Resveratrol platelet aggregation inhibited

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... 

Coronary heart disease and atherosclerosis are major contributors to morbidity and mortality in the United States and other developed countries. Epidemiological studies suggest that decreased mortality from coronary heart disease is associated with moderate consumption of alcohol, and especially of red wine [7], Numerous studies indicate that resveratrol inhibits platelet aggregation [8-10, 12, 16, 54, 55], alters eicosanoid synthesis [15, 55], modulates lipoprotein mechanisms [14, 56-58], inhibits vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation [59], and acts as an estrogen receptor agonist [60]. On the other hand, at least one earlier study indicated that it promoted atherosclerotic development, rather than protected against it, by a mechanism that appeared to be independent of observed... 

Resveratrol prevents platelet aggregation and thrombus formation in vitro. In a hypercholesterolaemic diet-induced rabbit model, administration of resveratrol inhibited the platelet aggregation. This effect was also verified by reducing the atherosclerotic area and the size of the thrombus generated by laser-induced damage to the endothelium in mice. 

Resveratrol (Fig. 23), a stilbene found in many food sources, e.g., peanuts and red wine, is assumed to have multiple benefits on human health. Most attention has been received by the so-called French paradox , the low occurrence of cardiovacular disease in populations living on a diet high in saturated fats, but consuming red wine. The protective effect of red wine is attributed to its proanthocyanidin and resveratrol contents. Possible mechanisms disscussed are the inhibition of oxidation of LDL cholesterol and platelet aggregation. Resveratrol may also increase longevity by activation of sirtuins, NAD+-dependent protein deacetylases involved in aging, which respond to oxidative stress and are induced by a low-calory diet. Resveratrol mimics the effects of a low-calory diet and extends the... 

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