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News & Views

Is This The End Of Resveratrol?


Date: 20/01/12
 
Last week, it came to light that Dr. Dipak K Das, director of the Cardiovascular Research Center at the University of Connecticut, in the US, allegedly doctored the results of at least 26 peer-reviewed resveratrol studies, over a period of seven years. The University launched a probe of Das in 2008, after an anonymous tipster alerted the US Office of Research Integrity. The university review board concluded that Das manipulated research data in at least 145 instances, which was cited in 26 prestigious medical journals.

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Our regular readers will know that we often report on the underhand tactics used by Big Pharma to push their drugs, especially when it comes to tampering with study results and their constant attempts to discredit natural remedies.

This time, however, it's one of our own that's brought shame on the alternative health community and it's only right that we give you the full facts on this scandal.

Once or twice maybe, but 26 times?

Last week, it came to light that Dr. Dipak K Das, director of the Cardiovascular Research Center at the University of Connecticut, in the US, allegedly doctored the results of at least 26 peer-reviewed resveratrol studies, over a period of seven years.

The University launched a probe of Das in 2008, after an anonymous tipster alerted the US Office of Research Integrity. The university review board concluded that Das manipulated research data in at least 145 instances, which was cited in 26 prestigious medical journals.

Das was found to have improperly combined results from several studies, by altering a type of digital data readout known as a Western blot, an analytical technique used to detect specific proteins in tissue samples. The manipulations were done to make the data look more coherent. However, the review board concluded that the data manipulation isn't likely to discredit the numerous studies showing the many health benefits of resveratrol.

Resveratrol is a powerful, super-antioxidant, found in grape skins and is most commonly talked about in relation to red wine consumption. While red wine is the most popular source of resveratrol in our diets, it is not the primary source for resveratrol supplements. Resveratrol supplements are most commonly made from Japanese Knotweed, also known as "Polygonum Cupsidatum."

Numerous animal and human studies have shown impressive anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory and blood sugar-lowering properties linked to resveratrol. In addition, it has been found to have cardiovascular benefits and also helps protect against Alzheimer's disease. That's not all... it can also help overcome obesity, macular degeneration and metabolic syndrome; and may even increase lifespan.
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Resveratrol not on trial

Resveratrol should not be put on trial here, because the fact is that there have been over 6,000 peer-reviewed, published studies of resveratrol, in which Dr. Das was not involved.

These peer reviewed studies have confirmed resveratrol's chemo protective properties. In fact, Transmax resveratrol, the supplement used in the human clinical trials at thousands of medical schools and research organisations, has been shown to inhibit cancer, increase the activity of anti-ageing genes, protect against diabetes and cardiovascular conditions, as well as treat autoimmune conditions including arthritis and other inflammatory diseases.

None of the results of these studies should in any way be diminished by one researcher's unethical behaviour.

No excuses

At a time when alternative medicine is under constant attack from the mainstream and the clampdown on supplements is more fierce than ever, Dr. Das' deplorable behaviour is inexcusable.

Dr. Das denies any knowledge of the image manipulation and claims that some of his students had access to his computer and could have altered the records without him knowing about it... However, since his findings were published in 26 journals, surely he must've seen the discrepancies and questioned them at the time?

Some conspiracy theories are also doing the rounds. Those defending Dr. Das, say this whole furore is an attempt by the mainstream to prevent a powerful resveratrol supplement, which could potentially help thousands of heart patients, from hitting the market.

Is there truth in this? I don't know.

The doctor once heralded as one of the world's 'greatest red wine and resveratrol researchers', has now been shamed. The University has begun dismissal proceedings against Das and they have frozen all external funding to Das' laboratory.

Resveratrol has attracted immense medical interest since a study showed that it helps obese mice live as long as fit mice without resveratrol. The compound is still being studied around the world for its powerful health benefits. Luckily, the Das-scandal will not bring all research to a screeching halt, because several long-term clinical studies on humans are now under way.

One good thing to come from this whole debacle is that researchers in the field of natural medicine will now have to up their game. Future resveratrol studies will be scrutinized under the looking glass for any potential flaws. If researchers play their cards right, and conduct squeaky clean studies that show positive results, the battle will certainly be won.
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Bear in mind all the material in this email alert is provided for information purposes only. We are not addressing anyone's personal situation. Please consult with your own physician before acting on any recommendations contained herein.
Sources:

7 years. 26 journal articles. 145 fraud instances. The heart of a resveratrol research scandal, published online, 13.01.11, nutraingredients.com

Research veteran on shamed resveratrol academic: "Once or twice maybe. 26 times? That takes a special mind.", published online, 16.01.12, nutraingredients.com
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