Cardiovascular diseases resveratrol inhibits

Resveratrol has also been reported to offer protection against cardiovascular disease, such as coronary heart disease. The effects of resveratrol on factors implicated in the development of coronary heart disease - human platelet aggregation and the synthesis of eicosanoids (lipids) from arachidonate by platelets - were investigated and compared with the actions of other wine phenolics - catechin (1.39), epicatechin (7.18a), and quercetin (1.43) - and the antioxidants a-tocopherol (7.10a), hydroquinone and butylated hydroxytoluene. Resveratrol and quercetin demonstrated a dose-dependent inhibition of platelet aggregation, whereas the other compounds tested were inactive. Resveratrol also inhibited the synthesis of the eicosanoids in a dose-dependent manner, whereas the other phenolics were less effective of not effective at all. Removal of the alcohol from the wine did not diminish the effect on platelet aggregation (Pace-Asciak et al., 1995 Goldberg et al., 1995). 

Trans-resveratrol (trans-3,5,4 -trihydroxystilbene) is a non-flavonoid polyphenol found in grapes, mulberries, and other food prod-ucts. It is responsible for the antioxidant activity of red wine. Intake of moderate amount of red wine has been found to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. In addition to antioxidant activity, resveratrol could inhibit platelet aggregation, and showed anticancer activity. The phenoxyl radicals of resveratrol produced during oxidation by hydroxyl radicals, one-electron oxidants, and peroxyl radicals showed absorption maximum at 410 nm (Fig. I). Reports indicate that trans-resveratrol is a better radical scavenger than vitamins E and C and its activity is similar to that of the flavonoids epicatechin and quercetin. From the comparison of the spectral and kinetic properties of the transients derived from trans-resveratrol and its analogues, it could be concluded that in the neutral and acidic solutions, the para-hydroxy... 

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