1. 3,5,4’-trihydroxy-trans-stilbene RESVERATROL

2. Indications Cardiovascular function Skeletal muscle function Anti-carcinogenic Anti-inflammatory Lowers blood sugar Source: Dolinsky, V. W., Jones, K. E., & Sidhu, R. S. (2012). Improvements in skeletal muscle strength and cardiac function induced by resveratrol during exercise training contribute to enhanced exercise performance in rats. The Journal of Physiology,

3. Mechanisms of Action Active ingredient - 3,5,4'-trihydroxy-trans-stilbene Resveratrol is a polyphenol, a plant compound that has antioxidant properties, that has been known to help with heart disease, cancer, improve endurance, and reverse the effects of aging. Resveratrol increases the action of SOD2, which reduces superoxide to hydrogen peroxide. Superoxide is a byproduct of the electron transport chain at complexes 1 and 3. It can cause free radical reactions, so it is important to keep these anions in check. By reducing superoxide to hydrogen peroxide, SOD2 plays the role of protecting the cell from mitochondrial dysfunction, changing the mitochondria’s permeability to certain substances, and defending the cell against apoptosis in certain diseases. These functions help by delaying the aging process, fighting against the proliferation of certain cancer cells, and aiding in the healing process when injuries occur. The pathway: Resveratrol has been shown to increase the action of SIRT1, which causes the migration of FOXO transcription factors to the nucleus. SOD2 is a target of FOXO3a, one of the FOXO transcription factors. Source: Robb EL, Page MM, Wiens BE, Stuart JA (March 2008). "Molecular mechanisms of oxidative stress resistance induced by resveratrol: Specific and progressive induction of MnSOD". Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 367 (2): 406–12.

4. Mechanisms of Action (cont’d) Resveratrol has also been shown to interfere with all stages of carcinogenesis, initiation, promotion and progression. Studies have revealed that the mechanism by which resveratrol does this is by altering the transcription factor NF-KB, inhibition of a cytochrome P450 isozyme, alterations in androgenic actions, and expression of cyclooxygenase enzymes. Source: Leiro J, Arranz JA, Fraiz N, Sanmartín ML, Quezada E, Orallo F (February 2005). "Effect of cis-resveratrol on genes involved in nuclear factor kappa B signaling". Int. Immunopharmacol. 5 (2): 393–406. Resveratrol increases testosterone production – it is a estrogen receptor modulator and an aromatase inhibitor. Source: Juan ME, González-Pons E, Munuera T, Ballester J, Rodríguez-Gil JE, Planas JM (April 2005). "trans-Resveratrol, a natural antioxidant from grapes, increases sperm output in healthy rats". J. Nutr. 135 (4): 757–60.

5. Side Effects/Contraindications Some studies have shown that resveratrol stimulates the growth of breast cancer cells because its chemical structure is similar to that of phytoestrogen. Source: Gehm BD, McAndrews JM, Chien PY, Jameson JL (December 1997). "Resveratrol, a polyphenolic compound found in grapes and wine, is an agonist for the estrogen receptor". Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 94 (25): 14138–43. "Resveratrol, a polyphenolic compound found in grapes and wine, is an agonist for the estrogen receptor" However, other studies contradict this and show that resveratrol may slow the progression of breast cancer. Source: Levi F, Pasche C, Lucchini F, Ghidoni R, Ferraroni M, La Vecchia C (April 2005). "Resveratrol and breast cancer risk". Eur. J. Cancer Prev. 14 (2): 139–42. Resveratrol may slow healing by slowing the development of blood vessels. Source: Bråkenhielm E, Cao R, Cao Y (August 2001). "Suppression of angiogenesis, tumor growth, and wound healing by resveratrol, a natural compound in red wine and grapes". FASEB J. 15 (10): 1798–800. Should not be taken by pregnant women because although it is known as an anticarcinogenic, it also displays carcinogenic properties which are not handled well by the fetus. Source: Paolini M, Sapone A, Valgimigli L (June 2003). "Avoidance of bioflavonoid supplements during pregnancy: a pathway to infant leukemia?". Mutat. Res. 527 (1– 2): 99–101.

6. Other Names/Notes Found in the skin of grapes, peanuts, and berries Also, sometimes extracted from the roots of the Japanese knotweed, Polygonum cuspidatum Source: WebMD

7. Thank You! Presentation by Raquel Santos and Richa Singh