Researchers have demonstrated what they consider conclusive
evidence that the red wine compound resveratrol directly
activates a protein that promotes health and longevity in animal
models. Furthermore, the Harvard Medical School team uncovered
the molecular mechanism for this interaction, and they show that
a class of more potent drugs currently in clinical trials acts
in a similar fashion. Pharmaceutical compounds similar to
resveratrol may potentially treat and prevent diseases related
to aging in people, the researchers contend. Studies over the
last decade have demonstrated that resveratrol, a compound found
in the skin of grapes as well as in peanuts and berries,
increases the activity of a specific sirtuin, SIRT1, that
protects the body from diseases by revving up the mitochondria.
Mice on resveratrol have twice the endurance and are relatively
immune from effects of obesity and aging. In experiments with
yeast, nematodes, bees, flies, and mice, lifespan has been
extended. "In the history of pharmaceut