Resveratrol Anti-inflammatory
Action Confirmed
October 29,2004
Resveratrol, the powerful antioxidant found in wine, and another polyphenol
quercetin can act as novel anti-inflammatory agents, conclude UK researchers
The team from Imperial College London, England, confirmed resveratrol’s
broad anti-inflammatory action, and found potential for applications in chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, and possibly even arthritis.
Other resveratrol healing powers
However they note that clinical preparation
and delivery remain issues.
Resveratrol from red wine has long been associated
with the so-called ‘French Paradox’, reflecting the low incidence
of heart disease among the French despite their relatively high-fat diet. Found
in the skins of red fruits such as grapes and plums, the polyphenol is being
marketed as a supplement by some companies although it is known to present bioavailability
issues.
The Imperial team did confirmed the compound
“exhibited anti-inflammatory mediator release from human airway epithelial
cells."
They write in the American Journal of Physiology-Lung
Cellular and Molecular Physiology that their study also excluded a number of
potential mechanisms of action, including the oestrogen or glucocorticoid receptor.
This means these agents might be beneficial in inflammatory diseases where glucocorticosteroids
have proved to be ineffective, such as COPD, steroid-resistant asthma, and arthritis.