Resveratrol (from Grape Seed Extract) May Boost Blood Flow in the Brain, According to New Study
More Important Findings About the Naturally-Derived Polyphenol from Grape Seed Extract For Cognitive and Mental Function
High doses of resveratrol may improve blood flow in the brain and potentially boost brain health, say results of a new human study from the UK.
A single dose of 250 or 500 milligrams of resveratrol was found to boost blood flow in the brain but did not affect cognitive performance, according to new findings published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
"The results of the current study provide the first indication in humans that resveratrol may be able to modulate cerebral blood flow variables," wrote researchers from the Brain, Performance and Nutrition Research Centre at Northumbria University.
"Thus, it seems reasonable to suggest that the potential effects of this molecule on brain function deserve a great deal more research attention with a clear focus on both healthy humans and pathologic groups," they added.
Resveratrol, a powerful polyphenol and anti-fungal chemical, is often touted as the bioactive compound in grapes and red wine, and has particularly been associated with the so-called 'French Paradox'. The phrase, coined in 1992 by Dr Serge Renaud from Bordeaux University, describes the low incidence of heart disease and obesity among the French, despite their relatively high-fat diet and wine consumption.
Interest in the compound exploded in 2003 when a research team from Harvard reported that resveratrol was able to increase the lifespan of yeast cells. The research, published in Nature, was greeted with international media attention.
Since then studies have linked resveratrol to longer lives. Other studies have reported anti-cancer effects, anti-inflammatory effects, as well as cardiovascular benefits, anti-diabetes potential, energy endurance enhancement, and protection against Alzheimer's.
The new randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study, which involved 22 healthy adults, now suggests a role for the compound in brain health. The researchers randomly assigned the participants to receive placebo, or one of two doses of trans- resveratrol (250 or 500 milligrams supplement). Forty-five minutes after the dose, the blood flow and cognitive performance of the participants was measured over a 36 minute period.
Results showed that resveratrol produced a dose-dependent increase in cerebral blood flow, but no increase in the placebo group.
The researchers also noted an increase in levels of deoxyhemoglobin after both doses of resveratrol, which they said was indicative of increased oxygen extraction and utilisation. No effect on cognitive function was noted, however.
"One key issue regarding resveratrol and other polyphenols is that of the low bioavailability of the parent molecule in humans," wrote the researchers. "The results here confirm that orally administered resveratrol can modulate brain function in humans."
"No significant adverse effects have been observed in human studies using as much as 5,000mg daily and animal toxicity studies using order of magnitude greater dosages have failed to produce serious side effects," they added .
Source: American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
(Published online)
"Effects of resveratrol on cerebral blood flow variables and cognitive performance in humans: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover investigation"
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