Resveratrol is a stilbanoid produced naturally by several plants and is highly conentrated in the peel from blue grapes. The effects of resveratrol are currently up for debate. There have been done numerous studies in animals and humans rearching effects like longlivety, cancer prevention and blood sugar lowering.
In this studie researchers have studied the effect of resveratrol on bovine IVD cartilage homeostasis by assessing MMP-13, proteoglycan accumulation and synthesis, and the interaction between resveratrol and known catabolic factors such as bFGF or IL-1.
The results were promising. Resveratrol inhibits the IL-1β and bFGF induced release of the enzyme MMP-13 in both the nucleus pulposi and the anulus fibrosis. for more clarification see figure below.
We can conclude that resveratrol could be a useful supplement to prevent back problems from hard labour or weekly wear and tear from heavy squats or deadlifts. Of course more research is needed to get a better picture.
-Jeffrey
Source: Li, X., Phillips, M, F., An, S.H., Ellman, M., Thonar, j,E., . . . WU, H.J (2010) The Action of Resveratrol, a Phytoestrogen Found in Grapes, on the Intervertebral Disc
