What are the results of recent research on resveratrol and autoimmune diseases?
This post summarizes recent research on resveratrol and autoimmune diseases. Autoimmune diseases are diseases resulted from antibodies generated by one’s immune system against its own tissues. Examples are autoimmune hepatitis, type 1 diabetes mellitus, inflammatory bowel disease, lupus erythematosus, and multiple sclerosis. In response to invading pathogen, the immune system generates antibodies against invader. However, instead of fighting off the invading pathogens, these antibodies begin to attack one’s own tissues.
Health benefits of resveratrol
There is no cure for autoimmune diseases. The only treatment is to lower the severity of the disease through reducing the immune activity. Resveratrol is able to modulate both innate and adaptive immune responses. It suppresses T and B cell proliferation and antibody production.
Most research so far are done with animal models, but results are promising. However, there are no clinical trial results yet, they need to overcome many hurdles before running clinical trials. The first is the right dosage. Resveratrol can suppress immune response at high dose, but stimulate it at low dose. The second is availability of resveratrol inside the body. Availability of resveratrol is low due to poor absorption through the intestine and rapid metabolization in the liver. Synthesis of analogues that can increase absorption in the intestine and decrease the metabolism by the liver may be the solution. Learn more about resveratrol supplement.
Resveratrol and hidradenitis suppurativa
Although resveratrol supplement may be beneficial to persons with autoimmune diseases, those who have hidradenitis suppurativa should avoid resveratrol supplement. The reason is that they are sensitive to yeast proteins; they need to avoid any food containing yeast. These include bread, pizza, some cakes, wine, beer, vinegar (and some salad dressings), and some canned soups (with yeast extract). Since resveratrol is a product derived from skin of grapes that may contain natural yeast, yeast proteins may be present in resveratrol supplement. Taking resveratrol supplement may worsen the symptoms of hidradenitis suppurativa.
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