Analgesic and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Resveratrol through Classic Models in Mice and Rats

Pharmaceutical Potential of Remedial Plants and Helminths for Treating Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Research is increasingly revealing that inflammation significantly contributes to various diseases, particularly inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). IBD is a major medical challenge due to its chronic nature, affecting at least one in a thousand individuals in many Western countries, with rising incidence in developing nations. Historically, indigenous people have used natural products to treat ailments, including IBD. Ethnobotanically guided studies have shown that plant-derived extracts and compounds effectively modulate immune responses and reduce inflammation. Similarly, helminths and their products offer unique mechanisms to modulate host immunity and alleviate inflammatory responses. This review explored the pharmaceutical potential of Aboriginal remedial plants and helminths for treating IBD, emphasizing recent advances in discovering anti-inflammatory small-molecule drug leads. The literature from Scopus, MEDLINE Ovid, PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science was retrieved using keywords such as natural product, small molecule, cytokines, remedial plants, and helminths. This review identified 55 important Aboriginal medicinal plants and 9 helminth species that have been studied for their anti-inflammatory properties using animal models and in vitro cell assays. For example, curcumin, berberine, and triptolide, which have been isolated from plants; and the excretory-secretory products and their protein, which have been collected from helminths, have demonstrated anti-inflammatory activity with lower toxicity and fewer side effects. High-throughput screening, molecular docking, artificial intelligence, and machine learning have been engaged in compound identification, while clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) gene editing and RNA sequencing have been employed to understand molecular interactions and regulations. While there is potential for pharmaceutical application of Aboriginal medicinal plants and gastrointestinal parasites in treating IBD, there is an urgent need to qualify these plant and helminth therapies through reproducible clinical and mechanistic studies.

Unlocking the power of nanomedicine: the future of nutraceuticals in oncology treatment

Cancer, an intricate and multifaceted disease, is characterized by the uncontrolled proliferation of cells that can lead to serious health complications and ultimately death. Conventional therapeutic strategies mainly target rapidly dividing cancer cells, but often indiscriminately harm healthy cells in the process. As a result, there is a growing interest in exploring novel therapies that are both effective and less toxic to normal cells. Herbs have long been used as natural remedies for various diseases and conditions. Some herbal compounds exhibit potent anti-cancer properties, making them potential candidates for nutraceutical-based treatments. However, despite their promising efficacy, there are considerable limitations in utilizing herbal preparations due to their poor solubility, low bioavailability, rapid metabolism and excretion, as well as potential interference with other medications. Nanotechnology offers a unique platform to overcome these challenges by encapsulating herbal compounds within nanoparticles. This approach not only increases solubility and stability but also enhances the cellular uptake of nutraceuticals, allowing for controlled and targeted delivery of therapeutic agents directly at tumor sites. By harnessing the power of nanotechnology-enabled therapy, this new frontier in cancer treatment presents an opportunity to minimize toxicity while maximizing efficacy. In conclusion, this manuscript provides compelling evidence for integrating nanotechnology with nutraceuticals derived from herbal sources to optimize cancer therapy outcomes. We explore the roadblocks associated with traditional herbal treatments and demonstrate how nanotechnology can help circumvent these issues, paving the way for safer and more effective cancer interventions in future oncological practice.

Potential Therapeutic Targets of Resveratrol, a Plant Polyphenol, and Its Role in the Therapy of Various Types of Cancer

Cancer is among the most prominent causes of mortality worldwide. Different cancer therapy modes employed, including chemotherapy and radiotherapy, have been reported to be significant in cancer management, but the side effects associated with these treatment strategies are still a health problem. Therefore, alternative anticancer drugs based on medicinal plants or their active compounds have been generating attention because of their less serious side effects. Medicinal plants are an excellent source of phytochemicals that have been recognized to have health-prompting effects through modulating cell signaling pathways. Resveratrol is a well-known polyphenolic molecule with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and health-prompting effects among which its anticancer role has been best defined. Additionally, this polyphenol has confirmed its role in cancer management because it activates tumor suppressor genes, suppresses cell proliferation, induces apoptosis, inhibits angiogenesis, and modulates several other cell signaling molecules. The anticancer potential of resveratrol is recognized in numerous in vivo and in vitro studies. Previous experimental data suggested that resveratrol may be valuable in cancer management or improve the efficacy of drugs when given with anticancer drugs. This review emphasizes the potential role of resveratrol as an anticancer drug by modulating numerous cells signaling pathways in different types of cancer.

Resveratrol Inhibition of the WNT/β-Catenin Pathway following Discogenic Low Back Pain

Low back pain (LBP) management is an important clinical issue. Inadequate LBP control has consequences on the mental and physical health of patients. Thus, acquiring new information on LBP mechanism would increase the available therapeutic tools. Resveratrol is a natural compound with many beneficial effects. In this study, we investigated the role of resveratrol on behavioral changes, inflammation and oxidative stress induced by LBP. Ten microliters of Complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA) was injected in the lumbar intervertebral disk of Sprague Dawley rats to induce degeneration, and resveratrol was administered daily. Behavioral analyses were performed on day zero, three, five and seven, and the animals were sacrificed to evaluate the molecular pathways involved. Resveratrol administration alleviated hyperalgesia, motor disfunction and allodynia. Resveratrol administration significantly reduced the loss of notochordal cells and degenerative changes in the intervertebral disk. From the molecular point of view, resveratrol reduced the 5th/6th lumbar (L5–6) spinal activation of the WNT pathway, reducing the expression of WNT3a and cysteine-rich domain frizzled (FZ)8 and the accumulation of cytosolic and nuclear β-catenin. Moreover, resveratrol reduced the levels of TNF-α and IL-18 that are target genes strictly downstream of the WNT/β-catenin pathway. It also showed important anti-inflammatory activities by reducing the activation of the NFkB pathway, the expression of iNOS and COX-2, and the levels of PGE2 in the lumbar spinal cord. Moreover, resveratrol reduced the oxidative stress associated with inflammation and pain, as shown by the observed reduced lipid peroxidation and increased GSH, SOD, and CAT activities. Therefore, resveratrol administration controlled the WNT/β-catenin pathway and the related inflammatory and oxidative alterations, thus alleviating the behavioral changes induced by LBP.

Repurposing of digoxin in pain and inflammation: An evidence-based study

In recent years, the drug repositioning strategy has gained considerable attention in the drug discovery process that involves establishing new therapeutic uses of already known drugs. In line with this, we have identified digoxin a cardiac glycoside, as a potent inhibitor of soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) enzyme employing in silico high throughput screening protocols and further confirmed using in vitro cell-free sEH inhibitory assay and in vivo preclinical studies in rodents for its repurposing in hyperalgesia, inflammation, and related disorders. Oral administration of digoxin at dose 0.2 mg/kg significantly reduced (p < .0001) the allodynia in mice induced by using hot plate (3.6 ± 1.9) and tail-flick test (7.58 ± 0.9). In addition, digoxin at a dose of 0.2 mg/kg showed marked reduction (94%, p < .0001) in acetic acid-induced abdominal contraction in rats. Further, digoxin also demonstrated antipyretic activity (37.04 ± 0.2, p < .0001) and showed notable reduction (0.60 ± 0.06) in carrageenan-induced paw edema in rats. Also, the histopathological evaluation revealed that digoxin treatment attenuated the edema, neutrophil infiltration, and alveolar septal thickening in lung tissue. These findings are novel and highlight the newer insights towards repurposing digoxin as a new lead in the treatment of hyperalgesia, inflammation, and related disorders.

Intracerebroventricular injection of propranolol blocked analgesic and neuroprotective effects of resveratrol following L5 spinal nerve ligation in rat

OBJECTIVES

Resveratrol as a natural polyphenolic agent can alleviate neuropathic pain symptoms. The mechanism of analgesic activity of resveratrol is far from clear. The current study examine whether analgesic activity of resveratrol is mediated by its neuroprotective and anti-oxidant activity in the neuropathic pain. We further examine whether analgesic activity of resveratrol is mediated by β-adrenoceptors in the brain.

METHODS

Neuropathic pain induced by L₅ spinal nerve ligation (SNL). Male Wistar rats assigned into sham, SNL, SNL + resveratrol (40 μg/5 μL), and SNL + resveratrol + propranolol (a non-selective β-adrenoceptor antagonist, 30 μg/5 μL) groups. Drugs injected intracerebroventricular (ICV) at day SNL surgery and daily for 6 days following SNL. Thermal allodynia and anxiety examined on days of -1, 2, 4, and 6 following SNL. Electrophysiological study performed on day 6 following SNL for evaluation of resveratrol effects on sciatic nerve conduction velocity (NCV). The activity of catalase (Cat) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzymes in the brain assessed on days 6 following SNL.

RESULTS

Resveratrol significantly decreased thermal allodynia (and not anxiety) in all experimental days. Additionally, resveratrol significantly increased NCV, and also normalized the disrupted Cat and SOD activities following neuropathic pain. Furthermore, propranolol significantly blocked the analgesic and neuroprotective effects of resveratrol.

CONCLUSIONS

It is suggested that the analgesic effects of resveratrol is mediated by its neuroprotective and antioxidant activities in the neuropathic rats. Furthermore, propranolol blocked the analgesic and neuroprotective effects of resveratrol.

Preparation of resveratrol dry suspension and its immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory activity in mice

Context: Resveratrol is a natural polyphenol compound. It exhibits antitumor, immunostimulatory, and antiviral activities. However, poor water solubility and structural instability limit its administration and storage.Objective: A resveratrol dry suspension (RDS) was prepared and immunomodulatory effect in immunosuppressive mice induced by cyclophosphamide and anti-inflammatory activities in mice were evaluated.Materials and methods: The preparation of RDS was optimized by the orthogonal design method. To evaluate the immunomodulatory effects, SPF Kunming mice were divided into seven groups comprising of nine males and nine females for each group. The RDS supplemented group was administrated doses of 3.33, 1.67, and 0.83 g/kg/d. Then visceral index, lymphocyte proliferation, the ratio of CD3⁺ CD4⁺/CD3⁺ CD8⁺, and the contents of cytokines in serum were tested. To ameliorate effects of acetic acid induced capillary permeability, xylene-based ear oedema, and cotton pellet granuloma, RDS as anti-inflammatory agent was administered at doses of 1, 0.33, and 0.1 g/kg/d as compared to indomethacin (IM) provided as a positive control at 10 mg/kg.Results: RDS inhibited the degradation of resveratrol and enhanced the CD3⁺ CD4⁺/CD3⁺ CD8⁺ ratio, spleen index, IL-2 level, and splenic lymphocytes in immunosuppressive mice. RDS (0.1 g/kg/d) significantly inhibited the acetic acid-induced capillary permeability, and at doses of 0.33 and 1 g/kg/d repressed the ear swelling and granuloma formation in immunocompromised mice.Discussion and Conclusion: RDS is a stable, cheaper, and suitable preparation with potent immunoregulatory and anti-inflammatory activities. Keeping in view these remarkable properties, RDS could be an appropriate preparation for clinic use of resveratrol.

A Novel Promising Frontier for Human Health: The Beneficial Effects of Nutraceuticals in Cardiovascular Diseases

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) such as hypertension, atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, and diabetes are a significant public health problem worldwide. Although several novel pharmacological treatments to reduce the progression of CVDs have been discovered during the last 20 years, the better way to contain the onset of CVDs remains prevention. In this regard, nutraceuticals seem to own a great potential in maintaining human health, exerting important protective cardiovascular effects. In the last years, there has been increased focus on identifying natural compounds with cardiovascular health-promoting effects and also to characterize the molecular mechanisms involved. Although many review articles have focused on the individual natural compound impact on cardiovascular diseases, the aim of this manuscript was to examine the role of the most studied nutraceuticals, such as resveratrol, cocoa, quercetin, curcumin, brassica, berberine and Spirulina platensis, on different CVDs.

Synthesis and evaluation of resveratrol derivatives as fetal hemoglobin inducers

Resveratrol (RVT) derivatives (10a-i) were designed, synthesized, and evaluated for their potential as gamma-globin inducers in treating Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) symptoms. All compounds were able to release NO at different levels ranging from 0 to 26.3%, while RVT did not demonstrate this effect. In vivo, the antinociceptive effect was characterized using an acetic acid-induced abdominal contortion model. All compounds exhibited different levels of protection, ranging from 5.9 to 37.3%; the compound 10a was the most potent among the series. At concentrations between 3.13 and 12.5 µM, the derivative 10a resulted in a reduction of 41.1-64.3% in the TNF-α levels in the supernatants of macrophages that were previously LPS-stimulated. This inhibitory effect was higher than that of RVT used as the control. In addition, the compound 10a and RVT induced double the production of the gamma-globin chains (γG + γA), compared to the vehicle, using CD34+ cells. Compound 10a also did not induce membrane perturbation and it was not mutagenic in the in vivo assay. Thus, compound 10a emerged as a new prototype of the gamma-globin-inducer group with additional analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities and proving to be a useful alternative to treat SCD symptoms.

Revisiting Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Pathology, Treatments, Challenges and Emerging Therapeutics Including Drug Leads from Natural Products

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic and life-long disease characterized by gastrointestinal tract inflammation. It is caused by the interplay of the host's genetic predisposition and immune responses, and various environmental factors. Despite many treatment options, there is no cure for IBD. The increasing incidence and prevalence of IBD and lack of effective long-term treatment options have resulted in a substantial economic burden to the healthcare system worldwide. Biologics targeting inflammatory cytokines initiated a shift from symptomatic control towards objective treatment goals such as mucosal healing. There are seven monoclonal antibody therapies excluding their biosimilars approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for induction and maintenance of clinical remission in IBD. Adverse side effects associated with almost all currently available drugs, especially biologics, is the main challenge in IBD management. Natural products have significant potential as therapeutic agents with an increasing role in health care. Given that natural products display great structural diversity and are relatively easy to modify chemically, they represent ideal scaffolds upon which to generate novel therapeutics. This review focuses on the pathology, currently available treatment options for IBD and associated challenges, and the roles played by natural products in health care. It discusses these natural products within the current biodiscovery research agenda, including the applications of drug discovery techniques and the search for next-generation drugs to treat a plethora of inflammatory diseases, with a major focus on IBD.

Protective Effects of Resveratrol Supplementation on Contusion Induced Muscle Injury

Muscle injuries frequently occur in contact sports events. The current treatment options for soft tissue injuries remain suboptimal and often result in delayed or incomplete recovery of damaged muscles. Resveratrol (RES) is a phenolic phytochemical, well-known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the potential beneficial effects of RES supplementation on inflammation and regeneration in skeletal muscle after a contusion injury, in comparison to a conventional treatment of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID). After one week of acclimation, forty eight -week-old male ICR mice were randomly divided into the five groups (n=8 per group): 1) normal control (NC), 2) mass-drop injury without any treatment (mass-drop injury, MDI), 3) post-injury NSAID treatment (MDI+ 10mg/kg NSAID), 4) post-injury RES supplementation (MDI+ 25mg/kg/day RES) and 5) post-injury treatment with RES and NSAID (MDI + resveratrol+ NSAID). After muscle contusion injury of the left gastrocnemius muscle, RES or NSAID were orally administered post-injury once a day for 7 days. Results showed that the MDI group had significantly higher serum uric acid (UA), CREA (creatinine), LDH (lactic dehydrogenase) and creatine kinase (CK) than the normal control group. Treatment with resveratrol reduced muscle damage as evidenced by the significantly decreased serum levels of UA, CREA, LDH and CK after contusion-induced muscle injuries in mice. In addition, RES and RES + NSAID groups promoted muscle satellite cell regeneration with increase in desmin protein after injury. Our results suggest that resveratrol combined with NSAID potentially improve muscle recovery and may be a potential candidate for further development as an effective clinical treatment for muscle repair.

Fructus Viticis methanolic extract attenuates trigeminal hyperalgesia in migraine by regulating injury signal transmission

Migraine, characterized by hyperalgesia of the trigeminovascular system, is a severe condition that leads to severe reductions in the quality of life. Upon external stimulation, the levels of various neurotransmitters, including aspartic acid (Asp), glutamic acid (Glu), γ-amino butyric acid (GABA), norepinephrine (NE) and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), are significantly altered; this directly or indirectly promotes trigeminal hypersensitivity. Fructus Viticis is a Traditional Chinese Medicine with analgesic properties to provide efficient relief of migraine. In the present study, the underlying mechanisms of the analgesic effect of Fructus Viticis methanolic extract were assessed in rats with nitroglycerin-induced migraine. The plasma levels of the neurotransmitters calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and substance P (SP), as well as the amount of c-fos immunoreactive cells (c-fos IR cells) in the brain, were detected. The analgesic effect was obvious, as Fructus Viticis methanolic extract ameliorated migraine-like behaviours in nitroglycerin-induced rats. The levels of 5-HT, GABA and NE in the brain of migraine model rats was lower compared with that of control rats, whereas opposite observations were made in the contents of excitatory amino acids. Pre-treatment with Fructus Viticis methanolic extract elevated the levels of 5-HT, GABA and NE, and also lowered the levels of excitatory amino acids, including Glu and Asp. In addition, treatment with Fructus Viticis methanolic extract lowered the plasma levels of CGRP and SP and decreased the c-fos IR cells in the brainstem. The present study provided a further scientific basis for the anti-migraine effects of Fructus Viticis.

Comparison of the Analgesic and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Xiaoyuningkun Decoction with Cynanchum Paniculatum and Fukeqianjin in a Mouse Model of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

BACKGROUND Preclinical and clinical studies have shown that the extract of Cynanchum paniculatum (bunge) kitag and the fukeqianjin formulation have beneficial effects in pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). This study aimed to compare the effects of Cynanchum paniculatum and fukeqianjin with a new decoction, xiaoyuningkun, consisting of Melia toosendan, Angelica biserrata, and Cynanchum paniculatum, in a mouse model of PID. MATERIAL AND METHODS The mouse model of PID included injection of the upper genital tract with hydrochloric acid (HCl) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The control group underwent sham treatment with 0.9% physiological saline. Cynanchum paniculatum, fukeqianjin, and xiaoyuningkun decoction were administered orally for 15 days. Acetic acid-induced writhing and thermal nociception hot plate tests evaluated the analgesic effects of treatment. Mouse uterus and Fallopian tubes were examined histologically to evaluate the degree of inflammation. Immunohistochemistry was used to measure the protein expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) measured serum levels of inflammatory cytokines. RESULTS Treatment with xiaoyuningkun decoction significantly reduced the pain threshold in the mouse model of PID and the degree of inflammation in the uterus and Fallopian tubes compared with Cynanchum paniculatum and fukeqianjin. Cynanchum paniculatum decoction significantly reduced the serum levels of interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), ICAM-1, and VEGF, and the expression of ICAM-1 and VEGF in the mouse uterus and Fallopian tubes. CONCLUSIONS The new xiaoyuningkun decoction had analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects in the mouse model of PID, possibly by inhibiting ICAM-1, VEGF, and inflammatory cytokines.

Environment and Male Fertility: Effects of Benzo-α-Pyrene and Resveratrol on Human Sperm Function In Vitro

Lifestyle, cigarette smoking and environmental pollution have a negative impact on male fertility. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the in-vitro effects of benzo-α-pyrene (BaP) and aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) agonists on motility and bio-functional sperm parameters. We further assessed whether resveratrol (RES), an AHR antagonist and antioxidant molecule, had any protective effect. To accomplish this, 30 normozoospermic, healthy, non-smoker men not exposed to BaP were enrolled. Spermatozoa of 15 men were incubated with increasing concentrations of BaP to evaluate its effect and to establish its dose response. Then, spermatozoa of the 15 other men were incubated with BaP (15 µM/mL), chosen according to the dose-response and/or RES to evaluate its antagonistic effects. The effects of both substances were evaluated after 3 h of incubation on total and progressive sperm motility and on the following bio-functional sperm parameters evaluated by flow cytometry: Degree of chromatin compactness, viability, phosphatidylserine externalization (PS), late apoptosis, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), DNA fragmentation, degree of lipoperoxidation (LP), and concentrations of mitochondrial superoxide anion. Benzo-α-pyrene decreased total and progressive sperm motility, impaired chromatin compactness, and increased sperm lipoperoxidation and mitochondrial superoxide anion levels. All these effects were statistically significant at the lowest concentration tested (15 µM/mL) and they were confirmed at the concentration of 45 µM/mL. In turn, RES was able to counteract the detrimental effects of BaP on sperm motility, abnormal chromatin compactness, lipid peroxidation, and mitochondrial superoxide. This study showed that BaP alters sperm motility and bio-functional sperm parameters and that RES exerts a protective effect on BaP-induced sperm damage.

Antitumor Research of the Active Ingredients from Traditional Chinese Medical Plant Polygonum Cuspidatum

In recent years, the utilization of Chinese native medicine and other plant extracts in the treatment of diseases has attracted extensive attention, especially in the area of malignant tumors. However, lots of herbal remedies active ingredients have not been found or have been discovered but not effectively developed and applied. Therefore, screening new Chinese medicine active components and determining their antitumor effects have become a new breakthrough in the prevention and treatment of tumor disease. In the past years, a large number of studies have demonstrated that Polygonum cuspidatum and its active components like resveratrol showed excellent antitumor activities, including our own antitumor studies about resveratrol in colorectal cancer. The purpose of this review is to summarize the research progress of Chinese herb Polygonum cuspidatum and its active components in tumor diseases and provide theoretical basis for further scientific experiments and clinical applications.

Resveratrol: A Double-Edged Sword in Health Benefits

Resveratrol (3,5,4'-trihydroxy-trans-stilbene) belongs to polyphenols' stilbenoids group, possessing two phenol rings linked to each other by an ethylene bridge. This natural polyphenol has been detected in more than 70 plant species, especially in grapes' skin and seeds, and was found in discrete amounts in red wines and various human foods. It is a phytoalexin that acts against pathogens, including bacteria and fungi. As a natural food ingredient, numerous studies have demonstrated that resveratrol possesses a very high antioxidant potential. Resveratrol also exhibit antitumor activity, and is considered a potential candidate for prevention and treatment of several types of cancer. Indeed, resveratrol anticancer properties have been confirmed by many in vitro and in vivo studies, which shows that resveratrol is able to inhibit all carcinogenesis stages (e.g., initiation, promotion and progression). Even more, other bioactive effects, namely as anti-inflammatory, anticarcinogenic, cardioprotective, vasorelaxant, phytoestrogenic and neuroprotective have also been reported. Nonetheless, resveratrol application is still being a major challenge for pharmaceutical industry, due to its poor solubility and bioavailability, as well as adverse effects. In this sense, this review summarized current data on resveratrol pharmacological effects.

Efficacy and safety of co-administration of resveratrol with meloxicam in patients with knee osteoarthritis: a pilot interventional study

Background and aim

Resveratrol shows remarkable anti-inflammatory activities in experimental models. This study aims to evaluate the effect of resveratrol, as an adjuvant with meloxicam (Mlx), on the pain and functional activity during a 90-day period and monitor the adverse effects on kidney and liver functions, lipid profile, and hematological markers.

Patients and methods

This study was a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized multi-center study that involved 110 patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) and was performed at Sulaimani City, Iraq, from December 2016 to September 2017. To assess the effects of Mlx with or without resveratrol, pain severity and functional disability were evaluated at baseline and after 90 days using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index. Fasting blood was collected to evaluate the lipid profile markers, hematological picture, and liver and kidney functions, in addition to vitamin D level.

Results

Resveratrol significantly improves pain, functions, and associated symptoms compared with placebo. The clinical and biochemical markers indicated that 500 mg/day of resveratrol, as an adjuvant with Mlx, is safe and well tolerated by the knee OA patients.

Conclusion

Resveratrol, as an “add-on” medication with Mlx, was superior in terms of safety and efficacy to Mlx alone for the treatment of pain and improvement of physical function in patients with knee OA.

Antiviral Effect of Resveratrol in Piglets Infected with Virulent Pseudorabies Virus

Pseudorabies virus (PRV) is one of the most important pathogens of swine, resulting in devastating disease and economic losses worldwide. Nevertheless, there are currently no antiviral drugs available for PRV infection. Resveratrol (Res) was identified to exert its antiviral activity by inhibiting the PRV replication in preliminary investigations. In our previous study, we found that Res has anti-PRV activity in vitro. Here, we show that Res can effectively reduce the mortality and increase the growth performance of PRV-infected piglets. After Res treatment, the viral loads significantly (p < 0.001) decreased. Pathological symptoms, particularly inflammation in the brain caused by PRV infection, were significantly (p < 0.001) relieved by the effects of Res. In Res-treated groups, higher levels of cytokines in serum, including interferon gama, interleukin 12, tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interferon alpha were observed at 7 days post infection. These results indicated that Res possesses potent inhibitory activity against PRV-infection through inhibiting viral reproduction, alleviating PRV-induced inflammation and enhancing animal immunity, suggesting that Res is expected to be a new alternative control measure for PRV infection.