Resveratrol, also known as red wine extract, has long been recognized as a potent antioxidant, but perhaps scientists underestimated this naturally sourced compound. A recent study shows daily consumption of Resveratrol could cut the rate of certain types of cancers in half.
Resveratrol as an Antioxidant
The research presented at the Resveratrol 2012 Conference in Leicester, UK, revealed that a daily serving of resveratrol equivalent to two glasses of red wine can lower the risk of bowel tumors in lab mice by 50%. Scientists are now preparing to do studies on humans to see if they can utilize the compound in cancer research and prevention.
We want to see how resveratrol might work to prevent cancer in humans. Having shown in our lab experiments that it can reduce tumor development, we are now concentrating on identifying the mechanisms of how resveratrol works in human cells,” says Professor Karen Brown, of the University of Leicester.
Resveratrol is a natural compound found in grape skins. Red wine, which gets its flavor and dark red color from being fermented with the grape skins, has a higher resveratrol content than white wines due to longer exposure to the grape skins.
Resveratrol is a relatively new discovery, and its potential still remains relatively untapped. In 1992, Dr. Serge Renaud of Bourdeaux University coined the term “The French Paradox” to explain the coincidence of the French diet, full of high fats and moderate wine consumption, and a relatively low incidence of heart disease and obesity.
Upon more research, Dr. Renaud and his colleagues isolated the resveratrol compound and began to study it closely, finding evidence for a multitude of health benefits including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Recent studies have even examined Resveratrol’s role in preventing chronic diseases like diabetes and Alzheimer’s. However, this latest study has attracted the attention of cancer researchers and pharmaceutical companies worldwide.
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