A new, natural anti-depressant on the horizon – Resveratrol
A new, natural anti-depressant on the horizon – Resveratrol
Resveratrol needs no introduction. This powerful substance is widely famous and has attracted quite a few number of scientists interested in finding out everything about it. Subsequently, there are so many studies going on that one would have difficulties deciding on which ones are more useful. The studies on the possible effects that the substance might have on depression are certainly among the most interesting ones and among those that have managed to account for a lot of things.
It is common knowledge that red wine has the power to make you feel happier and more relaxed. And although these are thought to be a consequence of alcohol, scientists claim that one of the ingredients contained in wine, namely resveratrol, might be responsible for this as well. This theory seemed far-fetched, but as it turns out, there is now evidence to support this claim.
Depression is usually treated with anti-depressants, most of which have certain side effects. This makes these drugs beneficial on one hand, and quite harmful on the other. This is why they are not frequently prescribed and why scientists are constantly working on improving them. Resveratrol, considering that it has no side effects, might be a potential substitute.
In one clinical study, the molecular structures of resveratrol and anti-depressants were compared. To everyone`s surprise, it turned out that they
had identical characteristics, which suggested that they should be able to do the same thing. It was proved that resveratrol can inhibit the activity of certain enzymes such as monoamine oxidase and hydroxitrypatmin, which is exactly what anti-depressants do.
This discovery certainly has a great potential, but studies conducted on humans are needed. And although there are still no suggestions that this will be done, scientists remain optimistic about the whole idea. Pharmaceutical companies are also willing to take advantage of this resveratrol beneficial effect and make the drugs safer.
Depression is a disease and there is no doubt that it should be treated like that. However, if there is a possibility that something else, other than potentially harmful drugs, can be used, then this should certainly be explored thoroughly. The worst thing that can happen is that resveratrol does not work, as scientists say. But this is very unlikely considering that there is evidence which suggests otherwise.
