A look at how resveratrol, a component of red wine, may be used to treat HD
Anti-inflammatory Capabilities
Chronic inflammation in the brains of people with HD is believed to play a significant role in the progression of the disease. (For more information on inflammation, click here.) Studies indicate that resveratrol acts as an anti-inflammatory agent, mainly by inhibiting the action of two key enzymes: 5-lipoxygenase and I5-lipoxygenase. These enzymes lead to the production of leukotrienes, which are chemicals that contribute significantly to the inflammation process. By inhibiting these enzymes and the production of leukotrienes, resveratrol acts to decrease inflammation. These effects are independent of its free-radical scavenging (antioxidant) ability, since other more powerful antioxidants do not have this same anti-inflammatory effect.
Last Modified: 05/22/2009
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