Polygonum cuspidatum, a natural source of resveratrol, has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. - GreenMedInfo Summary

BACKGROUND: Resveratrol have been shown to exert an antiinflammatory and antiaging effects in vitro and in animal models.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to investigate the effect of a Polygonum cuspidatum extract (PCE) containing resveratrol on oxidative and inflammatory stress in normal subjects.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Two groups (10 each) of normal-weight healthy subjects were randomized to placebo or PCE containing 40 mg resveratrol daily for 6 wk. Fasting blood samples were obtained prior to and after treatment at 1, 3, and 6 wk. Mononuclear cells were prepared for reactive oxygen species generation, RNA isolation, nuclear extract, and total cell homogenate preparation. Indices of oxidative and inflammatory stress, suppressor of cytokine signaling-3, phosphotyrosine phosphatase-1B, jun-N-terminal kinase-1, and inhibitor of kappaB-kinase-beta were measured by RT-PCR and Western blotting.

RESULTS: The extract induced a significant reduction in reactive oxygen species generation, the expression of p47(phox), intranuclear nuclear factor-kappaB binding, and the expression of jun-N-terminal kinase-1, inhibitor of kappaB-kinase-beta, phosphotyrosine phosphatase-1B, and suppressor of cytokine signaling-3 in mononuclear cells when compared with the baseline and the placebo. PCE intake also suppressed plasma concentrations of TNF-alpha, IL-6, and C-reactive protein. There was no change in these indices in the control group given placebo.

CONCLUSIONS: The PCE-containing resveratrol has a comprehensive suppressive effect on oxidative and inflammatory stress.