The potential of resveratrol to reverse damage to brain cells in immature brains has been demonstrated in a study by researchers in Turkey. The scientists administered 100mg/KG of resveratrol, an anti-toxidant found in red wine, to rat pups immediately after sustaining brain injury. It was injected at the site of the trauma and the rat pups were then given locomotor/memory tests and cell density measurements to determine the effect. Amazingly, the rats in the resveratrol treatment group performed almost as well as the untraumatised subjects. Also, neuron loss in the hippocampus, an area associated with memory, was significantly ameliorated.
It is thought that the substance is a potent neuroprotective agent against the exitotoxic events that cause secondary brain injury and also works to reduce anxiety in subjects. Previous studies have also found the substance to reduce oxidative stress and lesion volume in adult rats and there is potential for future clinical trials in humans.
Reference: Sonmez et al (2007), Neuroprotective effects of resveratrol against traumatic brain injury in immature rats,Journal of Neuroscience Letters, Volume 420, Issue 2, 13 June 2007, pages 133-137.
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