Sato et al. demonstrated that an ethanol-free red wine extract as well as trans-resveratrol, one of the major antioxidants found in red wines, protected the hearts from the negative effects of ischemia (a restriction in blood supply to tissues). This was seen after an improvement in post-ischemic ventricular function and reduction of myocardial infarction occurred. Rats were treated with 10 μM trans-resveratrol (RVT), with 0.07% ethanol, or with 0.07% ethanol plus 10 mμM RVT. An hour after reperfusion or blood restoration, the findings suggested that the cardio-protective effects of the red wine were comparable to those provided by trans-resveratrol. (11)
