A controversial red wine chemical may have long-lasting effects on the body, according to British researchers who are studying its cancer-fighting potential.
Studies have shown that the chemical resveratrol rapidly succumbs to the body’s metabolism – casting in doubt its potential as a drug.
But the Leicester University researchers say that enzymes in animal cells break the new chemicals, resveratrol sulfates, down – leading to the original chemical being restored.
Yesterday researchers warned that resveratrol should not be used to treat multiple sclerosis – and might harm patients with the condition.
The latest findings were being published in the journal Science Translational Medicine.
The Leicester researchers say the metabolic process may lead to increased concentrations of the chemical in the body.
Researcher Professor Karen Brown said: “It has always been difficult to understand how resveratrol is able to have activity in animal models when the concentrations present are so low, and it has made some people sceptical about whether it might have any effects in humans.
"There is a lot of strong evidence from laboratory models that resveratrol can do a whole host of beneficial things – from protecting against a variety of cancers and heart disease to extending lifespan."
She added: “Overall, I think our findings are very encouraging for all types of medical research on resveratrol. They help to justify future clinical trials where, previously, it may have been difficult to argue that resveratrol can be useful in humans because of the low detectable concentrations."
Dr Sarah Williams, of Cancer Research UK, which is backing the research, said: "This interesting study supports continued research into resveratrol as a therapeutic molecule, but it’s important to note that any benefits from the molecule don’t come from drinking red wine.
"It’s well established that drinking any type of alcohol, including red wine, increases the risk of developing cancer."
Sulfate Metabolites Provide an Intracellular Pool for Resveratrol Generation and Induce Autophagy with Senescence. Science Translational Medicine 3 October 2013
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