Resveratrol is produced naturally by several plants, and can be produced as a derivative of Japanese knotweed. It has shown anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and cardiovascular benefits, as well as beneficial for lowering blood sugar levels. It can be naturally found in such things as the skin of red grapes, and of course is contained in red wine.
A series of studies on the effects of Resveratrol in slowing the aging process were conducted using an especially short-lived species of fish. The fish which were given Resveratrol had life spans which were 56% longer than those of the control group. The researchers think that the cumulative effect of Resveratrol in the system over time, since older fish who had received the compound for a longer duration seemed to derive more benefit from Resveratrol than did younger fish. The study seems to indicate that Resevratrol can have a slowing effect on the physical aging process.
Natural Resveratrol is found in red wine because of the content of the red grape skins during fermentation, as opposed to white wines where the skin is removed. Other things like blueberries, cranberries, mulberries and peanuts also contain Resveratrol, but only about ten percent of that found in grapes.
A lot of interest in Resveratrol has been generated by Oprah Winfrey, who has featured the benefits of the compound on her program. Dr. Mehmet Oz has also sung the praises of Resveratrol, leading to the popularity of Reseveratrol supplements. These supplements were once largely made from grape skins and seeds, but are now more commonly made from Japanese knotwood root extract instead.
Reseveratrol seems to be helpful in treating memory problems as well as regulating estrogen levels; but it is its potential to reduce the effects of aging which make it popular. It is through regulating estrogen that it produces some of these effects. There seems to be a correlation between the slowing of estrogen production following menopause and other physical effects of aging in women; and Resveratrol increases estrogen levels in these women, which also has the benefit of making them look and feel younger.
There is one difficulty with Reseveratrol supplements, which is that the compound makes its way through the body in a matter of hours; a 250mg supplement is nearly undetectable after only four hours! Some have raised the question of how effective Resveratrol supplements are, but these supplements are rapidly advancing with the goal of providing a longer lasting effect on the levels of the compound in the body.
Japanese knotwood is a member of Polygonaceae family of plants, and it is an invasive weed plant in several countries. On Resveratrol supplements, it may be listed by its scientific names, fallopian japonica, polygonum cuspidatum and reynoutria japonica. Huzhang is a Chinese name that is used and HuZhang root extract has been used in Chinese culture for years as a medical remedy. It is similar in appearance to bamboo, and has been nicknamed Japanese bamboo.
In Resveratrol supplements, the Japanese knotwood has become known for its strong concentrations in the root of the plant and the year round growth and hardiness of it has made it excellent for a large supplement source. Oprah and Dr. Oz are endorsing it as an anti-aging supplement to improve your health and make you feel and look younger.