Resveratrol – From Weed to Lifesaver

Japanese Knotweed is the bane of a gardener’s life. This perennial presents as a terrible, invasive predator in the average garden. Capable of sticking into and probing through concrete, the weed is particularly aggressive and tenacious. Appearing in the early spring, the plant manifests as stubby, fat, greenish stalks that stick out form the ground, with speckles on them. This unassuming plant then turns into what becomes one of the most feared weeds in the garden.

The weed can grow to 13 feet tall. It looks very much like bamboo, and the height compounds this image. It is actually, however, a member of the buckwheat family. The flowering of the weed takes place in the late summer and fall (autumn for British people). It is at this particular time that the plant looks its best; in fact it does look quite beautiful, which is one of the reasons why the plant is exported so much.

Japanese knotweed can flourish in many places, but most commonly in disturbed soil areas. You may find it on the side of the road, for example. Once it takes hold, it then has the capacity to take over and push other plants out of the way. This is where it gets its famous reputation. Gardeners and city workers who have tried their best to fight the spreading of the weed have found that they are practically impossible to eradicate. Due to the almost impossible nature of the task of getting rid of Japanese knotweed, many people just give up, and instead try and harvest the plant. This leads to the growth of knotweed as an ornamental plant, one that graces gardens with its tall flowering majesty.

The shoots of the plant are edible in the spring and early summer. The benefits of knotweed do go beyond the aesthetic. It is also a source of some fantastic substances, elements that really aid the body in its growth and general health levels. It has been proven to be an excellent source of Vitamin A and Vitamin C. Potassium, Phosphorous and Zinc have also been found in the plant. All of these substances have a beneficial effect on the body.

From Weed to Medicine

However, it is the antioxidant qualities of the knotweed plant that have really made the medical world sit up and take notice. This aspect of the plant, as well as the high levels of Resveratrol that can be found in the plant, have lead to it being hailed as a major source of anti-ageing elements.

Resveratrol is quickly becoming the major blockbuster substance out there at the moment. While it will not keep you young and healthy forever, it can certainly bring great benefits to your heart and circulation. This has the added benefit of making you feel healthier and younger. It acts as an anti-coagulant, inhibiting the formation of dangerous blood clots that can cause heart attacks. There are some studies out there that also suggest that it can help to reduce blood pressure in people who use it.

Uniquely, Resveratrol can also help to slow cardiac ageing. Thus, Resveratrol leaves your heart feeling younger and stronger.

Resveratrol and cancer

Some studies have shown that Resveratrol can actually have an effect on some cancers. Resveratrol can target cancer cells, and works towards making them more responsive to chemotherapy. The substance also has what might be termed a malignant effect on cancerous cells, slowing their growth by attacking them internally. This makes Resveratrol a key weapon in the fight against developing cancer.

The Romans recommended red wine for its beneficial health effects. The French love their red wine and take it on a regular basis. There is Resveratrol in red wine, but the effects of the substance will only be felt over time. It can also be found in peanuts, which actually have a higher concentration and purity levels for the substance.

Resveratrol has not yet become a worldwide household name. No one is really reaching for it from the medicine cabinet on a consistent basis. However, it is proving its worth as an anti-ageing drug, and a heart disease remedy. Not bad for a substance that can also be found in a horrible weed at the bottom of the garden.