Resveratrol is a powerful antioxidant found in grapes and red wine that has been associated with healthy aging. Despite the known benefits of the compound, no one was completely sure how it conferred its benefits. A new study from National Institutes of Health researchers may help clear things up.

The team exposed groups of cells to resveratrol and traced out how the cells metabolized the molecule. It was believed that resveratrol interacted with a protein known as sirtuin 1, which has been associated with the aging process. However, the new investigation revealed that resveratrol actually moderates the effects of a class of enzymes known as phosphodiesterases, which play an active role in the regulation of cellular energy.

The researchers said that medical experts have pinned a significant amount of hope on resveratrol as a potential treatment for a number of chronic health issues. However, before doctors could recommend the substance to patients, scientists needed to understand and be able to clearly explain how it works. The new study gets science much closer to this goal.

Individuals who are interested in increasing their consumption of resveratrol may be able to do so by eating more grapes, drinking red wine in moderation or taking nutritional supplements.