Resveratrol ( trans-3,5,4'-trihydroxystilbene ) is a protective compound produced by grape seed, red wine, knotweed, polygonum, raspberries, and other plants in response to environmental stresses. Resveratrol is a phytoalexin, a class of antibiotic compounds produced as a part of a plant's defense system against disease and fungus. Since fungal infections are more common in cooler climates, plants grown in cooler climates have a higher concentration. The resveratrol content of wine is related to the length of time the grape skins are present during the fermentation process. Thus the concentration is significantly higher in red wine than in white wine, because the skins are removed earlier during white-wine production, lessening the amount that is extracted.

Benefits of Resveratrol include:

Resveratrol as anti-inflammatory: Preliminary research results demonstrate that resveratrol may have anti-infective, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. Resveratrol has been shown to suppress the activation of several transcription factors, including NF-kappaB, AP-1 and Egr-1, thereby reducing proinflammatory cytokines and mediators such as COX-2, 5-LOX, IL-1, IL-6, and IL-8. Research has also found that Resveratrol inhibited iNOS (inducible nitric oxide synthase) expression and nitrite production in human airway cell.

Resveratrol and Cancer: Additional studies suggest that resveratrol is unique because of its ability to battle cancer at all three steps of the cancer process: initiation, promotion, and progression. In the lab, resveratrol found in red wine caused cancer cells to die off in early stage of the cancer process, reported doctors from the Lineberger Cancer Center in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. In addition, Resveratrol has also shown to potentiate the apoptotic effects of cytokines, chemotherapeutic agents and gamma-radiation. With regard to tumor initiation, Resveratrol has been shown to act as an antioxidant by inhibiting free radical formation, and as an anti-mutagen in rat models.

Resveratrol as Anti-aging: Resveratrol is a potent anti-oxidant that may activates a cell's survival defense enzyme, which prolongs the time cells have to repair their broken DNA. It is thought that because it contains highly hydrophilic and lipophilic properties, it can provide more effective protection than other well-known antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E.

Resveratrol and Cardiovascular Health: Resveratrol is a potent antioxidant that may quench free radical damage throughout the body provide protective support to the cardiovascular system. Researchers believe that high consumption of resveratrol-rich foods may result in reduced cardiovascular disease risk, lowered total cholesterol, and lowered LDL cholesterol. Many studies suggest that consuming alcohol (especially red wine) may reduce the incidence of coronary heart disease (CHD).