Cognitive enhancement from Resveratrol

[THEHUGE]

http://www.biotivia.com/assets/evide...N%20proofs.pdf

[newequation]

ABSTRACT

Background: The many putative beneficial effects of the polyphenol
resveratrol include an ability to bolster endogenous antioxidant
defenses, modulate nitric oxide synthesis, and promote vasodilation,
which thereby improves blood flow. Resveratrol may therefore modulate
aspects of brain function in humans.
Objective: The current study assessed the effects of oral resveratrol
on cognitive performance and localized cerebral blood flow variables
in healthy human adults.

Design: In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled,
crossover study, 22 healthy adults received placebo and 2 doses
(250 and 500 mg) of trans-resveratrol in counterbalanced order
on separate days. After a 45-min resting absorption period, the
participants performed a selection of cognitive tasks that activate
the frontal cortex for an additional 36 min. Cerebral blood flow and
hemodynamics, as indexed by concentration changes in oxygenated
and deoxygenated hemoglobin, were assessed in the frontal cortex
throughout the posttreatment period with the use of near-infrared
spectroscopy. The presence of resveratrol and its conjugates in
plasma was confirmed by HPLC after the same doses in a separate
cohort (n = 9).

Results: Resveratrol administration resulted in dose-dependent increases
in cerebral blood flow during task performance, as indexed
by total concentrations of hemoglobin. There was also an increase
in deoxyhemoglobin after both doses of resveratrol, which suggested
enhanced oxygen extraction, that became apparent toward
the end of the 45-min absorption phase and was sustained throughout
task performance. Cognitive function was not affected. Resveratrol
metabolites were present in plasma throughout the cognitive task period.

[GeneGnomeX]

The results suggest the opposite of your title.

Preliminary evidence suggests small amounts of certain fruit juices can improve cognitive function in older adults. I would not expect results to be as obvious in healthy, younger people (as this res study shows), but I interpret the results as well as this one to mean that polyphenolic compounds effect mechanisms that maintain healthy brain ageing.

This is no reason to take resveratrol IMO if you consume fruits or small amounts of 100% fruit juices (or many other foods rich in these compounds; diet seems un-noted in this study). IMO many authors are taking advantage of resveratrol hype by choosing it to study, while many phenolic compounds have interesting properties.

Some good data nonetheless.