Red Wine Derivative Helps Lower Blood Sugar

Sirtris Pharmaceuticals is a company that has focused on what are called sirtuin modulators. One of these drugs is resveratrol, a compound found largely in the skins of red grapes, which may be a possible explanation for the "French Paradox" -- the low incidence of heart disease among the French people, in spite of eating a relatively high-fat diet. It is purported to be an antioxidant, an anti-cancer agent, and a phytoestrogen. The latest report from Sirtris indicates that one of their preparations, SRT501, lowers blood glucose levels in type 2 diabetics.

In the described study 100 patients received either 1.25 or 2.5 grams of SRT501 or a placebo, twice daily. The drug was reported as being well tolerated, with no evidence of drug accumulation. After a 4-week administration period, the fasting and 2-hours post-200 gm blood glucose levels after 2.5 grams twice daily were significantly reduced, compared with placebo.

This is an interesting finding for a drug considered ‘an antioxidant’. The company states that they have developed derivatives of resveratrol that are up to 1000 times more potent, and chemically distinct from resveratrol. This seems an interesting line to follow. And also a good reason for type 2 diabetics to take their 1-2 glasses of red wine daily.

Comments

[Manuela]

Great site and great post - I won't feel so bad now having my glass of red wine with my evening meal.