Cardiovascular protective effects of resveratrol

Cardiovasc Drug Rev. 2004 Fall;22(3):169-88. doi: 10.1111/j.1527-3466.2004.tb00139.x.

Abstract

Resveratrol (3,4',5-trihydroxy-trans-stilbene), a phytoalexin found in grape skins, peanuts, and red wine, has been reported to have a wide range of biological and pharmacological properties. It has been speculated that at low doses (such as consumed in the common diet) resveratrol may have cardioprotective activity. In this article we describe recent in vitro and in vivo studies in animal models. The results of these studies suggest that resveratrol modulates vascular cell function, inhibits LDL oxidation, suppresses platelet aggregation and reduces myocardial damage during ischemia-reperfusion. Although the reported biological data indicate that resveratrol is a highly promising cardiovascular protective agent, more studies are needed to establish its bioavailability and in vivo cardioprotective effects, particularly in humans.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antioxidants / administration & dosage
  • Antioxidants / pharmacology
  • Antioxidants / therapeutic use
  • Cardiotonic Agents / administration & dosage
  • Cardiotonic Agents / pharmacology*
  • Cardiotonic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / prevention & control
  • Cholesterol / blood
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Humans
  • Lipid Peroxidation / drug effects
  • Myocardial Reperfusion Injury / drug therapy
  • Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors / administration & dosage
  • Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors / pharmacology
  • Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Resveratrol
  • Stilbenes / administration & dosage
  • Stilbenes / pharmacology*
  • Stilbenes / therapeutic use
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Antioxidants
  • Cardiotonic Agents
  • Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors
  • Stilbenes
  • Cholesterol
  • Resveratrol