An important flavonoid, made from the skin of grapes, is resveratrol. It's a relatively newly discovered compound that is believed to be the active healthful ingredient in grapeskin and red wine. It's a flavonoid that seems to protect the heart and also has been found to inhibit cancer formation. In 1997, Science reported that resveratrol prevented all three stages of cancer growth (initiation, promotion, and progression). This substance inhibits the clumping of white blood cells known as platelets, an action like Ginkgo-which has the same effect on platelets- this is important in correcting allergies and in protecting us from heart disease.

Very few white wines contain resveratrol. red wine, however, has high levels, particularly wines from the Pinot Noir grapes (irrespective of the country or region of origin). Rather than try to consume these flavonoids in the form of wine- and risk the adverse health effects of alcohol-I recommend resveratrol supplements to patients who are at risk for heart disease or cancer.

Paperchase ref: 99262471 Hsieh, TC., et al. "Differential effects on growth, cell cycle arrest, and induction of apoptosis by resveratrol in human prostate cancer cell lines." Exp Cell Res (1999 May 25)

Paperchase ref: 99299005 Jang, M., et al. "Cancer chemopreventive activity of resveratrol." Drugs Exp Clin Res (1999)

Paperchase ref: 99226531 ElAttar, TM., et al. "Modulating effect of resveratrol and quercetin on oral cancer cell growth and proliferation." Anticancer Drugs (1999 Feb)

Paperchase ref: 99243954 Lu, R., et al. "Resveratrol, a natural product derived from grape, exhibits antiestrogenic activity and inhibits the growth of human breast cancer cells." J Cell Physiol (1999 Jun)

For more information on nutraceuticals that prevent and reverse disease read "The Nutraceutical Revolution" by Dr. Richard Firshein.

by Dr. Richard Firshein