New research shows the chemical compound, resveratrol, which is found in grape skins and red wine, can make certain tumour cells more likely to take to radiation treatment.
The latest research about wine comes from the University of Missouri and it concerns resveratrol, an organic compound thought to have anti-cancer properties and that is used as an anti-inflammatory drug. It is a natural compound produced in various plants to prevent bacterial and fungal infections.
The new research studied melanoma cells and radiation treatment. The studies showed combining a low level of resveratrol with cancer cells enhanced the effectiveness of the radiation treatment.
The next step is for researchers to develop a successful method to deliver the compound to tumour sites and potentially treat many types of cancers. As a note of caution, the research does not imply that consuming large quantities of wine protects against cancer; instead, the research is about a chemical extract that is found in high quantities in wine.
The findings have been reported in the Journal of Surgical Research.
