Concentration of the Phytoalexin Resveratrol in Wine

Resveratrol is a phytoalexin found in grapes. Recent research had shown that orally administered resveratrol lowered lipid levels in the liver of rats. Wine had been shown to lower serum lipid levels in humans. The concentration of resveratrol was measured in selected wines using HPLC and spectrophotometry. Geographical origin, variety, growing methods, and winemaking procedures all seemed to affect resveratrol concentration. Analysis of wines indicated that resveratrol may be the active ingredient in wines causing reduction of serum lipids.