The polyphenol resveratrol slows aging in mice, according to the results of a new study that confirms the red wine component’s ability to mimic caloric restriction.
Past studies have shown that resveratrol in high doses can extend lifespan in invertebrates and prevent early mortality in mice fed a high-fat diet. In the new study, researchers fed mice either a control diet, a diet that included low-dose resveratrol (4.9 mg kg-1 day-1), or a calorie-restricted diet from the time the animals were middle age to old age.
When they evaluated the results, the researchers noted a striking similarity between the effects of the calorie-restricted diet and resveratrol on the heart, skeletal muscle and brain. Both resveratrol and the caloric restriction inhibited changes associated with cardiac and skeletal muscle aging, and prevented age-related cardiac dysfunction. Resveratrol, like the caloric restriction, also improved insulin-mediated glucose uptake in muscle.
The researchers believe that resveratrol activates the same biochemical pathways as caloric restriction.
The study authors concluded, “ Resveratrol, at doses that can be readily achieved in humans, fulfills the definition of a dietary compound that mimics some aspects of CR [caloric restriction].”
Reference:
Barger JL, Kayo T, Vann JM, Arias EB, Wang J, Hacker TA, Wang Y, Raederstorff D, Morrow JD, Leeuwenburgh C, Allison DB, Saupe KW, Cartee GD, Weindruch R, Prolla TA. A low dose of dietary resveratrol partially mimics caloric restriction and retards aging parameters in mice. PLoS ONE. 2008 Jun 4;3(6):e2264.