Names:

• Resveratrol
• trans-3,5,4′-Trihydroxystilbene
• 3,4′,5-Stilbenetriol
• trans-Resveratrol
• (E)-5-(p-Hydroxystyryl)resorcinol
• (E)-5-(4-hydroxystyryl)benzene-1,3-diol

 

This week’s MOTW is Resveratrol!

Resveratrol was first isolated by Japanese chemist Michio Takaoka in 1939. Resveratrol is prominently found in grapes and most red wines contain up to 14.5 mg/L of it.

Resveratrol has generated great interest to science because it is said to be a molecule that can be the link to enhancing longevity. Studies have shown that Resveratrol stimulates sirtuins which are a class of proteins that regulate many important biological pathways. There is evidence that a caloric restriction may be mediated by sirtuins in mice. It has been said that a significant calorie restriction can lead to a longer life span, although such an act would be extremely difficult because it would decrease one’s quality of life. No significant studies have proved that Resveratrol can help a human live longer or fight diseases, despite its widely studied properties.