Resveratrol - A Natural Cure for Swine Flu?

The Antioxidant Resveratrol Shows Promise Against the H1N1 Flu Virus

Oct 10, 2009 Staci Eastin

Resveratrol is an antioxidant found in some nuts and fruits. Studies show that it may help fight off the H1N1 or "swine flu" virus.

In the spring of 2009, the warnings became dire: a new strain of Type A flu had been identified in Mexico. The H1N1 virus appeared to be deadly, and experts feared a flu pandemic imminent.

As of the autumn of 2009, the H1N1 virus appeared to still be susceptible to the antiviral drugs Tamiflu and Relenza, and a vaccine became available in October. But since viruses are known to mutate and develop resistance, many people began looking for a natural alternative.

About Resveratrol

Resveratrol is an antioxidant found in nuts, grape skins and some berries. It is a type of antioxidant known as a polyphenol. Plants produce polyphenols in response to stress. Resveratrol first drew attention from researchers in the late 1990s as a possible explanation of the "French Paradox"--the phenomenon of lower heart disease among the French despite their high-fat diet.

Resveratrol and Viruses

In a study published in the April 2005 Journal of Infectious Diseases, resveratrol improved the survival of mice infected with an older strain of Type-A H1N1. Although this is not the same H1N1 making the news as 2009 H1N1 Swine Flu, there is hope that the results will be similar.

Viruses are microorganisms that cannot produce on their own. In order to survive, a virus must attach itself to the cell of a healthy organism and hijack the cell’s reproductive capabilities. It is not known exactly how resveratrol helps fight against the flu virus, but it is believed that it acts after the virus has infected the cell and slows down the replication of the virus.

Other Benefits of Resveratrol

Researchers found that besides the antiviral properties of resveratrol, it also reduces inflammation, slows down tumor growth, and increases life span. Resveratrol seems to increase insulin sensitivity and increase cell life. Experts hope that resveratrol could lead to treatment for age-related ailments like diabetes, arthritis and heart disease.

In studies conducted on resveratrol and life span, researchers believe that resveratrol stimulates the same mechanism that is activated when animals are fed a calorie-restricted diet. Calorie restriction increases the longevity of laboratory animals. When animals are given resveratrol, they show the same increased life span even when fed a diet with a normal number of calories.

Resveratrol Supplements

While results of resveratrol studies are exciting, experts caution that results are still preliminary. As of 2009, studies demonstrating the health benefits of resveratrol had only been performed on mice, not humans. It should also be noted that the doses of resveratrol given to mice in these studies are equal to hundreds of glasses of wine or dozens of supplements a day, which would be an unsafe amount to consume.

Red wine is one source of resveratrol for people who want to get more of this antioxidant in their diet. Those who do not want to drink alcohol can instead drink red or purple grape juice. Resveratrol is also found in peanuts, blueberries, and cranberries.

Resveratrol is also available in supplements, but since supplements are not tested as thoroughly as prescription drugs, not much is known about their safety or how they could interact with other drugs. Resveratrol appears to have anti-platelet affects, so people taking blood thinners should be aware that resveratrol supplements could increase their risk of bleeding. Since resveratrol could have some estrogenic properties, women with estrogen-sensitive breast or ovarian cancers should avoid resveratrol until more is known. Pregnant women and nursing mothers should not drink alcohol or take resveratrol supplements.

The copyright of the article Resveratrol - A Natural Cure for Swine Flu? in General Medicine is owned by Staci Eastin. Permission to republish Resveratrol - A Natural Cure for Swine Flu? in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Grapes are one source of resveratrol.