Polyphenols in Red Wine, Dose-Dependent

Another study touting the anti-cancer effects of the polyphenol compounds found in red wine, fruits, vegetables, and green tea has been published in the November issue of the FASEB journal. It appears that very high doses of antioxidant polyphenols shut down and prevent cancerous tumors by cutting off neovascularization or the formation of new blood vessels needed for tumor growth.

An important finding though, is that low doses of the same compound exerts the opposite effect, i.e. it facilitates blood vessel growth and is thus beneficial for those with cardiovascular disease. This accounts of the heart-health benefits of drinking a glass of red wine or a diet rich in ployphenol-rich fruits and vegetables which characterize the so-called Mediterranean diet.

In contrast, the amount of polyphenols necessary to obtain an anti-cancer effect much higher — the equivalent of drinking about a bottle of red wine each day. Of course, no anti-cancer benefit would justify consuming so much alcohol, eh? Researcher are thus exploring the use of dietary supplements containing polyphenols extracted from plants or red wine.