Resveratrol

Resveratrol was first found in 1940 in the roots of a plant called Veratrum grandiflorum. Since then, resveratrol has been discovered in grapes, wine, grape juice, peanuts and berries of Vaccinum species, including blueberries, bilberries, and cranberries. Resveratrol is a polyphenol compound that may have health benefits for various chronic diseases. It exhibits a wide range of biological effects, including antiplatelet, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antimutagenic and antifungal properties. And now, laboratory tests have shown resveratrol, an ingredient from red wine, has anti-aging, antioxidant and anti-coagulant properties. Resveratrol does not contain the component from grapes that is toxic to dogs.

CANCER - As early as 1997, researchers have proposed to use resveratrol as a cancer-preventive agent. Resveratrol was shown to have anti-cancer activities in assays representing three major stages of carcinogenesis. In animal models, resveratrol inhibited the development of esophageal, intestinal, and mammary (breast) cancer.

CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES - Resveratrol is a phytoestrogen, potent antioxidant, reactive oxygen species scavenger and metal chelator. Thus, it may have benefits of protection for the cardiovascular system.

DIABETES - Researchers, at Boston University Medical Center showed that resveratrol could lower lipid levels. Research has indicated that the antioxidant might help protect from obesity and diabetes, both of which are strong risk factors for heart disease.

PANCREATITIS - Resveratrol as a platelet and cytokines inhibitor may have benefits on acute pancreatitis.

KIDNEY DISEASES - Resveratrol has been shown to have an effect on kidney disease both by antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms.

HEART DISEASES - Resveratrol might be the ingredient that helps prevent damage to blood vessels, reduces “bad” cholesterol and prevents blood clots. Some research shows that resveratrol could be linked to a reduced risk of inflammation and blood clotting, both of which can lead to heart disease.

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