Resveratrol is a polyphenolic plant nutrient that research suggests may possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant attributes. For centuries, Japanese and Chinese medicinal traditions have utilized resveratrol to treat a variety of ailments. Many in the scientific community postulate that the high resveratrol content in red wine could help explain the “French Paradox”: the phenomenon in which the French have a relatively low incidence of cardiovascular disease despite having a diet relatively high in animal products and saturated fat.
How Does Resveratrol Help Promote Musculoskeletal Health?
There are similar biologic and physiologic processes that drive tendon, muscle, bone, and joint aging. Research suggests that oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, and mitochondrial dysfunction contribute to unhealthy aging of tendons, muscles, bones, and joints.
Oxidative stress occurs when the production of destructive free radicals overwhelms the body’s natural defenses against oxidation. In this scenario, free radicals roam unfettered, attacking healthy fats, proteins, and DNA.
Chronic inflammation leads to the upregulation of certain chemicals and enzymes that cause significant collateral damage to healthy structures. This damage causes cellular dysfunction and premature aging.
Mitochondrial dysfunction increases the number of free radicals generated in the cell. Too many free radicals perpetuate and fuel oxidative stress and chronic inflammation. Additionally, mitochondria are the primary power generators of the cell. Mitochondrial dysfunction reduces the energy available to cells. Optimal energy is fundamental for healthy cellular function. Cells, just like cars, don’t work without fuel.
Resveratrol supports joint, muscle, and tendon health by counteracting certain aspects of the pathways that lead to unhealthy aging and cellular dysfunction. Resveratrol possesses a unique chemical structure that allows it both to donate and accept electrons. In either situation, resveratrol remains relatively stable. Resveratrol’s stability in differing electron states is its critical contribution to antioxidant protection. The primary problem with free radicals is their high reactivity when they have too many or too few electrons. Resveratrol can both offload excess electrons or donate additional electrons to free radicals. Stabilized free radicals are less likely to attack surrounding tissue.
Free radical stabilization is especially important when protecting mitochondrial cell walls and healthy fats. Healthy fats are hypersensitive to oxidative damage. Fat oxidation punctures holes in the cell wall and leads to leaks. A leaky mitochondrion releases excessive oxygen-based free radicals and compromises healthy mitochondrial function. Resveratrol potentially helps prevent holes from forming in the mitochondrial wall and helps promote mitochondrial well-being.
Additionally, resveratrol may stimulate the activity of Sirtuin 1. Sirtuin 1 is a vital protein that influences inflammation, longevity, mitochondrial function, and oxidative stress. The overall effect of Sirtuin 1 is to promote a healthy immune system response, support mitochondrial health, and boost antioxidant defenses.
Potential Musculoskeletal Benefits of Resveratrol
1. Supports Joint Health
Turkish investigators evaluated the effect of resveratrol administration on a rabbit model of unhealthy joints. The researchers demonstrated a reduction in cartilage injury scores and loss of matrix proteoglycans in the treatment group (Elmali et al., 2005).
Chinese researchers injected resveratrol into the unhealthy knees of mice. The investigators showed that resveratrol was associated with a more balanced inflammatory response and healthier cartilage (Li et al., 2015).
2. Supports Muscle Health
American researchers demonstrated that resveratrol had a protective effect against oxidative stress in the calf muscle of rats (Jackson et al., 2010).
3. Supports Tendon Health
British researchers demonstrated that resveratrol promoted healthy inflammation and counterbalanced unhealthy inflammation in human tendon cells (Busch et al., 2012).
4. Boosts Bone Health
Researchers in Denmark examined the effects of resveratrol on men with metabolic syndrome. The authors found that resveratrol administration was associated with increased spine bone density. The authors concluded that resveratrol positively affects bone by stimulating bone formation and/or mineralization (Ornstrup et al., 2014).
Precautions
While generally well-tolerated, potential side effects of resveratrol include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. High intake may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with blood thinners. More than 1000 mg/day of resveratrol has been associated with mild side effects. Any consideration of supplementation should be discussed with a qualified health professional.
References
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- Micronutrient Information Center. (2017). Resveratrol. Retrieved from http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/dietary-factors/phytochemicals/resveratrol
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- Csaki, C., Keshishzadeh, N., Fischer, K., & Shakibaei, M. (2008). Regulation of inflammation signalling by resveratrol in human chondrocytes in vitro. Biochemical Pharmacology, 75, 677-687.
- Elmali, N., Esenkaya, I., Harma, A., Ertem, K., Turkoz, Y., & Mizrak, B. (2005). Effect of resveratrol in experimental osteoarthritis in rabbits. Inflammation Research, 54, 158-162. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00011-004-1341-6
- Kim, H. J., Braun, H. J., & Dragoo, J. L. (2014). The effect of resveratrol on normal and osteoarthritic chondrocyte metabolism. Bone & Joint Research, 3(3), 51-59. https://doi.org/10.1302/2046-3758.33.2000226
- Li, W., Cai, L., Zhang, Y., Cui, L., & Shen, G. (2015). Intra-articular resveratrol injection prevents osteoarthritis progression in a mouse model by activating SIRT1 and thereby silencing HIF-2α. Journal of Orthopaedic Research, 33(7), 1061-1070. https://doi.org/10.1002/jor.22859
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