Resveratrol (3,5,4'-trihydroxy-trans-stilbene) is a stilbenoid, a natural phenolic compound synthesised by several plants when they are under attack from pathogens including bacteria or fungi. It is thus found in red wine and other dietary sources. Its antioxidant and other physiological activities were the subject of much controversy recently when it was revealed that one of the more prolific researchers investigating its putative health benefits had fabricated much of his data.
Nevertheless, other presumably honest scientists have carried on with their work as normal and C&EN recently reported a new discovery that offers a possible mode of action involving the blockade of phosphodiesterase enzymes
The work by NIH biologist Jay Chung and colleagues points to new clues as to how we might treat age-related metabolic disorderrs. Another excuse to keep drinking the vino? I hope so...
Park, S., Ahmad, F., Philp, A., Baar, K., Williams, T., Luo, H., Ke, H., Rehmann, H., Taussig, R., Brown, A., Kim, M., Beaven, M., Burgin, A., Manganiello, V., & Chung, J. (2012). Resveratrol Ameliorates Aging-Related Metabolic Phenotypes by Inhibiting cAMP Phosphodiesterases Cell, 148 (3), 421-433 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2012.01.017
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