Resveratrol Studies Show Significant Diabetes Benefits

TAMIL NADU, India and BUSHEHR, IranTwo new studies showed resveratrol's effects on body weight, blood pressure, cholesterol and overall health effects in obese and diabetic patients.

The studies were conducted by JSS College of Pharmacy (JSS University) in Tamil Nadu India, and the Bushehr University of Medical Sciences in Bushehr, Iran.

The study conducted by JSS University focused on the effects of oral supplementation of resveratrol in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The controlled trial was preformed at Government Headquarters Hospital in Ootacamund, India where 62 patients with T2DM had been admitted. The patients were divided into two groups, one received only oral hypoglycemic agents and the other received oral hypoglycemic agents and resveratrol250 mg/d for six months.

Results revealed six months of supplementationsignificantly decreased body weight, systolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, triglyceride, urea nitrogen and total protein. A significant increase in the level of antioxidant enzymes and reduced glutathione were also observed. Researchers noted resveratrol supplementation in patients with T2DM may be an effective treatment to improve associated vascular risk factors and glycemic control.

The study conducted by Bushehr University of Medical Sciences concentrated on the effectiveness of resveratrol in lowering blood glucose in patients with T2DM. A total of 66 subjects were involved in the study and were separated into two groups. One group received placebo tablets while the other received resveratrol with a dosage of 1 g/d for 45 days.

The results measured body weight, cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL), high density lipoprotein (HDL) and markers of the liver and kidney damage. After 45 days, patients who received resveratrol significantly decreased systolic blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, hemoglobin A1c, insulin and insulin resistance. HDL levels increased significantly as well. The placebo group showed a slight increase in fasting glucose and LDL levels.