Resveratrol – the new HRT?

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) has been around for a few years now, and in that time it has drawn its fair share of both supporters and critics. Despite the relief many women get from the symptoms of the menopause through HRT, the treatment isn’t without its problems, and the increased risk of some cancers, weight gain and depression are side effects that many feel outweigh the benefits. But there could be a new and natural alternative – Resveratrol.

What is Resveratrol?

Resveratrol is a chemical compound found in certain plants. It is called a phytoalexin because plants naturally produce it as an antibiotic substance to fight both bacteria and fungi. Plants containing Resveratrol include the flesh and skins of grapes, raspberries, mulberries, blueberries and cranberries. Resveratrol can also be found in peanuts, certain pine trees and in Japanese knotweed. Primarily used for its antioxidant properties and lauded as a new way of fighting the signs of ageing, Resveratrol is also being investigated for its effects on certain types of cancers, its ability to lower blood sugar levels (thus helping in fighting diabetes) and a wealth of other potential areas.

But according to a report in the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, it could have another use – as a safe alternative to HRT.

“Resveratrol is proving to be a remarkable product,” explains James Betz CEO of natural supplement suppliers Biovitia. “The more we learn about this compound, the more it surprises us. We’ve known for some time that it’s surprisingly effective in fighting the signs of ageing, but this is a new area of research that is producing some fascinating results,” he adds. “Many of the symptoms associated with the menopause are, by definition, age related. So if the active ingredients in Resveratrol can help to combat these without the side effects of conventional HRT, it could offer women an alternative that is safer, more natural and works in harmony with their body,” he says.

Resveratrol’s phytoestrogens – a natural hormone-like plant substance that exert weak oestrogen-like activity – are being investigated as a natural alternative to the chemically produced oestrogen provided by HRT. The really exciting news about this plant product is that it may also act as a chemopreventative against breast cancer (one of the potential side effects of HRT) because of its strong anti tumour activity.

It is this potential that is really creating a stir of interest in Resveratrol, and its potentially beneficial effects across a broad range of treatments, including as a natural alternative to HRT. “The more we investigate this fascinating and complex compound, the greater its benefits appear to be,” says James Betz. “We believe that the fact that it is a natural, plant-based product that works in harmony with your body will make it very popular with women who want to treat the symptoms of the menopause, but don’t like the idea of introducing chemical replacements into their bodies. We think that the world is going to hear a lot more about Resveratrol in the coming months,” he concludes.