Resveratrol extends the lifespan of human cells

A family of enzymes known as the Sir2 family or sirtuins are important for many cellular processes including lifespan extension. Resveratrol has recently been shown to activate Sir2 enzymes in both laboratory and animal studies. Resveratrol has also shown ability to extend the lifespan of model organisms. In this study it was found that Resveratrol activated human SIRT1 enzyme activity significantly indicating how Resveratrol plays a part in human life extension. The study was performed at the Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, University of Wisconsin, and is published in the March 4th, 2005 issue of the Journal of Biological Chemistry.

Red Yeast Rice Extract lowers cholesterol and C - reactive protein in patients with stable angina

Chinese Red yeast Rice effectively modifies cholesterol. In this study 48 patients with stable angina were randomly assigned to 1,200mg a day or 2,400mg a day of a Red yeast Rice Extract. Blood samples were drawn throughout the study to check cholesterol, C-reactive protein (CRP) and liver enzyme levels. Within two weeks the CRP level had dropped by 28.6% on the lower serving size and CRP dropped a whopping 30.4% in the 2,400mg per day potency. By the second week the total cholesterol had already dropped by 13% (1,200mg/day) and 22% (2,400mg/day), the LDL had dropped by 23% (1,200mg/day) and 32% (2,400mg/day). Triglycerides also started to improve by 13% and 23% respectively. It was too early to see a change in HDL levels. The study is published in the February 2005 issue of Clinica Chimica Acta; the International Journal of Clinical Chemistry.