplement containing 100 mg of resveratrol or a placebo tablet for 12 weeks. Researchers assessed body weight, BMI, a comprehensive metabolic panel, HbA1c, lipid profile, oxidative stress markers, blood pressure, and cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI). All patients followed the same diet and exercise routine.
After 12 weeks, the CAVI and systolic blood pressure decreased significantly in resveratrol group compared to the placebo. An increased CAVI is associated with cardiovascular disease, stroke and vascular dysfunction and predictor of a future cardiovascular event independent of other traditional risk factors. Resveratrol can act through several mechanisms, including binding and activating estrogen receptors to increase nitric oxide bioavailability and facilitate the vasodilatation.
D-ROMS, an oxidative stress marker, also decreased only in the resveratrol group. Resveratrol decreases reactive oxygen species production in vascular endothelial cells. Oxidative stress is elevated in chronic disease such as obesity and diabetes.
These results support resveratrol supplementation as a potential strategy for mitigating arterial stiffness and reducing blood pressure and oxidative damage with patients with type II diabetes.
By Michael Jurgelewicz, DC, DACBN, DCBCN, CNS
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