Do the wonders of wine ever cease?
A new study has determined that red wine may assist in treating anxiety and depression.
Wine contains the plant compound resveratrol which is found in the skin and seeds of grapes and berries.
A study led by the University at Buffalo that was published in the journal Neuropharmacology found that resveratrol displays anti-stress effects by blocking the expression of an enzyme related to the control of stress in the brain.
“Resveratrol may be an effective alternative to drugs for treating patients suffering from depression and anxiety disorders,” said co-lead author and research associate professor in the UB School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dr. Ying Xu.
The hormone corticosterone regulates the body’s response to stress. Excessive amounts of corticosterone have been shown to affect phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) which causes depression and anxiety-like behavior. Resveratrol inhibits the expression of PDE4.
Sounds like a good enough reason to pour yourself a glass at dinner time.
