Resveratrol is a powerful anti-bacterial.
We have posted several times about the remarkable properties of resveratrol, as we monitor ongoing research. Even though it has recently lost its flavor of the day status in the media, studies continue to roll out showing clear evidence of its effectiveness in many health-related areas. Already well recognized for its anti-wrinkle benefits, latest tests shows further promise as an inhibitor of bacterial growth.
A recent study at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA found that combining resveratrol with benzoyl peroxide has a synergistically beneficial effect that is almost counter-intuitive. The researchers studied acne treatment using benzoyl peroxide, an oxidant that creates free radicals that kill the acne bacteria (and the common treatment for acne problems,) in concert with resveratrol, an anti-oxidant which prevents the creation of free radicals, which cause cell and tissue damage. Given their opposite effects, one would expect the two to cancel each other out.
For ten days, the researchers grew colonies of bacteria that cause acne and then experimented with various concentrations of resveratrol and benzoyl peroxide, both alone and together. As was expected, benzoyl peroxide killed the bacteria at all concentration levels, but the effect didn’t last more than 24 hours and could be harsh on the skin. And again as was expected, Resveratrol had a less toxic effect than the oxidant but it actually inhibited bacterial growth for a longer period of time. It was quite the surprise when the two compounds worked well together to reduce bacteria counts.
Another study in Italy also looked at resveratrol as an acne remedy and found that by itself it showed a 53.75 percent average reduction in acne activity such as number and type of lesions. Researchers noted that bacteria cells lost structure and definition in their outer membranes, suggesting that resveratrol may work by altering and weakening the structure of the bacteria.
Benefits from resveratrol use can be topical for anti-oxidant effect on the spot, but are also significant from a systemic point of view when taken in supplement form or from drinking red wine. The powerful anti-inflammatory effect acts quickly on the skin, but is equally powerful inside the body where it fights off free radicals that are so harmful. The impact on epidermis is immediate and apparent, which has supported the many anti-aging claims for resveratrol. However, we can also reliably extrapolate the usefulness of this polyphenol to our internal biology.
Consider that resveratrol is an anti-microbial compound known as a phytoalexin which plants produce as protection from adverse environmental conditions like infections, climate extremes and excessive ultraviolet exposure. It is the very nature of this compound to protect the body in multiple ways, and studies continue to support this effect when ingested by or applied on humans.
Resveratrol clearly benefits the body inside and out, protecting against countless health issues including anti-aging, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-platelet aggregation, anti-atherogenic, analgaesic, chemo-preventive, immuno-modulative, cardio-protective and neuro-protective actions (Isailovic et al., 2013). It is one of the few compounds that is equally potent topically or as a food.
Furthermore, it has shown that its effectiveness is not diminished by careful processing, so should be considered as a core part of any health supplement regimen. Our own resveratrol supplement combines 99.7% pure trans-resveratrol with freeze-dried "super' berries like acai, pomegranate, blueberries, and noni to create an anti-oxidant powerhouse and is an excellent example of the power of nutrition to protect, heal and boost. Take advantage of the most effective nutrients for maintaining good health.
References:
Application of Topical Resveratrol in the Treatment of Acne, Taylor, Emma; UCLA Office of Intellectual Property & Industry Sponsored Research.
Content and other information presented on the site is not meant to constitute medical advice or be any substitute for professional advice, counseling, diagnosis, or treatment. Never delay or disregard professional medical or mental health advice from your physician or other qualified health provider. If you are making changes to your regimen, always consult your doctor first.
