The science of virusesvirology


Can Wine Help Or Harm You? Resveratrol And Procyanidins Are The Key

Wine is a fermented product of grapesplay a very important role in plaque
which contains alcohol in the form offormation which can begin with any of
ethanol along with anti-oxidants such asthe following: Hypertension [high blood
polyphenols, anthocyanidins andpressure], hyperglycemia [increase in
resveratrol. Research shows resveratrolsugar level in diabetes mellitus],
is more potent than Vitamin C as antoxins such as nicotine from tobacco or
antioxidant. Resveratrol is also foundexcessive production of amino acid
in peanuts, mulberries, cranberrieshomocystine.
other than in grapes. Resveratrol isIt has also been said to promote the
found in grapevines (Vitis vinifera L).formation of new dendrites in the brain.
It is a polyphenolic Phytoalexin whichResveratrol was also reported effective
are antibiotics produced by plants thatagainst neuronal cell dysfunction and
are under attack. Resveratrol and thecell death, and help against diseases
other bioflavonoids and polyphenols aresuch as Huntington's disease and
present in large amounts in the vines,Alzheimer's disease. Hence it is said to
roots, seeds, stalks and leaves but itsbe neuroprotective in nature.
highest concentration is in grape skins.Resveratrol has also shown anti-ageing,
Thus, red wine, which is fermented withantimutagenic, anti-inflammatory,
the skins, seeds, twigs, etc., tends toantifungal and antiviral properties.
contain much larger quantities of theResveratrol seems to increase the
beneficial substances than white winepotency of some antiretroviral drugs
which is fermented only from the pressedagainst HIV in vitro.
juice of the grape.Resveratrol has been found to inhibit
Resveratrol is said to prevent thrombincellular events associated with tumor
clots which may lead to coronary heartinitiation, promotion and progression.
diseases or pulmonary embolismHence it also has anti-cancer property.
[obstruction of blood vessels] and henceIt has been found to inhibit the enzyme
can be cardioprotective in action as itcyclooxygenase (COX) in different cancer
prevents platelet aggregation.models, suggesting an effect at the
Resveratrol can be a boon to those wholevel of tumor promotion. Incidence of
are resistant to aspirin inducedheart disease and cancer among
platelet dissolution which helps inpopulations who consume a lot of red
inhibition of platelet aggregation.wine is comparatively less. But mind
Clots can be formed due to deposition ofyou, excessive consumption of wine can
cholesterol (LDL) on inner walls ofcause deleterious effects on human body,
arteries leading to the primaryas it contains ethanol which causes
condition arteriosclerosis which finallyLiver cirrhosis. Flavonoids, known as
leads to atherosclerosis with plaqueoligomeric procyanidins [essentially
formation and finally to a Myocardialcondensed tannins/ Proanthocyanidins]
infarction [heart attack]. Resveratrolare now believed to be more powerful
induces inhibition of the oxidation ofthan resveratrol.
low-density lipoprotein (LDL) andThey also play a role in the
inhibition of smooth muscle cellstabilization of collagen and the
proliferation to certain extent.maintenance of proteins in the
Resveratrol has also been found toconnective tissue that support organs
reduce the synthesis of lipids in ratand muscles. They have also been found
liver and to inhibit the production ofto vision and are involved in
proatherogenic eicosanoids by humananti-inflammatory activities.
platelets and neutrophils. Platelets



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