Is red wine good for you? And if so, why? How much? And what are the actual benefits? This addition to the SpringerBriefs in Cell Biology series thoroughly but succinctly answers these questions. It covers the biochemistry, health benefits and therapeutic potential of wine grapes.  It begins with  an overview of phytoalexin production in Vitis vinifera (Common Grape Vine), detailing the relationship of resveratrol to analogues such as pterostilbene, piceid and the viniferins (resveratrol oligomers).    The discussion then turns to the hundreds of reports linking resveratrol and related grape vine polyphenols to various beneficial health effects especially cardio- and cerebro- vascular, metabolic, anti-inflammatory and more.  Also addressed are the numerous intracellular mechanisms that have been shown to mediate the effects of these compounds in mammalian cells and tissues.  Finally, the authors discuss aspects of polyphenol bioavailability and how this will influence choices taken for delivering these compounds as nutritional supplements.  A brief chapter containing general conclusions and prospectus rounds out the information.

Dr. Jeffrey A. Stuart is CCOVI Fellow and Associate Professor of Biological Sciences at Brock University in Ontario, Canada. He received both his BSc in Biology and his PhD in Zoology at University of Guelph, in Ontario. He teaches Human Physiology, Cell Physiology and Bioenergetics. His research interest focuses mainly on biological activities of resveratrol and other red-wine polyphenols and the molecular mechanisms underlying longevity. Ellen L. Robb is a PhD candidate in Biology. In 2009, she won the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship to use in pursuing her studies into the cellular mechanisms underlying the positive health effects of resveratrol, an active ingredient in red wine. She has worked in Dr. Stuart's lab since 2006.