Grape Seed Extract, Resveratrol, Vitamin C, and Vitamin E directly protect the brain from damage caused by alcohol

June 20, 2007


The damaging effects of alcohol on the brain are well known; ethanol?s (the alcohol in alcoholic beverages) damaging effect on DNA in brain cells is well documented. A test was performed to measure the damaging effect alcohol has on brain DNA and which antioxidants may prevent this. A quick and high administration of alcohol in animals causes significant damage to the DNA in areas of the brain involved with learning and memory (known as the hippocampus), and areas of the brain responsible for coordination and movement (known as the cerebellum). Whereas drinking alcohol over a time period affects the already mentioned regions as well as the region of the brain that regulates body temperature, appetite, sleep and many other functions (the hypothalamus) and a region of the brain involved with thought and planning (the cortex). Giving the same animals Grape Seed Extract and resveratrol for 3 days before exposing the animals to acute alcohol intake significantly reduced alcohol toxicity in the brain reducing damage to the DNA. Also, if the supplements were given for 3 days before chronic alcohol administration, which was given over a one-month period and keeping the animals on the supplements for this time also significantly reduced damage. Vitamin C with Vitamin E were also very protective. The study is published in the June 13th, 2007 issue of the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.


Genistein from soy improves bone density in the lower spin and hip in postmenopausal women with osteopenia

Researchers at the University of Messina in Italy say that Genistein, a major isoflavone in soy, may strengthen the bones of women at risk for osteoporosis. They examined data on 389 postmenopausal women with osteopenia, where bone mineral density is not ideal but less severe than osteoporosis. The women were examined with a DEXA scan; an X-ray of the bone that determined the health of their femur neck (the thigh bone near the hip that fractures) and lumbar spine (lower spine). They followed a low-fat, healthy diet for a month. Then the women were split into two groups; one group was supplemented with Genistein, Calcium Carbonate, and Vitamin D. The other groups received only Calcium carbonate with Vitamin D. Both groups took their supplements for two years. After two years, DEXA scans showed that the women who were on Genistein had an increase in bone mineral density in the spine and hip. The bone mineral density dropped in the group not taking Genistein however. The study is published in the June 19th, 2007 issue of the journal Annals of Internal Medicine. Commentary by Jerry Hickey, R.Ph.; the following have been shown to build and protect bone and they do not work in isolation (they are all needed) ?