Resveratrol can prevent declining cognition and hearing loss

Researchers from Detroit-based Henry Ford Hospital reported the resveratrol can prevent declining cognition and hearing loss. Red grapes and red wine are rich sources of resveratrol and 150 ml of red wine contains 0.3 to 1 mg of resveratrol. The research study results were published in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery.                                                                                                                                                             

The anti-ageing properties of resveratrol were well documented, and resveratrol is a powerful anti-inflammatory chemical that prevents hearing loss, cognitive decline and aging processes. 

Hearing loss is common, global healthcare problem, and approximately 20% of US people are suffering from hearing loss problems with varied causes including aging, workplace-related, noise-induced and traumatic.

Researchers led by Dr. Micheal Seidman, Director, Division of Otologic/Neurotologic Surgery, Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery from Henry Ford Hospital studied the long-term effects of noise and its effects on hearing loss in experimental animals. Animals without any treatment suffered progressive hearing loss upon exposure to loud noise. However, no such effects were observed in resveratrol pre-treated animals.

The recent studies are being focussed on anti-bioinflammatory properties of the compound, and the body’s response against hearing loss, Alzheimer’s disease and malignancies, Dr. Micheal said.

The aim of Dr. Micheal’s study is to unearth the protective effect of the grape-vine compound against loud noise. The study assessed the inflammatory biomolecules such as reactive oxygen species, cyclooxygenase-2 and other pro-inflammatory signalling proteins. The team found increased synthesis of cyclooxygenase-2 after prolonged exposure and in continuous exposures. These inflammatory molecules are also associated with cognitive decline, which is common, in elderly people.

The study reported resveratrol significantly reduced biosynthesis of inflammatory molecules including cyclooxygenase-2. When compared to other group, reduced hearing loss was observed resveratrol-treated animals. Reduced or no evidence of cognitive decline in resveratrol-treated animals.

The study clearly evidenced the protective role of grape-vine compound against cognitive decline and hearing loss, said Dr. Micheal said.

Resveratrol is present in other sources such as peanuts, blueberries, white wine and white grapes. However, white grapes and white wines contain lesser levels of resveratrol than red grapes and red wines.