A “bio-mask?”
It appears to sandwich itself between coronavirus spike proteins and ACE-2 receptors on human cells, thereby reducing the chances of infection. This is why polydatin, a molecule already known and used in several dietary supplements for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions, has been dubbed the “biological mask.” But what is polydatin and how useful can it really be to us?
Polydatin, a valuable ally
Polydatin is a natural molecule that belongs to the polyphenol family. It can also be taken through food (it is present in grapes and peanuts, for example), but because of its properties it has become a basic ingredient in many supplements. Polydatin is considered the precursor of resveratrolActive ingredient of natural origin with recognized antioxidant capacity (stilbene polyphenol). It is found in plants such as vines and in fruits such as cocoa and blackberries., another natural molecule that improves the functioning of mitochondria (the power plants of cells) by modulating the action of sirtuinsSirtuins are proteins expressed by SIRT genes that perform an enzymatic activity, which means they stimulate chemical reactions essential for the body. Their function has been ascertained by several studies, although there still seems to be a lot to know about them. SIRTs in short:
• are proteins with enzymatic properties
• regulate the metabolic processes related to insulin resistance
• have a control over immunity
• have a fundamental role in epigenetics
• are involved in defences against cancer
, the proteins encoded by “longevity genes.”
Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties have earned polydatin the nickname “the biological mask”
Polydatin and resveratrol look very similar chemically and have the same antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, but the presence of a glucose molecule in the structure of polydatin makes it more bioavailable, as it is more resistant to the action of enzymes and better absorbed by the intestine. In essence, supplementation with polydatin is more effective.
Resveratrol and Polydatin are very similar molecules, but the glucose ring in Polydatin’s structure makes it more bioavailable. Credit: Perrella et al., 2021
Polydatin and Covid, what’s the relationship?
Because of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, polydatin is already used in integrated medicine in oncology where, together with other natural substances, it seems to benefit patients by mitigating toxicity and inflammation related to chemo and radiation therapy. Specifically in cancer patients on integrated polydatin therapy, despite being a category at risk of infection due to lowered immune defenses, experts from Artoi (Integrated Oncology Therapies Research Association) noted a lower incidence of Covid-19.
Delving deeper into the issue, a team of researchers from the Federico II University of Naples, the CNR in Rome and Naples, and the Istituto Superiore di Sanità has highlighted how polydatin interacts with both coronavirus spike proteins and ACE-2 receptors in human cells, hindering the entry of the virus into cells (the findings are reported in a paper published in the journal Biomolecules). Hence the nickname “biological mask,” although it should be pointed out that it is obviously not an antiviral and that further studies are needed.
Polydatin is more bioavailable than resveratrol, and supplementation is more effective
Taking polydatin through diet also appears to help manage the consequences of infection in the medium and long term due to the molecule’s anti-inflammatory and cytokine-modulating properties.
Along with glutathione, resveratrol, and NAD+, polydatin is one of the so-called “longevity molecules” that SoLongevity research focuses on. On this site you can find an in-depth study dedicated to each molecule.
