Beneficial Effects Of Resveratrol On Fatty Liver Disease

Resveratrol, a phytochemical found in red grapes and red wine and attributed with several health therapeutic qualities, is now reported to be successful in treating human alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Scientists from the University of South Florida Health Sciences Center in Tampa reported their success using resveratrol to treat liver diseases like cirrhosis and fibrosis.

This study was conducted on mice and showed that with the use of resveratrol, livers of mice showed less build of fat that causes damage to liver and that often leads to complete liver failure.

In this study, which is reported in the American Journal of Physiology — Gastrointestinal and Live Physiology, the researchers used mice that were given either resveratrol or alcohol, or had both resveratrol and alcohol included in their diet.

The results proved that the combination of resveratrol and alcohol was most effective in stimulating the production of AMPK and SIRT1 – proteins responsible for breaking down of fat and removing it from liver.

In addition, the combined intake of resveratrol and alcohol led to the reduction in proteins that lead to fat build up and an increase in adiponectin, a hormone that metabolizes fat.

This means that resveratrol acts in a twofold manner. On the one hand it curbs the build-up fat and on the other, it helps in metabolizing the liver fat, thus offering a two-fold protection to the liver.

Resveratrol has already been found to provide protection to the nervous system and heart, as well as provided benefits for diabetic patients by helping the brain in the regulation of insulin production.

It is also attributed to impart longevity and enhanced energy levels and is reportedly effective in treating several types of cancers and tumors. Recent research has also proved it to be a welcoming alternative to HRT that is found to be associated with various detrimental side effects for the users.

The large number of health enhancing properties of resveratrol has led to tremendous interest in research about its presence in various natural ingredients. For example, earlier resveratrol was considered to be available in red grapes or red wine and some nuts alone.

But recent research has found concentrations of resveratrol in cocoa and cocoa products. Similarly, various supplements of resveratrol are available in the market that contain the same benefits as drinking red wine.

These supplements come in a form that is easy to intake and store and that can be had at anytime of the year. The supplements are especially beneficial for people who do not drink wine due to their religious or other beliefs, but who would like to benefit from the wondrous effects of resveratrol.

Tags: fatty liver disease, liver failure, phytochemical, red wine, therapeutic qualities