ALSUntangled no. 49: resveratrol

Abstract

ALSUntangled reviews alternative and off-label therapies on behalf of persons with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (PALS). Here, we review the use of resveratrol in PALS for which we have received over 550 votes (1). Overview Resveratrol is the common name for the chemical compound known as trans-3,5,4'-trihydroxystilbene. It can be naturally found in small quantities in wine, grapes, berries, and peanuts (2,3). Resveratrol has been studied in a myriad of human diseases including cancer, diabetes, obesity, and neurodegenerative diseases and is commonly thought to be a sirtuin activator (see "mechanisms"; 3-5). It is difficult to study in vitro and in cell culture due to its ability to interfere with some commonly used biochemical assays. This assay interference can potentially lead to results that falsely suggest therapeutic benefits (6,7). Therefore, we will primarily focus on evidence obtained from animal and human trials in this review. Mechanisms There are several ways resveratrol could potentially benefit PALS including modulating sirtuins, inhibiting protein aggregation, and altering the gut microbiome. Sirtuins Sirtuins are a family of enzymes we discussed in a previous ALSUntangled review (8). Sirtuin 1