Resveratrol is a phytoalexin that is found in certain plants. A phytoalexin is a compound that is produced by a plant to protect itself from invading microorganisms. Just as bioflavonoids, which are produced by plants as a protection from the oxidative stress of photosynthesis, can protect human cells when ingested, resveratrol may also be beneficial.

The benefits of resveratrol are pretty well researched. It has anti-inflammatory activity (J Chemotherapy- Nov, 2004 and J Environ Pathology Toxicology Oncology-2004, issue 3) and inhibits the COX-2 enzyme (Inflammation Research-Apr, 2005). It also has ACE inhibitor properties (European J Pharmacology-May 16, 2005). It prevents blood clots (Blood Coagulation Fibrinolysis-Sept 15, 2004). It helps reduce LDL cholesterol and triglycerides (Life Sciences-Aug 1, 2003) and increases HDL (J Agric Food Chemistry-May 4, 2005). It has also been show to inhibit arterial plaque (Int J Mol Med-Oct, 2005).

The research on resveratrol goes beyond the cardiovascular benefits listed above. It has also been shown to elevate glutathione, promote DNA repair, regulates blood sugar, normalizes blood pressure, inhibits viral growth and suppresses several kinds of cancer.