Resveratrol (3,5,4'-trihydroxy-trans-stilbene) is a stilbenoid, a type of natural phenol, and a phytoalexin produced naturally by several plants – especially the roots of the Japanese Knotweed, from which it is extracted commercially – when under attack by pathogens such as bacteria or fungi.Several scientists involved in these studies went on to found Sirtris Pharmaceuticals, a company working to develop resveratrol analogs as proprietary drugs. However subsequent independent research has failed to replicate these results.In mouse and rat experiments, telomere lengthening, telomerase activity enhancement, anti-inflammatory, blood sugar-lowering and other beneficial cardiovascular effects of resveratrol have been reported; however, in every experiment to date, resveratrol has failed to extend the lifespan of lean, genetically normal mice or rats.
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