Resveratrol might have many effects in the body, including expanding blood vessels and reducing blood clotting. It may also decrease pain and swelling, reduce levels of sugar in the blood, and help the body fight against disease.
Resveratrol is most commonly used for high cholesterol, cancer, heart disease, and many other conditions. But there is no strong evidence to support resveratrol for any use.
Trans-resveratrol is one of the isomers (molecule structures) of resveratrol, with cis-resveratrol being the other. Simply put, trans-resveratrol occurs with hydroxide atoms on opposite sides of the molecule, where cis- resveratrol has the hydroxide atoms on the same side. Trans- resveratrol is deemed to have the greater biological activity of the two isomers .
The health benefits of trans-resveratrol are widespread and through various mechanisms this compound has been shown to prevent cell damage and help sustain health.
1. Trans-Resveratrol as an anti-oxidant
Firstly, a number of the systemic effects which resveratrol provides are through its capacity as an anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory agent .
For example, resveratrol has the ability to induce activity of a key protein (PGC-1) which results in more cellular energy (e.g., muscle, brain, heart) to reduce cell damage.
With more mitochondria available in muscle more oxygen can be delivered to aid oxidative phosphorylation, which can assist exercise endurance performance.
2. Trans-Resveratrol may aid neuroprotection
Alongside the benefits to the cardiovascular system, resveratrol has also been seen to have a protective effect on the nervous system.
For a number of degenerative neurological conditions resveratrol seems to have a benefit in preventing degenerative changes.
Trans-Resveratrol influences a variety of metabolic pathways to reduce the damage done to brain tissue over time.
3. Trans Resveratrol may have anti-aging properties
Probably one of the most amazing physiological mechanisms provided by resveratrol is related to its remarkable effect on the aging process. This mechanism revolves around a distinct group of enzymes called sirtuins, which are released in the presence of resveratrol.
It’s thought that the main function of these enzymes is in the promotion of survival and resistance to stress , and in some lower animal forms (yeast, worms and flies) the genes which encode sirtuins are associated with longer life . Incredibly this association is also seen in mammals.
