Resveratrol (3,5,4'-trihydroxy-trans-stilbene), is a non-flavonoid polyphenol [6] naturally occurring in several foods and plants as red grapes (Vitis vinifera), where it is primarily found in the skin but also in its seeds, and also in the roots of hellebore (Veratrum album), from where it was originally isolated by Takaoka back in 1940 [7], and in more than other 70 plant species, among which we can mention berries and peanuts [1].

In spite nowadays it is widely known that Resveratrol may exert many health benefits, as for example stop breast cancer cell growth, increase longevity, be cardioprotective, neuroprotective [2], to treat pain, inflammation, tissue injury and even beneficial against coronary heart disease [1], something that was only found back in 1992, to reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases as Alzheimer's disease and since now another one, its susceptibility to be used as a radiation enhancer in the treatment of prostate cancer cells.

A University of Missouri researcher has discovered that Resveratrol can make prostate tumor cells more susceptible to radiation treatment, increasing the chances of a full recovery from all types of prostate cancer, including aggressive tumors. Image: Red grapes by Danny Molyneux under Creative Common license (CC BY 2.0).

RESVERATROL

Formula: 3,5,4'-trihydroxy-trans-stilbene
Occurrence: Red grapes, berries, peanuts, hellebore

Grape seeds are rich in vitamin E, flavonoids, linoleic acid, and OPCs (Oligomeric Proanthocyanidins)[3], probably the reason why grape seed extracts have showed to be so effective on the treatment of high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels and even hearth disease, but recent studies done on other anti-cancer properties seen in grape seed extracts have showed this natural product may have some benefits and potential use on the treatment of Prostate Cancer.

VITIS VINIFERA

Family: Vitaceae
Genus: Vitis
Common name: Common grape vine

What is Resveratrol?

Resveratrol (3,5,4'-trihydroxy-trans-stilbene), is a non-flavonoid polyphenol [6] naturally occurring in several foods and plants as red grapes (Vitis vinifera), where it is primarily found in the skin but also in its seeds, and also in the roots of hellebore (Veratrum album), from where it was originally isolated by Takaoka back in 1940 [7], and in more than other 70 plant species, among which we can mention berries and peanuts [1].

In spite nowadays it is widely known that resveratrol may exert many health benefits, as for example stop breast cancer cell growth, increase longevity, be cardioprotective, neuroprotective [2], to treat pain, inflammation, tissue injury and even beneficial against coronary heart disease [1], something that was only found back in 1992, it hasn't been until recently that resveratrol properties to reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases as Alzheimer's disease got such evidence of effectiveness.

RESVERATROL

Formula: 3,5,4'-trihydroxy-trans-stilbene
Occurrence: Red grapes, berries, peanuts, hellebore