Background

• Resveratrol is found in over 70 plant species including nuts, grapes, pine trees, certain vines, and red wine. Some experts believe that resveratrol may be a factor in the French paradox that coronary heart disease mortality in France is lower than other similar industrialized countries due to the frequent consumption of red wine.
• Resveratrol has been shown in animal and laboratory studies to exhibit antioxidant, anticancer, antiproliferative, antifungal, antiviral, and antibacterial effects. However, data in humans is lacking.
• At this time, there is a lack of high quality human trials available supporting the efficacy of resveratrol for any indication. However, there are several observational studies that correlate the consumption of wine with a decrease in cancer and/or cardiovascular disease risk. There are multiple possible contributing factors to these conditions, and studies of resveratrol are difficult to design and implement. Too much alcohol intake can be dangerous. Further research is needed before a firm recommendation can be made.

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