Resveratrol is a natural substance found in grapes, red wine, peanuts and some berries. Fresh grape skin contains 50 to 100 mg of resveratrol per gram and is the principle dietary source of resveratrol. Resveratrol has been studied for its anti-proliferative, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It appears to prevent the onset of cardiovascular diseases and cancer; however, most of these conclusions are based on animal rather than human studies.
Huntington's Disease
Huntington disease occurs from damage to the brain's nerve cells. Resveratrol has been found to protect nerve cells against oxidative damage, delaying the onset of Huntington disease, according to the Huntington's Outreach Project for Education at Stanford University. Oxidative stress occurs when your body fails to detoxify unstable molecules or free radicals produced during metabolic activity. The antioxidant resveratrol is a potent monoamine oxidase inhibitor, an enzyme that creates free radicals.
Cardiovascular Disease
Atherosclerosis is the major risk factor for myocardial infraction, or heart attack. It occurs when inflammatory white blood cells migrate into the blood vessels. Resveratrol can help prevent a heart attack by inhibiting vascular cell adhesion molecules, a small group of proteins, which may play a role in white cell recruitment into the arterial wall.
Breast Cancer
In animal models, the progression of breast cancer can be inhibited or suppressed by resveratrol, when taken orally, according to Jane Higdon, Ph.D., of the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University. Human cytochrome P450s are the key enzymes involved in the metabolic activation of carcinogens and toxins. The resulting metabolites can damage DNA, leading to initiation of cancer cell formation. Resveratrol works by inhibiting the formation of reactive oxygen metabolites which destroy cells.
Skin Cancer
Scientists from the Department of Dermatology at Columbia University Medical Center have found that the compound resveratrol can inhibit ultraviolet-B light-induced DNA damage. Unprotected exposure to UV radiation can damage DNA, leading to cancer-causing genetic changes within skin cells.
References
- The State University of New Jersey: Action of Resveratrol Analogs and Hyperthermia in Cancer....; Renee Elena Butler
- Stanford University: Huntington's Outreach Project for Education: A Look at How Resveratrol, A Component of Red Wine, May Be Used to Treat HD
- Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University; Resveratrol; Jane Higdon; March 2005
- SkinTouch, Columbia University Medical Center: Department of Dermatology: Could Resveratrol, an Ingredient in Red Wine, Prevent Skin Cancer?; Winter/Spring 2010
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