Biological Effects of Resveratrol

Abstract

Resveratrol (3,4',5-trihydroxy-trans-stilbene) is a common phytoalexin that is found in a few edible materials, such as grape skins, peanuts, and red wine. It has been speculated that dietary resveratrol may act as an antioxidant, promote nitric oxide production, inhibit platelet aggregation, and increase high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and thereby serve as a cardioprotective agent. Based on epidemiological data, carcinogenesis and coronary heart disease are linked to dietary lifestyle and share a number of common pathways. Recently, it has been demonstrated that resveratrol can function as a cancer chemopreventive agent, and there has been a great deal of experimental effort directed toward defining this effect. Resveratrol has been reported to be estrogenic in transfected mammary cancer cells; however, there are conflicting results with respect to its actual estrogenic properties. In addition, resveratrol exhibits antiinflammatory, neuroprotective, and antiviral properties. In future work, some controversial in vitro biological effects need to be explored in animal models, and relevant physiological and pharmacological concentrations need to be used when assessing biological activities. This review focuses on various biological aspects of resveratrol and some issues that need to be addressed to gain a fuller appreciation of potential health benefits for human beings.

Long-term resveratrol administration reduces metabolic disturbances and lowers blood pressure in obese Zucker rats

“…The positive effects of resveratrol in biological systems are wide-ranging. It acts as a cancer chemoprevention agent [16], a powerful anti-inflammatory factor and an antioxidant agent [17,18]. Its cardiovascular properties, including inhibition of platelet aggregation and promotion of vasodilation by enhancing the production of NO [19] have also been described [15,20] and recent studies have reported its beneficial effects against ageing and metabolic diseases [21][22][23][24].…”

Resveratrol Alters microRNA Expression Profiles in A549 Human Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Cells

“…Epidemiological research has revealed a link between the consumption of red wine, an important source of resveratrol, and reduced risk of cardiovascular disease in France. Consequently, resveratrol has been extensively studied, and numerous beneficial effects have been observed, including antithrombotic, cardioprotective, anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, and vasorelaxant effects (Bhat et al, 2001;Delmas et al, 2005;KasdallahGrissa et al, 2007;Stef et al, 2006;). In addition, resveratrol exhibits antitumor properties in several cancer types, including prostate, mammary, colon, and lung cancers (Bhat and Pezzuto, 2002;Revel et al, 2003;Schneider et al, 2000;Stewart et al, 2003).…”

Resveratrol Inhibits Proliferation and Survival of Epstein Barr Virus–Infected Burkitt's Lymphoma Cells Depending on Viral Latency Program

“…Resveratrol (3,4 0 ,5-trihydroxy-trans-stilbene), a polyphenolic phytoalexin found in the skin of red grapes and a variety of other fruits, functions in plants to protect against fungal infections (5). A variety of studies have reported that resveratrol has cardioprotective, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral activities (6). In addition, resveratrol was found to inhibit proliferation and induce apoptosis in several human tumor cells (7,8).…”