Resveratrol Protects Against Neuronal Damage

Resveratrol may have neuroprotective effects, according to a study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.

Researchers from National Chia-Yi University in China gave 60 adult male rats general anesthesia and randomized them to receive an ischemia treatment (bilateral ligation of carotid artery), ischemia combined with resveratrol administration (20 mg/kg) or a placebo treatment.

In rats not administered resveratrol, hydroxyl radical levels were elevated and severe neuronal loss occurred in the brain. In contrast, brains of animals given resveratrol had significantly increased concentrations of nitric oxide (NO) and decreased population of hydroxyl radicals. Rats given resveratrol were also shielded from reduced cerebral blood flow and neuronal loss.

The researchers concluded a single dose of resveratrol could produce neuroprotective effects on cerebral ischemia-induced neuron damage through free radical scavenging and cerebral blood elevation due to nitric oxide release.

Source:

Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry (54, 8:3126-31, 2006)

Key concepts: resveratrol, neuronal