Polyphenols and the Pharmacological Characteristics of Wine
Staff Writer - June 26, 2003
The well-known southern European belief that wine is good for human health, has been confirmed so many times in the eyes of believers as to appear a fact of life. The scientific basis, though, has only emerged more recently.
In addition to the well-known study that highlighted the "French paradox", more recent and thorough research has tried to focus on the virtues of red wine, especially in relation to cardiovascular illness.
In recent years, two classes of compounds that appear to be responsible for the beneficial effect of wine in cardiovascular patients have been found. They are the phytoalexins, especially the resveratrol, found in the grape skin and the oligomeric procyanidins, found in the seeds.
These two classes of compounds are called polyphenols. According to recently published scientific studies, the procyanidins act as inhibitors to the formation of endothelin-1 in the cells of the veins, practically contributing to stopping or diminishing the formation of fatty residues which, eventually generate
atherosclerosis.
The procyanidins are effective even in the limited quantity that can be consumed by drinking a glass of red wine.
Among the wines researched at the London School of Medicine, the Chianti, made with Sangiovese grapes, and the Valpolicella, made with Corvina and Molinara grapes, appeared to be the most effective. We need to remember though, that the wines tested by the researchers are but a small part of the many red wines produced worldwide.
The phytoalexins are important components of the beneficial effects of red wine and though they are found in nature in many plants and grapes, wine is the main dietary source.
The resveratrol, is also health-promoting and generates multiple biologic reactions with beneficial effects on cardiovascular illnesses. As such, it could become the base for selective drugs with the power to reduce mortality caused by cardiopatia ischemica and other pathologies.
It was made clear by the researchers that the beneficial effects of wine on the cardiac system is the result of a synergy that cannot be credited to a single compound or mechanism. The research continues and, at the Policlinico Umberto I di Roma results were published according to which two glasses of red wine per day reduce the risk of heart attack by 20%.
It is definitely time to fill the glass and join in a toast to the benefits of wine!
Translated by Lorini - Originally published in the Confederazione Italiana Agricoltori dell’Emilia-Romagna official magazine.
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