Wine polyphenols and vascular protective effects

Abstract

Numerous studies indicate that regular intake of polyphenol-rich food and beverages such as red wine is associated with a protective effect on the cardiovascular system. In addition to the antioxidant property, polyphenols may also induce a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system by several other mechanisms including the improvement of the vascular function. Indeed, experimental and clinical studies indicate that polyphenols are potent inducers of two major endothelial vasoprotective mechanisms, the formation of nitric oxide (NO) and the induction of endothelium-derived hyperpolarization (EDH).