Fountain Of Youth In A Wine Rx?

Researchers Tell Morley Safer Red Wine Substance Resveratrol Could One Day Lengthen Lives

(CBS)  This story was first published on Jan. 25, 2009. It was updated on May 21, 2009.

Eighteen years ago, 60 Minutes first examined the so-called French paradox, which suggested that the French - despite a high fat diet and high consumption of wine - had a remarkably low incidence of heart disease compared with Americans. Most researchers agreed that there was something in the wine that offered protection, and a few years later, even the highly cautious federal dietary guidelines say that moderate consumption of red wine can be beneficial.

As 60 Minutes reported in January, scientists across the country have identified a substance in red wine called resveratrol that they believe might do more than just protect the heart, but could in very high concentrations significantly extend life by preventing a number of age related illnesses.

If they're right, we all may soon be taking a pill that could give us an extra decade or two of healthy old age.

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"If the promise holds true, I think this has the chance to change healthcare," Dr. Christoph Westphal tells correspondent Morley Safer.

Dr. Westphal says we all may soon be taking a drug that just might beat the clock, a simple pill that could delay the inevitable. "Our goal is to prevent and forestall many of the diseases that strike us as we reach 50, 60, and 70. All with one pill."

Asked if he's suggesting that it's some kind of a rejuvenation drug that would turn a 70-year-old into a 35-year-old, Westphal tells Safer, "That might be pretty hard to do. But I think if we're on a train heading one direction, we can slow down that train. I think we can slow down these genes that control the aging process."

That quest to put death on hold began in 2003 when Westphal met David Sinclair, a biochemist at Harvard who was studying the genetic components of aging. "Five years ago I met David. And he had shown that you could extend life span in yeast. That's pretty exciting," Westphal recalls.

Yeasts are one thing, human beings are more complicated. So Sinclair focused on a gene present in almost all life forms: the sirtuin gene. It's normally inactive, but when it is active, Sinclair believes it triggers a survival mechanism that extends life.
Convinced that something in nature could activate that gene, Sinclair randomly tested thousands of compounds and got a hit: resveratrol.

"When I Googled this resveratrol, I was shocked to find that red wine was the top hit," Sinclair remembers.

Red wine is brimming with resveratrol. It is found in high concentrations in the skin of the grape, and seems to play a role in protecting it from invading bacteria and fungi.

Sinclair says he was aware of research into red wine and certain health benefits. "I mean, that's why I almost fell off my chair when the link was made. And I thought that this was a potential explanation for the benefits of red wine."

Convinced they were on the verge of a major scientific breakthrough, Sinclair and Westphal launched Sirtris, a Cambridge, Mass. research company. They, along with a handful of other cutting-edge biotech companies, are developing resveratrol-based drugs that they believe zero-in on the longevity gene.

"The important news here is not that we'd found something in red wine. The important thing is that we passed a milestone where we can now make drugs based on this knowledge and we can potentially slow down aging itself," Sinclair explains.

Everyone from plastic surgeons to your friendly snake oil salesman have been promising a ticket to eternal youth for some time, so the prospect of a prescription pill based on red wine that could trigger a longevity gene sounds too good to be true. And yet scientists have actually known for years of one surefire of doing that: stay hungry.

"Eating a lot of food turns that off. Dieting, extreme dieting turns it on," Sinclair says.

In one experiment, a group of rhesus monkeys is on a major diet. For nearly two decades they have been taking in a good 30 percent fewer calories than their well-fed brothers and sisters.

They are the centerpiece of a National Institutes of Health study at the University of Wisconsin on whether or not CR- calorie restriction - makes them healthier and extends their lives. To maintain their sterile environment, the 60 Minutes team had to suit up to visit them with Ricki Colman, the "project leader."

The control animals are nearing the end of a typical monkey lifespan, about 27 years, and major differences in their overall health are becoming clear. The skinny monkeys actually look younger, their coats are shinier, and fewer have arthritis.

And the chunky monkeys? Many have diabetes, and a significantly higher number have cancer and heart disease.

Pound for pound, Colman says the lighter monkeys do better.

[herbsstore]

Resveratrol - Resveratrol is a polyphenol, a natural &lt;b&gt;&lt;a href=http://resveratrol.herbsmd.com/&gt;antioxidant&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/b&gt;<br /> that protects cells against dangerous, naturally occurring substances known as free radicals. It decreases the `stickiness? of blood platelets and helps blood vessels remain open and flexible. Since it is not an essential nutrient, Resveratrol is not associated with a deficiency state. Buy Resveratrol Supplements on Discount at HerbsMD

[NutritionOverMedicine]

Resveratrol is truly a miracle ingredient, and we have only scratched the surface as to its realistic application. In every species studied so far (molds, yeast, rats) resveratrol has increased overall lifespan (approximately 60%). Now while it's possible that a high enough dosage might do that in humans, I think 99% of people would be happy with an extra 5 - 10 years. Imagine if resveratrol also helped those years, and the years proceeding those to be better, free from illness and pain. Hopefully science can unlock the secrets of resveratrol to benefit all of mankind. Be careful of resveratrol scams. They are everywhere, and should be avoided at all costs. If you are interested in resveratrol, and/or REAL resveratrol products, then try a legitimate product like RevGenetics 300, RezBerry Plus, Longevinex, or NOW Resveratrol... all reputable products from reputable companies. You can also check out some good resource sites and/or review sites like reviewresveratrol.com.

[mikeoliphant]

Do you know of a site other than www.revitalmin.com that explains resveratrol better scientifically for oral obsorptions?? I heard that oral absorption is the most effective way. This site seems pretty informative

[heffleydj]

You opened a flood gate to un-scrupulous pill peddlers after your segment on Resveratrol. Now it's time to expose the crooks you turned loose! <br /> <br /> Hep_Kat_47

[resveratrols]

Dr Oz was recently on the Good Morning America show talking about the the Resveratrol Research. You can watch the show by going to You Tube and typing in "Dr Oz Resveratrol" and it should be the first one that pops up, and it currently has over 41,000+ views. He tends to think you should take a Resveratrol supplement that has more than 150 mg of trans-resveratrol.

[mikeoliphant]

Do you know of a site other than www.revitalmin.com that explains resveratrol better scientifically for oral obsorptions?? I heard that oral absorption is the most effective way. This site seems pretty informative

[PetiteFocus]

I was alos incredibly disappointed that 60 Minutes would have anything to do with such a scam. The Free trial at no risk is all risk. Once you get the product they don't give you any information on how to cancel the product or where to return the product to. It is a devious scam that just trys to keep getting money from the credit card that you paid for the postage. SHAME ON 60 MINUTES for not researching the comapny who is just out to scam people. What's Next! A show on money available in Nigeria!

[clintonboyles]

Hello, <br /> My name is Clinton. I watch your segment on Resveratrol. I found it very interesting, and I thought you might also be interested in a little yellow pill called Protandim. It has the effects of Resveratrol times a million and is all natural. It has been studied, and proven, to slow down aging by reducing oxidative stress levels in the body to the levels of a child. John Quinones from ABC Primetime was a part of the study done in 2005. The study is published in peer reviewed medical journals. <br /> Oxidative stress is linked to over 229 diseases, so reducing oxidative stress also reduces the effects of these diseases. LSU released a study in April that showed Protandim prevents the growth of skin cancer, and there are currently 20 other universities engaged in independent studies of the effects of Protandim on different diseases, like diabetes, heart disease, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, stroke, coronary artery disease, and many more. Protandim increases your body's natural antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, glutathione), and these enzymes are millions of times more effective at fighting free radicals than external antioxidants. <br /> Dr. Joe McCord, the scientist who developed Protandim, is the same doctor who discovered SOD's in 1968. He has spent his life developing a pill that will unlock the key to slow down the aging process, and he has done it! Montel Williams has been taking Protandim for 3 years to help with his multiple sclerosis. Dr. Perlmutter has joined the scientific advisory board of LifeVantage, the company that makes Protandim. I have attached the ABC Primetime Special about Protandim. I think you will find it very interesting. <br /> <br />ABC News Primetime Live: <br />http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3iJhUChEzFQ - 9 Min ABC Primetime Video <br /> <br />Please call me or email me if you have any questions! Thank you very much for your time and consideration! <br /> <br />Clinton and Stasia Boyles <br />[e-mail] <br />720-254-3350

[mikeoliphant]

Do you know of a site other than www.revitalmin.com that explains resveratrol better scientifically for oral obsorptions?? I heard that oral absorption is the most effective way. This site seems pretty informative

[clintonboyles]

Hello, <br /> My name is Clinton. I watch your segment on Resveratrol. I found it very interesting, and I thought you might also be interested in a little yellow pill called Protandim. It has the effects of Resveratrol times a million and is all natural. It has been studied, and proven, to slow down aging by reducing oxidative stress levels in the body to the levels of a child. John Quinones from ABC Primetime was a part of the study done in 2005. The study is published in peer reviewed medical journals. <br /> Oxidative stress is linked to over 229 diseases, so reducing oxidative stress also reduces the effects of these diseases. LSU released a study in April that showed Protandim prevents the growth of skin cancer, and there are currently 20 other universities engaged in independent studies of the effects of Protandim on different diseases, like diabetes, heart disease, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, stroke, coronary artery disease, and many more. Protandim increases your body's natural antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, glutathione), and these enzymes are millions of times more effective at fighting free radicals than external antioxidants. <br /> Dr. Joe McCord, the scientist who developed Protandim, is the same doctor who discovered SOD's in 1968. He has spent his life developing a pill that will unlock the key to slow down the aging process, and he has done it! Montel Williams has been taking Protandim for 3 years to help with his multiple sclerosis. Dr. Perlmutter has joined the scientific advisory board of LifeVantage, the company that makes Protandim. I have attached the ABC Primetime Special about Protandim. I think you will find it very interesting. <br /> <br />ABC News Primetime Live: <br />http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3iJhUChEzFQ - 9 Min ABC Primetime Video <br /> <br />Please call me or email me if you have any questions! Thank you very much for your time and consideration! <br /> <br />Clinton and Stasia Boyles <br />[e-mail] <br />720-254-3350

[clintonboyles]

Hello, <br /> My name is Clinton. I watch your segment on Resveratrol. I found it very interesting, and I thought you might also be interested in a little yellow pill called Protandim. It has the effects of Resveratrol times a million and is all natural. It has been studied, and proven, to slow down aging by reducing oxidative stress levels in the body to the levels of a child. John Quinones from ABC Primetime was a part of the study done in 2005. The study is published in peer reviewed medical journals. <br /> Oxidative stress is linked to over 229 diseases, so reducing oxidative stress also reduces the effects of these diseases. LSU released a study in April that showed Protandim prevents the growth of skin cancer, and there are currently 20 other universities engaged in independent studies of the effects of Protandim on different diseases, like diabetes, heart disease, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, stroke, coronary artery disease, and many more. Protandim increases your body's natural antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, glutathione), and these enzymes are millions of times more effective at fighting free radicals than external antioxidants. <br /> Dr. Joe McCord, the scientist who developed Protandim, is the same doctor who discovered SOD's in 1968. He has spent his life developing a pill that will unlock the key to slow down the aging process, and he has done it! Montel Williams has been taking Protandim for 3 years to help with his multiple sclerosis. Dr. Perlmutter has joined the scientific advisory board of LifeVantage, the company that makes Protandim. I have attached the ABC Primetime Special about Protandim. I think you will find it very interesting. <br /> <br />ABC News Primetime Live: <br />http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3iJhUChEzFQ - 9 Min ABC Primetime Video <br /> <br />Please call me or email me if you have any questions! Thank you very much for your time and consideration! <br /> <br />Clinton and Stasia Boyles <br />[e-mail] <br />720-254-3350

[cyfu]

I can see next weeks special, 60 minutes customers scammed hard by Resveratol peddlers.<br />Lets see, they charged $86 for the stuff only after a few days, fyi did the same thing to my father in law who was watching the show. ON top of that they charged my card for $49.95 for some skin creme.... Skin Creme I haven't even heard of btw. I never authorized any of the charges, they were jerking me around so I had to call my bank and report it as fraud. I hope in the future you provide a reputable website to order it from in your story rather than just sending us out to the wolves. Thanks 60 Minutes, I recommend Resveratrol to anyone that wants their credit card drained.

[grouch1972]

Yea, the old saying a sucker is born every sixty seconds and that was me. Thanks 60 minutes for supporting the 15 day free trial that was only 4 days when I was charged. I too would support a show on free trial scams!

[noScams]

I would like to see you do an expose' of the business practices of this company, especialy since they use your report segment for marketing practices, they offer a "free" bottle+S&#38;H, Then charge your account full price ($87.13) within 15 days for the "free" sample ! I guess it should come as no surprise that integrity is a thing off the past.

[grouch1972]

I was scammed too, only had product 4 days!