GUADALUPE BAYBAY LEYTE.

Cancer prevention

In 1997, Jang reported that topical resveratrol applications prevented the skin cancer development in mice treated with a carcinogen.^[10] There have since been dozens of studies of the anti-cancer activity of resveratrol in animal models.^[11] No results of human clinical trials for cancer have been reported.^[12] However, clinical trials to investigate the effects on colon cancer and melanoma (skin cancer) are currently recruiting patients.^[13]

In vitro resveratrol interacts with multiple molecular targets (see the mechanisms of action), and has positive effects on the cells of breast, skin, gastric, colon, esophageal, prostate, and pancreatic cancer, and leukemia.^[11] However, the study of pharmacokinetics of resveratrol in humans concluded that even high doses of resveratrol might be insufficient to achieve resveratrol concentrations required for the systemic prevention of cancer.^[14] This is consistent with the results from the animal cancer models, which indicate that the in vivo effectiveness of resveratrol is limited by its poor systemic bioavailability.^{[12][15] [16]} The strongest evidence of anti-cancer action of resveratrol exists for tumors it can come into direct contact with, such as skin and gastrointestinal tract tumors. For other cancers, the evidence is uncertain, even if massive doses of resveratrol are used.^[12]

Thus, topical application of resveratrol in mice, both before and after the UVB exposure, inhibited the skin damage and decreased skin cancer incidence. However, oral resveratrol was ineffective in treating mice inoculated with melanoma cells. Resveratrol given orally also had no effect on leukemia and lung cancer;^[12][17] however, injected intraperitoneally, 2.5 or 10 mg/kg of resveratrol slowed the growth of metastatic Lewis lung carcinomas in mice.^[12][18] Resveratrol (1 mg/kg orally) reduced the number and size of the esophageal tumors in rats treated with a carcinogen.^[19] In several studies, small doses (0.02–8 mg/kg) of resveratrol, given prophylactically, reduced or prevented the development of intestinal and colon tumors in rats given different carcinogens.^[12]

Resveratrol treatment appeared to prevent the development of mammary tumors in animal models; however, it had no effect on the growth of existing tumors. Paradoxically, treatment of pre-pubertal mice with high doses of resveratrol enhanced formation of tumors. Injected in high doses into mice, resveratrol slowed the growth of neuroblastomas.^[12]

[edit] Resveratrol and experimental diabetes

Palsamy and Subramanian have recently published articles on the antihyperglycemic potential of resveratrol in experimental diabetic rats. In their study, the oral administration of resveratrol (5mg/kg b.w) to streptozotocin-nicotinamide-induced experimental diabetic rats for 30 days significantly normalizes the levels of blood glucose, plasma insulin, glycosylated hemoglobin, AST, ALP, ALT,^[20] and modulates the altered activities of carbohydrate metabolizing enzymes in the liver and kidney tissus of diabetic rats. The results thus obtained showed the antidiabetic property of resveratrol in experimental diabetes.^[21] Resveratrol activates AMPK.^[22]

[edit] Other applications

Johan Auwerx (at the Institute of Genetics and Molecular and Cell Biology in Illkirch, France) and coauthors published an online article in the journal Cell in November, 2006. Mice fed resveratrol for fifteen weeks had better treadmill endurance than controls. The study supported Sinclair’s hypothesis that the effects of resveratrol are indeed due to the activation of the Sirtuin 1 gene.

Nicholas Wade’s interview-article with Dr. Auwerx^[23] states that the dose was 400 mg/kg of body weight (much higher than the 22 mg/kg of the Sinclair study). For an 80 kg (176 lb) person, the 400 mg/kg of body weight amount used in Auwerx’s mouse study would come to 32,000 mg/day. Compensating for the fact that humans have slower metabolic rates than mice would change the equivalent human dose to roughly 4571 mg/day. Again, there is no published evidence anywhere in the scientific literature of any clinical trial for efficacy in humans. There is limited human safety data (see above). Long-term safety has not been evaluated in humans.

In a study of 123 Finnish adults, those born with certain increased variations of the SIRT1 gene had faster metabolisms, helping them to burn energy more efficiently—indicating that the same pathway shown in the lab mice works in humans.^[24]

In November 2008, researchers at the Weill Medical College of Cornell University reported that dietary supplementation with resveratrol significantly reduced plaque formation in animal brains, a component of Alzheimer and other Neurodegenerative diseases.^[25] In mice, oral resveratrol produced large reductions in brain plaque in the hypothalamus (-90%), striatum (-89%), and medial cortex (-48%) sections of the brain. In humans it is theorized that oral doses of resveratrol may reduce beta amyloid plaque associated with aging changes in the brain. Researchers theorize that one mechanism for plaque eradication is the ability of resveratrol to chelate (remove) copper.

[edit] Pharmacokinetics

The most efficient way of administering resveratrol in humans appears to be buccal delivery, that is without swallowing, by direct absorption through the inside of the mouth. When one mg of resveratrol in 50 mL solution was retained in the mouth for one min before swallowing, 37 ng/ml of free resveratrol were measured in plasma two minutes later. This level of unchanged resveratrol in blood can only be achieved with 250 mg of resveratrol taken in a pill form.^[26]

About 70% of the resveratrol dose given orally as a pill is absorbed; nevertheless, oral bioavailability of resveratrol is low because it is rapidly metabolized in intestines and liver into conjugated forms: glucuronate and sulfonate.^[27] Only trace amounts (below 5 ng/mL) of unchanged resveratrol could be detected in the blood after 25 mg oral dose.^[27] Even when a very large dose of resveratrol (2.5 and 5 g) was given as an uncoated pill, the concentration of resveratrol in blood failed to reach the level necessary for the systemic cancer prevention.^[28] However, resveratrol given in a proprietary formulation SRT-501 (3 or 5 g), developed by Sirtris Pharmaceuticals, reached 5–8 times higher blood levels. These levels did approach the concentration necessary to exert the effects shown in animal models and in vitro experiments.^[2]

In humans^[27][28] and rats,^[29][30][31] less than 5% of the oral dose is being observed as free resveratrol in blood plasma. The most abundant resveratrol metabolites in humans, rats, and mice are trans-resveratrol-3-O-glucuronide and trans-resveratrol-3-sulfate.^[32] Walle suggests sulfate conjugates are the primary source of activity,^[27] Wang et al. suggests the glucuronides,^[33] and Boocock et al. also emphasized the need for further study of the effects of the metabolites, including the possibility of deconjugation to free resveratrol inside cells. Goldberd, who studied the pharmacokinetics of resveratrol, catechin and quercetin in humans, concluded “it seems that the potential health benefits of these compounds based upon the in vitro activities of the unconjugated compounds are unrealistic and have been greatly exaggerated. Indeed, the profusion of papers describing such activities can legitimately be described as irrelevant and misleading. Henceforth, investigations of this nature should focus upon the potential health benefits of their glucuronide and sulfate conjugates.”^[34]

The hypothesis that resveratrol from wine could have higher bioavailability than resveratrol from a pill,^[11][35] has been disproved by experimental data.^[34][36] For example, after five men took 600 mL of red wine with the resveratrol content of 3.2 mg/L (total dose about 2 mg) before breakfast, unchanged resveratrol was detected in the blood of only two of them, and only in trace amounts (below 2.5 ng/mL). Resveratrol levels appeared to be slightly higher if red wine (600 mL of red wine containing 0.6 mg/mL resveratrol; total dose about 0.5 mg) was taken with meal: trace amounts (1–6 ng/mL) were found in four out of ten subjects.^[36] In another study, the pharmacokinetics of resveratrol (25 mg) did not change whether it was taken with vegetable juice, white wine or white grape juice. The highest level of unchanged resveratrol in the serum (7–9 ng/mL) was achieved after thirty minutes, and it completely disappeared from blood after four hours.^[34] The authors of both studies concluded that the trace amounts of resveratrol reached in the blood are insufficient to explain the French paradox. It appears that the beneficial effects of wine could be explained by the effects of alcohol^[34] or the whole complex of substances wine contains;^[36] for example, the cardiovascular benefits of wine appear to correlate with the content of procyanidins.^[37]

Resveratrol
New Hope for a Long Life!

We all want to live long, vibrant and healthy lives. At one time intervention in the aging process was regarded as mere fantasy—but today it is within our reach due to breakthroughs in nutritional science.

Resveratrol, a compound that is abundant in red wine, has been making headlines recently for its anti-aging potential and its well-documented antioxidant and cardiovascular benefits. Resveratrol has been shown in new research at Harvard Medical School to increase the lifespan of yeast cells—a finding that may help explain the lifeextending effects of the Mediterranean diet.

Source Naturals is offering Resveratrol from a non-alcoholic source. Resveratrol is part of their extensive line of scientifically based nutrients, designed to help you shape a successful anti-aging program.

Resveratrol in the latest news
Researchers at Harvard Medical School recently made headlines when they identified
a plant molecule they believe may hold the key to slowing the human aging process. The compound, Resveratrol, is produced by grapevines and other plants in response to environmental stress.

The groundbreaking study, reported in the journal Nature, showed that Resveratrol
mimics the life-extending effects of calorie restriction and increases the lifespan of yeast cells by up to 80%. Resveratrol was found to activate certain enzymes that influence the genes that regulate aging. This research may help explain the long-established association between moderate red wine consumption and cardiovascular health and longevity.

Wide-Ranging Anti-Aging Benefits

Previous research has documented resveratrol’s many health benefits:

• Resveratrol is a phytoestrogen, which may protect breast, prostate, and endometrial tissue, according to animal and in vitro research.
• Resveratrol was found to support healthy mammary and skin tissue in mice by suppressing damaging free radicals.
• Resveratrol may support healthy circulation, according to human and animal studies.
• Resveratrol has been shown to reduce LDL (bad cholesterol) oxidation and to promote healthy HDL (good cholesterol) levels.
• Resveratrol was found to inhibit the Cox-1 and Cox-2 enzymes, which are involved with cellular irritation and cellular growth and regeneration, according to in vitro studies. Recent research focuses on its role in suppressing Cox-2 via the action of NFkappa B, an important DNA regulating factor.

A Non-Alcoholic Source
Most publicity about resveratrol focuses on its presence in grape skins and red wine. However, this beneficial compound is found in other plants. Source Naturals Resveratrol is a standardized extract of Hu Zhang root, a celebrated traditional Chinese herb. This offers consumers the advantage of a non-alcoholic source. Each tablet contains 500 mg of Hu Zhang extract, yielding 40 mg of Resveratrol activity.

Nature’s Protectant
Source Naturals, the science company, is pleased to partner with your natural foods retailer in bringing you this botanical treasure. For a long and vital life, Resveratrol belongs at the center of your anti-aging regimen.

While it has been know for thousands of years that wine is
a healthful drink (thus the old Roman saying ‘In Vino
Sanitas‘- In wine there is health), the scientific community
started taking wine’s health benefits seriously after 60
Minutes reported the famous ‘French Parodox’ study in
which people in France were less likely to die of heart
attacks than Americans despite similar high fat diets. The
study concluded that the relatively large amounts of red
wine consumed by the French protected their hearts.

From the French Paradox study numerous other studies
were launched to attempt to identify compounds responsible
for red wine’s apparent health benefits.  From these studies
the compound that gained by far the largest amount of
interest was Resveratrol – AND RIGHTLY SO! Recent
studies have concluded that:

• Adding resveratrol to the diet of yeast, fruit flies, worms, and a species of fish increased their life spans up to 70%, 29%, 24%, & 50% respectively.
• Resveratrol made fat related deaths drop 31% in obese mice. The resveratrol fed obese mice also performed much better in movement and agility tests than obese mice not fed resveratrol.
• Mice fed resveratrol had 100% more endurance than mice not fed resveratrol (i.e. they were able to run twice as far on a treadmill).
• Resveratrol inhibits blood platelet aggregation that can lead to dangerous clots that can cause heart attacks and strokes.
• Resveratrol is a powerful antioxidant that can help prevent cell damage caused by free radicals (free radicals are unstable atoms caused in part by pollution, sunlight, and our bodies natural burning of fat that can lead to cancer, aging, and brain degeneration)
• Resveratrol has been proven to fight cancer in vitro at all three stages; (1) initiation, (2) promotion, (&) progression.

Resveratrol is found naturally in:
red wine, grapes, blueberries, peanuts, and various other plants.

It is also found in dietary supplements including:
red wine extracts, grape seed pills and extracts, & polygonum cuspidatum extracts among others.

To find more out about the sources of resveratrol, please visit the “Sources of Resveratrol” link.

Resveratol in red wine

April 2009 – Researchers in Great Britain have discovered that taking Resveratrol orally can improve performance on cognitive (Math) tests. At the beginning of the study, the participants (who were healthy adults) took a series of cognitive tests. After the tests, the researchers gave some of the participants a Resveratrol pill (either 500 mg. or 1000 mg.) and some of the participants a placebo pill. The particpants then took the cognitive tests again. Those who took the Resveratrol pill performed better on the tests the second time than those who took the placebo pill. It is believed the reason for this improvement is that Resveratrol increases blood supply to the brain.

March 2009 – Researchers at Clemson University discovered that Resveratrol inhibits Helicobacter pylori – a bacteria found in the intestinal tract that can be responsible for gastritis, peptic ulcers, mucosa associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma, and gastric cancer. Resveratrol may be used to prevent or treat these ailments – especially after patients become resistant to antibiotics in the course of treatment.

March 2009 – The New England Journal of Medicine reported that Resveratrol can reverse atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis, which is commonly referred to as ‘hardening of the arteries’, is a buildup of plaque on the inside of arteries. As a result, atherosclerosis can retrict blood flow causing heart attack or stroke.

February 2009 – Researchers at Northwestern University have discoved how Resveratrol protects a cell’s DNA. In the study, human cell’s were exposed to Resveratrol which, in turn, increased SIRT1 expression. SIRT1 then activated heat shock factor proteins which, in turn, fixed damaged or ‘improperly folded’ DNA proteins. According to biologist Richard Morimoto, “Proteins are very delicate…any change in the environment causes them to misfold”. Alzheimer’s, Lou Gehrig’s, and Parkinson’s disease “are all protein-misfolding diseases, diseases of aging”. Further, Morimato stated, “When SIRT1 levels are high, you are in a high-protection mode”. Resveratrol is a proven activator of SIRT1 in humans and in animals.

February 2009- German resarchers have discovered that the process of caloric restriction (i.e. reducing the body’s intake of calories by about 30% in this particular study) greatly improved the human test subjects’ memories. Specifically, at the end of the three month test period, the calorie restricted group of human subjects (whose average age was 60) increased their memory test scores by about 20 percent, while the memory performance of the group not on the calorie restriced diet did not change. Resveratrol has been proven in humans and in animals to mimic the effects of caloric restriction.

Editor’s Note: to view a recent 60 Minutes Video on Resveratrol’s mimicking effect of calorie restriction click here

January 2009 – Researchers at Harvard Medical School believe they have discovered the universal cause of aging in all animals. As animals age (including humans) their cell’s DNA becomes damaged. This damage decreases their cell’s ability to regulate which genes are turned on and off. If the wrong genes are switched on, this can harm the cell. Helping to solve this problem, sirtuins help ensure that the the incorrect genes remain switched off. Sirtuins also repair the damaged DNA. Resveratrol is a proven activator of sirtuins in animals and humans.

January 2008 – University of Wisconsin doctor, Arthur Polans, annouced he is proposing that Resveratrol be tested in clinical trials to combat neuroblastoma, a type of nervous system cancer that affects infants and young children. According to Dr. Polans, “Resveratrol is a promising treatment for young children because it’s not toxic to healthy cells, only to cancer cells”. Dr. Polans’ statement is based on five years of studies. During these studies his lab has shown that resveratrol shrinks tumors and kills malignant cells in five types of cancer: breast cancer, skin melanoma, neuroblastoma, retinoblastoma, and ocular melanoma. According to Dr. Polans, “Mice that were treated with resveratrol are healthy, gain weight and don’t seem to have side effects…but when you look at the cancer cells, they’re dying.”

January 2008 – Researchers from the University of Kentucky annouced that grape seed extract induced leukemia cells to kill themselves. According to the study, within 24 hours of grape seed extract exposure, 76 percent of leukemia cells had died. (Grape seed extract contains Resveratrol). According to the study’s lead author, Professor Shi, “These results could have implications for the incorporation of agents such as grape seed extract into prevention or treatment of hematological malignancies and possibly other cancers”. Further according to Shi, “What everyone seeks is an agent that has an effect on cancer cells but leaves normal cells alone, and this shows that grape seed extract fits into this category”.

Note: These grape seed extract results are not suprising considering Resveratrol has been proven to induce cancer cells to kill themselves; Furthermore, Resveratrol induces cancer cells to kill themselves in a preferable (i.e. normal) manner (like healthy cells die in their natural life cycle). This is opposed to radiation and chemotherapy treatment which cause cancer cells to break open and release their contents into the body, creating inflammation in neighboring cells.

December 2008 – Researchers at Harvard Medical School believe they have discovered the universal cause of aging in all animals. As animals age (including humans) their cell’s DNA becomes damaged. This damage decreases their cell’s ability to regulate which genes are turned on and off. If the wrong genes are switched on, this can harm the cell. Helping to solve this problem, sirtuins help ensure that the the incorrect genes remain switched off. Sirtuins also repair the damaged DNA. Resveratrol is a proven activator of sirtuins in animals and humans.

December 2008 – Resveratrol shows very promising signs of treating bad backs. Specifically, scientists at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago injected Resveratrol into the disc cartilage of cattle. Amazingly, the Resveratrol significantly slowed the degeneration of the spinal discs. The new findings are published in the medical journal, Spine.

November 2008 – Researchers at the University of South Florida annouced that Resveratrol reduced the amount of fat produced in the liver of alcoholic mice and also increased the rate at which fat within the liver is broken down. Alcoholism causes fat to accumulate and can lead to liver diseases (including fibrosisand cirrhosis), as well as liver failure. According to the study’s lead author, “Our study suggests that resveratrol may serve as a promising agent for preventing or treating human alcoholic fatty liver disease”.

November 2008 – A new study annouced that men between the ages of 45 and 69 who smoke and who also drink one to two glasses of red wine per day have a 60% reduced risk of lung cancer. In essence, the study found lung cancer risk is lowered an average of 2% for each glass of red wine consumed per month. According to the lead author of the study, Chun Chao (a scientist at Kaiser Permanente), “There is a compound called Resveratrol that is very rich in red wine because it is derived from the grape skin. This compound has shown significant health benefits in preclinical studies”. Interestingly, the study found no reduced risk of lung cancer for the consumption of white wine, beer, or liquor. Editor’s Note: this result is no suprise considering in January 2008 scientists at the University of Rochester discovered that cigarette smoke destroys the SIRT1 gene in lungs. With SIRT1 gone, lungs are vulnerable to inflammation and diseases such as chronic bronchitis / emphysema – otherwise known as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Resveratrol has been proven to significantly increase the activity of SIRT1 genes.

October 2008- A new study from the National Institutes of Health indicates that Resveratrol is an excellent candidate for treatment of some forms of breast cancer. Specifically, resveratrol strongly inhibited BRCA1-mutant tumor growth in cultured cells and animal models. According to the study’s lead author Dr. Chu-Xia Deng, “Resveratrol may serve as an excellent compound for targeted therapy for BRCA1 associated breast cancers”. Editor’s Note: In July of 2008 researchers at the University of Nebraska announced Resveratrol may prevent breast cancer. According to the researchers, “Resveratrol has the ability to prevent the first step that occurs when estrogen starts the process that leads to cancer…We believe that this could stop the whole progression that leads to breast cancer down the road”.

September 2008- Resarchers at the University of Pittsburgh annouced the results of a study that showed Resveratrol protects cells from radiation damage. The reseachers gave Resveratrol plus acetyl to mice before exposure to radiation. Amazingly, these mice were protected from radiation damage while the mice not given Resveratrol were not protected. In essense, Resveratrol rejuvinated the cell’s mitochondria – the cell’s power plants. According to the study’s lead author, Dr. Joel Greenberger, “New, small molecules with radioprotective capacity will be required for treatment in case of radiation spills or even as countermeasures against radiological terrorism…Small molecules which can be easily stored, transported and administered are optimal for this, and so far acetylated Resveratrol fits these requirements well.” Editors Note: These results are not suprising considering in March of 2008 researchers at the University of Rochester announced the results of a study where Resveratrol killed pancreatic cancer cells while protecting healthy cells from radiation treatment.

September 2008 – Researchers from the University of Utah reported Resveratrol has shown promise in treating Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in an animal model. Specifically, Resveratrol was given to mice with Wallerian degeneration slow (a MS like condition); the treated mice gained weight in the first two weeks of treatment; according to Dr. John Richert of the MS Society, “…one of the telltale signs of [MS] is weight loss. Weight loss often goes hand in hand with loss of neurological function”. Editor’s Note: that Resveratrol might treat/prevent MS is no secret as in 2007 scientists at Sirtris Pharmaceutical and the University of Pennsylvania found that Resveratrol was neuroprotective in an animal model of optic neuritis (one of the first signs of MS)

August 2008 – Researchers at the University of Colorado Cancer Center annouced that Resveratrol stops head and neck cancers from growing in laboratory tests. According to researcher Dr. David Rabin, Resveratrol “… seems to have a lot of activity in stopping head and neck cancer cells from growing”. Also, researcher Dr. Robert Sclafani stated Resveratrol “…fools cancer cells into thinking that its DNA has been damaged very much like radiation does but without the toxicity”. Further, according to Dr. Rabin, “One of the other areas interesting about this particular compound is that we may even be able to prevent secondary head and neck cancers down the road by having people take this sort of a preventative approach”.

August 2008 – A study published online in Cell Metabolism on August 28th annouced that Resveratrol given to middle aged mice dramatically improved their health. Specifically, researchers fed Resveratrol to middle-aged mice that were obese or had normal weights. Both groups had better functioning hearts, reduced cholesterol, better bone density, reduced formation of cataracts, and enhanced balance/motor coordination than the control groups that did Not receive Resveratrol.

July 2008 – Resveratrol may prevent breast cancer according to researchers at the University of Nebraska. According to the researchers, “Resveratrol has the ability to prevent the first step that occurs when estrogen starts the process that leads to cancer…We believe that this could stop the whole progression that leads to breast cancer down the road”. The study also found that relatively little resveratrol was needed to produce these health benefits; as little as 10 umol/L of resveratrol was effective (red wine contains between 9 and 28 umol/L of resveratrol).

July 2008 – Resveratrol given to middle aged mice showed “very strong positive effects on preventing cardiovascular disease, reducing heart inflammation, keeping bone health in terms of structure and function, and maintaining loco-motor and balance activity” according to studies conducted at the National Institute on Aging and Balance. The study found that resveratrol had the same positive effects on muscles, livers, bones, and hearts as did caloric restriction.

June 2008 - Researchers announced that Resveratrol given in relatively low doses to middle aged mice is effective in changing gene activity related to aging similar to mice on a calorie restricted diet (Caloric restriction is known to help mice and humans live healthier lives). Most impressive, Resveratrol, like caloric restriction, blocked the decline in heart function typically associated with aging. Professor Tomas Prolla, the senior researcher, stated”Resveratrol at low doses can retard some aspects of the aging process, including heart aging, and it may do so by mimicking some of the effects of caloric restriction, which is known to retard aging in several tissues and extend life span”. Additionally Prolla said, “Resveratrol is active in much lower doses than previously thought and mimics a significant fraction of the profile of calorific restriction at the gene expression level”. Prolla also said, “I think there’s a high likelihood that our findings are applicable to humans.” (Editor’s Note: the effective dose that mimicked caloric restriction in mice was 4.9 mg/kg of body weight, or about 343 mg. per day for humans (based on a 154 lb person)- this amount is easily achievable through dietary supplements from reputable companies).

May 2008- Researchers from Taiwan annouced the results from a study in which Resveratrol prevented and/or treated a drug resistant and deadly form of pneumonia in rodents. The researchers concluded that “these findings suggest that Resveratrol might be beneficial as a…treatment in patients at risk” from this form of pneumonia in addition to Resveratrol’s “diverse biological effects including anti-cancer, anti-inflammation, anti-diabetes, and cancer chemoprevention”.

May 2008 – GlaxoSmithKline announced its intention to buy Sirtris Pharmaceuticals for $720 million. Sirtris is a global leader in resveratrol drug research and development. It is currently testing a resveratrol drug, SRT501, to treat type 2 diabetes. Based on past studies, many believe that resveratrol can & will be used to treat diseases of aging such as type 2 diabetes, cancer, Alzheimer’s, and heart disease in the very near future. By paying an 84% premimum for Sirtris (from the 4/22/08 closing stock price), Glaxo is signaling that it believes resveratrol & sirtuin activation present Very promising avenues for new therapies.

April 2008 – Sirtris Pharmaceuticals announced the results from a new study that confirms that overexpression of the SIRT1 enzyme can suppress tumor formation and growth in a preclinical mouse model of colon cancer. This is the first in-vivo data showing that SIRT1 can suppress tumor cell development. Resveratrol is a known activator of SIRT1. This is just another indication that Resveratrol may be used to prevent and fight cancer in the very near future.

April 2008 – Sirtris Pharmaceuticals announced its formulation of Resveratrol lowers glucose in twice daily dosing trial. The company tested either 1.25 or 2.5 grams of Resveratrol given twice daily to Type 2 Diabetic patients and found that the patient group receiving 2.5 grams twice a day had statistically significant lower blood glucose levels while fasting and after meals (an important time for Type 2 Diabetics who need better control of blood sugar levels after eating). The 1.25 gram dosage twice a day showed a strong trend is lowering blood glucose levels while fasting and after meals as well. This is just more evidence that Resveratrol may be used to treat Type 2 Diabetes in the very near future.

March 2008 – Researchers at the University of Rochester announced the results of a new study where Resveratrol kills pancreatic cancer cells while protecting healthy cells from radiation treatment; Resveratrol acts by disabling the cancer cell’s mitochondria (i.e. its power source). According to the study’s lead author, Dr. Paul Okunieff, “Resveratrol seems to have a therapeutic gain by making tumor cells more sensitive to radiation and making normal tissue less sensitive”. According to Dr. Okunieff, “this research indicates that resveratrol has a promising future as part of the treatment for cancer.”

March 2008 - British researchers announced that Resveratrol protects against cellular damage to blood vessels caused by high production of glucose in diabetes. These elevated levels of glucose can cause heart disease, kidney disease, and blindness. Dr. Matt Whiteman, lead researcher, stated, “…our research shows the link between high levels of glucose, its damaging effect on cell structure, and the ability of resveratrol to protect against and mend that damage.” This is just the latest in a line of research that shows Resveratrol might very well be used to treat diabetes in the near future.

March 2008 – Spanish researchers announced that red wine compounds including Resveratrol reduced blood pressure and created healthier blood vessels in post menopausal mice. The red wine compounds were given orally to the mice. The mice that were not given Resveratrol etc. did not see the same health benefits. Women who go through menopause are at greater risk of developing high blood pressure than men of same age. The researchers wrote, “The present findings may help to explain the potential benefit of red wine polyphenols as a therapeutic agent for preventing menopausal vascular complications…especially in hypertensive women.”

February 2008 - David Sinclair of the Harvard Medical School plans to present data showing SIRT1 activation can suppress tumor formation and growth in the colon and intestine in a preclinical model. This is the first in-vivo data showing that SIRT1 over-expression can suppress tumor formation and growth. This data is the work of Sinclair and Leonard Guarente of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.  Resveratrol is a molecule that is proven to increase SIRT1 activation.

February 2008 - Researchers at UCLA engineered mice to have defective mitochondria (the ‘power plants’ of the cell). In about Half the normal time these mice developed heart disease. Scientists speculate that damaged and dying mitochondria are responsible for many diseases of ageing – including heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, and diabetes. Studies have shown that Resveratrol can dramatically increase the number of mitochondria in cells.

January 2008 – A Scientist at the University of Rochester discovered that cigarette smoke destroys the SIRT1 gene in lungs. With SIRT1 gone, lungs are vulnerable to inflammation and diseases such as chronic bronchitis / emphysema – otherwise known as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Resveratrol can significantly increase the activity of SIRT1 genes. Could Resveratrol be used to help prevent lung damage from smoking?

January 2008 - Sirtris Pharmaceuticals announced that its version of Resveratrol “significantly” lowered glucose (in an oral glucose tolerance test) in HUMANS with Type 2 diabetes. Doses of 2.5 or 5 grams were administered orally once a day for 28 days. The patients experienced “no serious adverse events and no dose related adverse events” – in other words, Resveratrol was well tolerated by the patients.

This study is significant because it shows that Resveratrol might well be used to treat type 2 diabetes in the near future and that it seems to be well tolerated by patients at large doses (2.5 to 5 grams per day). Smaller doses might have the same benefical effects as indicated by an October study where the equivalent of 15 mg./day of Resveratrol effectively increased insulin sensitivity in diabetic mice.

November 2007 - It was reported in the Journal of Clinical Investigation that resveratrol injected into female mice who were exposed to toxins found in cigarettes, car exhaust, and fossil fuel smoke prevented the reduction of eggs in their female offspring (It has been known for years that mothers who smoke are more likely to have less fertile children. Maybe resveratrol can play a role in treating this problem).

November 2007- During a November 12th 2007 conference call with analysts, Sirtris Pharmaceuticals CEO, Christoph Westphal stated, “There is a wealth of data regarding resveratrol and SIRT1 activation for the treatment of cancer. There’s actually nearing 20 papers published on that…we actually think that SIRT1 activation, specifically resveratrol on its own and, then, even you go back to the calorie restriction literature which has a wealth of data related to prevention and actual treatment of cancer. We think it is a pretty strong case”. [that resveratrol induced or caloric restriction induced SIRT1 activation can be used to prevent/treat cancer]

November 2007 - An independent laboratory that tests dietary supplements recently tested 13 resveratrol supplement products. The good news is that 11 of the tested products correctly stated the resveratrol potency per pill. Two of the supplement brands (Life Extension Resveratrol Caps & Resvert) contained less resveratrol than advertised – In particular, Life Exention labled its pills as having 20 mg of resveratrol but only contained about 5 mg, while Resvert labled its pills as containing 25 mg of resveratrol but only contained about 14.5 mg. Listed below are the brands that were tested:

October 2007 - A group of Chinese scientists annouced that mice fed a “very low dose” of resveratrol experienced increased insulin sensitivity (decreased insulin sensitivity is often attributed as the leading cause of type 2 diabetes). According to Qiwei Zhai of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, “people might need…about 15 mg. [of resveratrol each day]…for its biological effects”. 15 mg. per day is a much smaller effective dose required to activate SIRT 1 than suggested by some other recent studies.

October 2007 - It was reported in the LA Times that nine human colon cancer patients took resveratrol (either in 20 mg. tablets or as freeze dried grape powder 2 or 3 times per day – equaling 2/3 to 1 lb. of fresh grapes) between their diagnosis and surgery. Preliminary results from six patients showed that changes in cellular metabolism (which occur in more than 85% of patients with colon cancer) were inhibited by about 50%, with more inhibition occuring in healthy tissue than is cancerous tissue. Might Resveratrol oneday be used to prevent colon cancer?

September 2007 - Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham announced the results of a study in which mice that were fed resveratrol were 87% Less Likely to develop the most deadly form of prostate cancer (compared to mice not fed resveratrol). Further, the mice fed resveratrol that did develop prostate cancer developed less serious tumors and were 48 % more likely to have their tumor growth slowed or stopped (compared to the mice not fed resveratrol).

July 2007 - Researchers from Sirtris Pharmaceuticals and the University of Pennsylvania published a study which revealed that resveratrol was neuroprotective in an animal model of optic neuritis (one of the first signs of multiple sclerosis). Could resveratrol oneday be used to treat or prevent MS?

July 2007 – Sirtris Pharmaceuticals (Nasdaq: SIRT) announced that its formulation of resveratrol reduced glucose and increased insulin sensitivity in multiple pre clinical models of Type 2 diabetes. Phase 1b studies are currently underway.

July 2007 - Harvard & MIT researchers published a study in which resveratrol “promoted neuronal survival, reduced neurodegeneration, and prevented learning impairment” in mice genetically engineered to experience neurotoxic conditions. Neurodegeneration and learning impairment are conditions associated with Alzheimer’s disease and ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease).

June 2007 – Researchers at the Mayo Clinic gave 30 mg/day oral doses of resveratrol to mice that expressed the CD38 gene (this gene is believed to increase the risk of obesity) and also fed these mice a high fat diet for 2 weeks. The mice were Protected from diet induced obesity (unlike other mice in the study who where Not fed resveratrol).

June 2007 – Sirtris Pharmaceuticals announced that Resveratrol was shown in animal models to protect against neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s Disease & Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. According to the company’s press release, “Resveratrol, a SIRT1 activator, reduced the loss of neuronal function in the brain (hippocampus) and prevented learning impairment in a well established animal model of Alzheimer’s Disease”. Might Resveratrol oneday prevent or cure Alzheimer’s?

June 2007 - The Harvard Men’s Health Letter reports that men who drink moderate amounts of red wine (“four to seven glasses per week”) are HALF as likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer. The same results could not be found with white wine; it is believed that antioxidant compounds in red wine – such as resveratrol – are responsible for the benefit.

March 2007 – Researchers in New York announced a study that concluded that people who drink three glasses of red wine per week have a 68% reduced risk of colorectal cancer, while white wine drinkers experienced no such benefits. The reseachers concluded the difference could be that red wine has significantly more resveratrol than white wine.

March 2007 – Biotech company Sirtris Pharmaceuticals annouced it will undertake an initial public stock offering to raise $60 million. Sirtris is developing drugs based on resveratrol to treat type 2 diabetes. Sirtris co-founder, David Sinclair, is a Harvard researcher who has performed much of the groundbreaking resveratrol research since 2003.

November 2006 – French researchers discovered that adding Resveratrol to the diets of mice increased their endurance 100% (versus a control group not fed Resveratrol). The Resveratrol also prevented the mice from gaining weight.

November 2006 – Harvard researchers discover that adding Resveratrol to the diets of obese mice allowed these mice to live 31% longer than a control group not fed resveratrol.

August 2006 – Chinese researchers discovered that feeding Resveratrol to mice afflicted with alzheimers improved their mental performance.

August 2006 - Researchers at Boston University discovered that Resveratrol given to mice increased their insulin utilization. Resistance to insulin is largely responsible for type 2 diabetes.

April 2006 – Indian researchers recently discovered that adding Reveratrol to the diet of diabetic rats improved the rats’ kidney function and reduced oxidative stress.

February 2006 – Italian researchers discovered that Resveratrol can extend the life span of a certain fish species up to 50%. Resveratrol also delayed the onset of age related muscle degeneration and memory loss.

July 2005 – An Oregon winery was recently given the authority by the Alcohol, Tax, & Trade Bureau (of the US Treasury Department) to list the concentration of resveratrol on the labels of one of its wines – A FIRST!

Resveratrol is a substance produced by several plants that has been studied for its health benefits, particularly in recent months. It first came to the attention of the scientific community as the possible explanation for the “French Paradox” – the relatively low incidences of heart disease despite a high dietary intake of saturated fats in a study conducted in Southern France. Recent studies suggest that resveratrol has estrogenic, cardioprotective and anticancer activitiesa naturally occurring compound present in many fruits, vegetables and wine. It is typically associated with extracts because most fruits (even vinifera grapes) have such small amounts of the compound, that extract methods are the only viable solution to retrieve measurable amounts. One of the highest sources of natural resveratrol is the skins of grapes, particularly the thick skins of the Muscadine grapes. The trans- and cis-resveratrol configurations are measurable in the muscadine grape skins.

he amount of resveratrol in muscadine grapes varies by cultivar and growing conditions. Muscadine Naturals uses a unique, chemical-free process that maintains the high level of natural antioxidants found in the fresh fruit. The dried fruit powders are blended for consistency. The number of studies being conducted about resveratrol has grown at a rapid pace since 2000. In recent months, research has emerged on its life-extending potential due to its apparent ability to mimic calorie restriction (CR) in some laboratory animals. Some of the news associated with these studies suggests large amounts of resveratrol are needed. However, for the purpose of contributing to antioxidant effects, 2-4mg of resveratrol have been studied as providing an effect

Muscadine Naturals products contain natural flavanoids (quercetin, myricein, kaempferol) as found in the fresh fruit, possibility enhancing
The bio-availability of the resveratrol. As research continues, more exciting health benefits of resveratrol are sure to be revealed.

For more studies on resveratrol and other phytonutrients, go to www.PubMed.com and key in any of the above phytonutrients along with the word antioxidant to find scientific studies that have been conducted all over the world. You can also add the word “muscadine” to seek specific studies that have been published about the muscadine grape.

Sea Buckthorn Berry has been used by herbalists for millenia. This extraction has only recently become available and seems to be taking the natural skincare industry by storm. Many of the wellknown “Natural Cosmetics” companies include Sea Buckthorn Berry in their skincare products, as a search of the web will quickly show you.

Bio-active substances in the oil from the seed and pulp are used in a variety of dermatological applications, among them anti-aging face creams and lotions and (since the extract seems to aborb UV rays) in sun care products.

My research indicates that products containing Sea Buckthorn Berry appear to promote cell tissue regeneration, thus aiding in the healing of wounds, and restoring skin tissue.

An international natural bath and beauty chain adds the plant’s oil to its sunscreen products as both a sun-block and tan-enhancer. European cosmeticians sell anti-wrinkle creams made from Sea Buckthorn. (Please note, because of Sea Buckthorn’s high level of betacarotene, the oil is a deep reddish orange and unless used in extremely weak dilutions can colour your skin. If you want a “bronzing oil” this is your choice!)

Clinical experiments in Shantow Tropical Disease Hospital and the Shanxi Pharmaceutical Research Institute indicate cosmetics containing Sea Buckthorn extracts can actually improve metabolism and retard skin maturation, thus slowing the aging process, possibly because of the effects of its high levels of Vitamins A and E.

Sea Buckthorn oil is said to have proven effective in the treatment of skin conditions including burns, skin ulcers, cancer, acne and dermatitis of various forms.

Russian cosmonauts use its oil for protection against radiation burns in space.

Current research indicates that not only does it enhance immune activity and disease resistance, but it also destroys harmful free radicals found in our bodies. Aubrey Organics, on their web page, state that Sea Buckthorn’s high levels of Vitamin A and Vitamin E are the perfect free radical scavenger for your skin.

I have read, but can not verify, that haircare products made with Sea Buckthorn had the effect of retarding baldness and improving hair growth.

In my opinion a 1% dilution in the carrier oil of your choice should be sufficient to give your skin the beneficial effects. I personally experimented with a 10% dilution on one side of my face every night, while using Rose Hip Seed oil on the other side.  I found that strong a dilution unnecessary; ended up going with 1% rose hip CO2 and 1% Sea buckthorn Berry CO2.  The carrier oil of  choice varies monthly.  (Even with only a total of 2% of these deeply colored extracts really left my face looking “bronzed” but the effect faded within a few minutes.)

Much of the Sea Buckthorn Berry extract on the market today is from China. The Chinese extractions are lower priced, but are extracted from the kernel, not the pulp of the berry. These extractions have significantly lower levels of the tocopherols, and practically no Vitamin C. They are so low in Vitamin E that the producer is adding Rosemary Extract in an attempt to preserve them. The high level of natural Vitamin E in this extract should give it a shelf life of several years. In fact, the producer’s own information gives a shelf life of 5 years.

fruiting tree

The fruit, close-up.

Goji Berry (pronounced go-gee) otherwise known as Lycium Barbarum or Wolfberry is one of the most powerful antioxidants available naturally.  We have taken the powerful ingredients from this fruit (extract) and put it into capsules which have no taste and are convenient to take.

Goji Berry is quickly becoming known as one of the ”superfruits” of the century and it is our mission to provide you with the highest quality and most potent capsule form available of this miracle food.

Our “goji berry extract” capsules are manufactured in a Health Canada “Site Licenced” faclity which means that the manufacturer must meet this Federal Departments regulatory policies and adhere to outlined GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) which are among the most strict in the world.  Therefore ensuring the protection of consumers when it comes to Natural Health Products that are manufactured and sold within the country and beyond our borders.

The health benefits of Goji Berry Capsules are numerous;

And the list goes on!

What is a Goji Berry?

These red orange colored berries (fruit) grow on vines, which are up to 20 feet high.  This “superfruit” flourishes in the high valleys of the Himalayas and it also grows in different areas of China and Mongolia. The vines grow attractive purple and white flowers which produce berries that are harvested once a year in the summer. The vines naturally grow in altitudes of 3000 to 10,000 feet, but are now also cultivated in lower altitudes. The Goji berry is known to live in the most adverse weather conditions on Earth; therefore it has to build up proper nutrients to be able to withstand such harsh conditions. This extremely tough plant has a life expectancy of well over 100 years.

Since this superfruit is gaining popularity as of late you will find all sorts of products online that contain some Goji Berry within them or that claim to be 100% pure Goji Berry in some other form.  However - buyer beware because when you look at the fine print in the ingredient list there are often other juices, sugars, additives, fllavorings, or preservatives that have been added to the mixture.  If its not pure Goji Berry extract you are missing out on important health benefits to you from the Goji Berry fruit.

Goji Berry Properties

Goji Berries also contain polysaccharides which are what give this superfruit its unique medicinal properties.  These polysaccarides have been demonstrated to strongly fortify the immune system.  This same polysaccharide has been found to be a secretagogue, that is, a substance that stimulates the secretion in the pituitary gland to produce human growth hormone, a powerful anti-aging hormone. The berry is also very rich in vitamin C and B vitamins.

Furthermore, goji berries are the richest source of carotenoids, including beta carotene, of all known plants on earth and is thus a very powerful natrual antioxidant. It is believed to fortify the system against disease and to provide the energy to overcome difficult obstacles.  Beta-carotene can be transformed into vitamin A under the influence of human liver enzymes. Vitamin A ultimately plays a major influence in this fruits actions; and its protective function on the eyes is related to this factor.  Being rich in trace minerals, Goji Berries also contain significant amounts of zinc, calcium, germanium, selenium and phosphorus, plus small quantities of many others. Full details on the properties of Goji Berries can be found here.

Goji Berries are also one of the fundamental sexual tonic herbs in Chinese herbal medicine and are widely believed to increase sexual fluids and enhance fertility.  Improving one’s health overall, increasing energy, and improving circulation also helps improve sexual libido. This amazing superfruit has also been tested as an anti-obesity drug. Patients were given 30 grams each morning and each afternoon to be made into a tea; results for significant weight loss were excellent.  For more scientic studies with goji berry (See clinical goji berry studies).

Goji Berries are also known as the most potent antioxidant available naturally!

Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) is a standardized test adopted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to measure the Total Antioxidant Potency of foods and nutritional supplements. This standardized test was developed by Dr. Guohua Cao, a physician and chemist at the National Institute on Aging in Baltimore, Maryland. It provides us with a very precise way of determining the Free Radical destroying or neutralizing power of a particular food, supplement or compound.

Here’s how it works! A sample of antioxidant in the form of food, drink, fruit, nutritional supplement, vitamin, or chemical substance (example, orange juice, carrot, or vitamin E) is put in a test tube to see how well and how long it takes to destroy or neutralize the free radicals. This test or substance is then given an ORAC SCORE that reflects the Power and Speed with which it does its job as an antioxidant. Dr. Cao and Dr. Prior of the Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University have established that their recommended 5000 ORAC Units Daily helps prevent certain age related diseases. Dr. Ames, et al of University of California, Berkeley published in the National Academy of Science USA 1993, “Free Radical Oxidant by-products of normal metabolism cause extensive damage to DNA, proteins, and lipids.” He argued that this damage is a major contributor to aging and to degenerative diseases of aging such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, immune system decline, brain dysfunction, and cataracts. Antioxidants defend against this damage. Low dietary intake of fruits and vegetables, doubles the risk of most types of cancer, as compared to a high intake and also markedly increases the risk of heart disease and cataracts. Since only 9% of North Americans eat the recommended 5 servings of fruits and 5 servings of vegetables per day, the opportunity for improving health by improving diet is great.

Results of ORAC testing;

TOP ORAC FRUITS [PER 100 GRAMS OR 3.5 OUNCES]