Herbs and plants commonly known as unwanted weeds rarely enjoy widespread popularity. Let alone those that are not only considered weeds but also invasive species. Japanese knotweed certainly meets both criteria. This mysterious plant is not welcome in our gardens, but it holds some pleasant surprises. Among other things, we're talking about resveratrol, an active ingredient found in large quantities in knotweed. What are its properties and what does it help with? This article will discuss this.
Japanese knotweed – a handful of information
Japanese knotweed is often referred to as Japanese perennial knotweed or Japanese perennial knotweed. It belongs to the knotweed family. Its original habitat was the high mountains of Japan—hence its name. It still occurs naturally in Korea, Taiwan, and China. It only arrived in Europe in 1825, but spread quickly due to the favorable climate. Knotweed is a very expansive species that quickly colonizes new areas. It is currently considered an invasive species in Poland, threatening native flora. It is even recommended to remove it, especially from protected areas. Unfortunately, knotweed regrows very quickly and is difficult to permanently remove. It grows up to 3 meters tall and looks like a bush. In 2004, a regulation came into force that banned the transport of this plant in Poland. However, since 2012, a special permit has been required for its possession, import, and cultivation. Despite these threats and limitations, knotweed is a highly valued plant in medicine.
Resveratrol – what is it?
Japanese knotweed is particularly rich in this substance. This is its most important active ingredient. It's worth mentioning that it's not only found in knotweed. The skins of red grapes are also rich in it, and therefore good red wine also contains this ingredient. It is an organic chemical compound, more precisely a polyphenolic stilbene derivative. Resveratrol is a substance of plant origin. It was first isolated in 1940 from a plant called white hellebore. It belongs to the group of plant secondary plant substances. Plants produce it to protect their tissues from bacteria, viruses, or fungi.
To further describe the properties of resveratrol, it's worth mentioning the French paradox. Residents of countries like France, Spain, and Portugal suffer from cardiovascular disease relatively rarely, despite a diet rich in sugar and saturated fat. This is linked to the culture of red wine consumption, which contains this substance. Research has shown several health-promoting properties of resveratrol. It has potent antioxidant activity, thus protecting us from the damaging effects of free radicals, among other things. It has antiviral, antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. It can protect us from the development of venous and arterial blockages. It also has antiatherosclerotic properties. It lowers blood pressure and dilates blood vessels. Japanese knotweed may also be helpful in preventing insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. This is due to its blood sugar-lowering properties. In addition, it increases tissue sensitivity to insulin and stimulates lipolysis, which is responsible for reducing fatty tissue. Japanese knotweed can significantly reduce gastrointestinal distress, and the herb also has a mild laxative effect. It is effective for constipation, diarrhea, and flatulence. The plant protects the nervous system, detoxifies, and strengthens the immune system.
Resveratrol – Effects and Clinical Significance
Japanese knotweed is a plant that is becoming increasingly popular. It is increasingly used to treat Lyme disease. Knotweed has been included in the Buhner protocol list. It contains specially selected herbs that can effectively treat the effects of tick bites in humans. Resveratrol is currently considered the best phytonutrient for treating diseases associated with tick bites. Thanks to its support of the nervous and circulatory systems, it is very effective in fighting Borreliosis bacteria. It reaches even very hard-to-reach areas that I attack and neutralizes them. Thanks to these properties, it can also be helpful in the fight against neuroborreliosis. This is the most dangerous type of tick-borne Lyme disease. Bacteria of the type Borrelia burgdorferi, Borrelia garinii, or Borrelia afzelii enter the brain and destroy nerve cells. This disease can occur in nearly 15% of patients with untreated Lyme disease. The most common symptoms are facial paralysis, meningitis, encephalitis, and psychological problems. Despite how dangerous this disease is, resveratrol can be a quite effective treatment.
Resveratrol in cosmetics
Due to its unique properties, resveratrol is used in cosmetics as part of anti-aging, lifting, and anti-wrinkle formulas. As the body ages, so does our skin. This is when genetic material and certain enzymes – sirtuins – are damaged. These are proteins that regulate cells' resistance to oxidative stress. By increasing the activity of sirtuins, resveratrol improves the skin's natural repair processes. It also increases the resistance of skin cells to environmental influences and ultraviolet radiation. In addition, it can act on another metabolic pathway responsible for the degenerative processes in our skin, namely glycation. During glycation, the skin's supporting proteins – collagen and elastin – are destroyed by sugar. People with high blood sugar levels are particularly susceptible to this process. The result is reduced elasticity and firmness of the skin, but also slower wound healing. Resveratrol protects collagen fibers from the harmful effects of sugars, thus preventing these negative changes. The same applies to free radicals, which are very dangerous to our bodies. They also influence the aging process of the skin itself. Resveratrol is one of the most powerful antioxidants, meaning ingredients that support the fight against free radicals. This can be very helpful in maintaining healthy skin over the long term. The main properties of this substance used in cosmetics include reducing discoloration, improving skin hydration and firmness, and activating skin cell division. Due to the low bioavailability of resveratrol, available in supplement form, this valuable ingredient has very little chance of penetrating the skin layers from the inside, as it is first utilized by other organs in our body. To protect our skin, it is therefore worth using external preparations that act directly at the site of application.
Side effects of resveratrol
In general, the use of resveratrol is relatively safe. It does not cause severe side effects. However, excessive dosage may cause nausea or diarrhea. However, pregnant women should be cautious. There are no conclusive studies that could rule out the absence of adverse effects during this period. There is also evidence that this chemical compound may be toxic to the developing pancreas of the fetus. Therefore, it is not recommended during this period.
Resveratrol can reduce iron absorption and blood levels, potentially leading to anemia. It does this by activating a gene important for iron absorption. This gene reduces the absorption of this element, which may be beneficial for people with excess iron. There is also a risk of harmful drug interactions. These include statins, antihypertensive drugs, antihistamines, and sedatives. People who use them should avoid resveratrol.
Summary
Although knotweed poses a potential threat to our ecosystem, it certainly has many health-promoting uses. The resveratrol it contains has a profound effect on our bodies. However, we should be mindful of the potential side effects. If we are unsure about its use, nothing can replace medical advice.
