Resveratrol in Red Wine Mimics Tyrosine for Its Anti-aging Effect

The magical effect of the compound, resveratrol in red wine has proved to protect cells against damage from aging. These findings may be good news for red wine drinkers.

Resveratrol is an organic compound found in dark grapes used to make red wine. Previous studies have shown it can extend life in obese mice.

The effects of this chemical on human health have been disputed over the years, but it has been reported to extend lifespan, provide cardiovascular, anti-diabetic, and anti-cancer effects.

The researchers found that resveratrol mimics a naturally occurring amino acid called tyrosine, which normally binds to one of a family of enzymes that are thought to have evolved many hundreds of millions of years ago when life existed as simple microbes.

One of these enzymes, known as TyrRS, becomes activated when resveratrol binds to it. This causes the enzyme to move into the cell nucleus where it helps to protect the DNA of the chromosomes against genetic damage, the scientists suggested.

Scripps Research Institute researchers investigated resveratrol, and found the chemical stimulates a gene normally reserved for response to stress. This action activates additional genes, which protects cells from damage caused by aging.

Though beneficial, the National Health Services recommends 3-4 units of alcohol a day for men and 2-3 units a day for women where 1 unit is 10 millilitres.

Source: Medindia