Resveratrol( via. Pooja Toshniwal Paharia)

Resveratrol is a plant antibiotic that several plants naturally produce when attacked by pathogens such as bacteria or fungi. Several experiments have shown that it triggers mechanisms that fight the effects of aging in animals. 

In a recent systematic review published in the journal Nutrition, researchers investigated the effectiveness of cinnamon, curcumin, and resveratrol phytochemicals in reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM).

(T2DM) is a metabolic disease characterized by impaired insulin action, leading to high blood sugar levels and consequences such as kidney disease, neuropathy, retinopathy, and microvascular and macrovascular lesions. It is the leading cause of death in people with diabetes, so prevention is crucial. Treatment includes medications, foods and lifestyle adjustments to maintain metabolic regulation and reduce excess weight. Many patients take dietary supplements to manage type 2 diabetes, reduce oxidative stress, and prevent complications. 

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of phytochemicals

Phytochemicals reduce oxidative stress and improve inflammatory parameters, including MDA, TAC, hs-CRP, IL-6, and TNF-α levels. Curcumin, resveratrol, and cinnamon also regulate carbohydrate metabolism and reduce insulin, glycosylated hemoglobin, and blood sugar concentrations. In addition, they mediate markers of lipid metabolism that lower triglycerides (TG) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) while raising high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) levels.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels enhance inflammation associated with oxidative stress. Curcumin reduces the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP)/NADPH ratio, thereby reducing ROS levels. Cinnamon reduces ROS expression by reducing toll-like receptor 4/NADPH oxidase 4 (TLR4/NOX4) levels. Resveratrol has anti-inflammatory effects by increasing the expression of nuclear factor erythrocyte 2-associated factor 2 (NRF2) and decreasing the activity of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB). Curcumin reduces inflammation by increasing protein kinase B/ glycogen synthase kinase 3β (AKT/GSK-3β) activity and reducing IL-6 and IL-1β levels. Cinnamon reduces the NF-κB/ gludoredoxin ratio.

Resveratrol and cinnamon in the management of T2DM

Resveratrol significantly reduced many markers of T2DM in people aged 18 to 70 years, including MDA, TNF-α, IL-6, and hs-CRP. Taking 200 mg of resveratrol for 24 weeks significantly reduced these markers. Similarly, taking 800 mg of resveratrol for two months increased TAC levels while decreasing MDA and hs-CRP. A 1,000-mg dose of resveratrol similarly increased TAC levels while decreasing hs-CRP. Red wine, berries, peanuts, and chocolate contain resveratrol, which enhances oxidative antioxidant balance and regulates signaling pathways by increasing glutathione levels and maintaining cellular REDOX balance. However, further meta-analysis studies could confirm its efficacy in T2DM. In resveratrol recipients, microribonucleic acid (miRNA) expressions of -21, -34a, -192 and -375 decreased by a factor of two, blood protein carbonyl concentration decreased, and total mercaptan content increased.

Over 12 weeks, 1,000 mg of cinnamon significantly reduced MDA levels in 25 49-year-old patients with T2DM. Taking 3,000 mg of cinnamon over eight weeks reduced levels of hs-CRP, IL-6, and TNF-α. Cinnamon polyphenols, such as catechins, proanthocyanidins, cinnamic acid, and flavones, reduce fasting blood glucose, TC, LDL, and TG by altering hepatic glucose homeostasis and inhibiting phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase and glucose 6 phosphatase (G6Pase), which regulate gluconeogenesis.

A systematic review found that dietary supplementation with cinnamon, curcumin, and resveratrol can enhance metabolic regulation and homeostasis in T2DM patients. However, the contradictory findings mean that more research is needed into the efficacy of phytochemicals, of which curcumin and resveratrol are the most beneficial. There is currently no scientific consensus on the therapeutic effects of dietary supplements, long-term synthetic use, and large doses of phytochemicals.