Resveratrol is currently being studied as a possible help in the fight against diabetes. In recent studies, properties of resveratrol are being tested for their ability to control or lower insulin levels.
New research shows that rats fed high fat diets experienced lower insulin levels when scientists injected resveratrol from grapes directly into their brains. The findings suggest that resveratrol could be developed to target specific brain proteins, in turn offering some protection against diabetes in humans.
The scientists specifically looked for the effect of resveratrol of a group of proteins in the body called a sirtuins. They wanted to see whether the compound exerted its effect on sirtuins in the brain. Sirtuins help cells survive, and have been linked in the past the anti-aging potential of resveratrol, and also associated with the benefits of calorie restriction. Sirtuin activating drugs are currently being studied for diabetes treatment.
Rats fed a high fat diet before and after the study either received resveratrol directly injected into the brain, or a saline solution. Insulin levels rose in the placebo group. Five weeks into the study, the rats injected with the compound found in red grapes and wine, and despite continuing with a high fat diet, had insulin levels that were halfway to normal – they also found that resveratrol does activate sirtuin.
Scientists are continuing to study the effects of resveratrol on the brain for many different medical conditions. This kind of research can help pharmaceutical companies come up with new drugs that could possibly help many people.