Resveratrol May Benefit Oral Health

Resveratrol, a bioactive compound found in grapes and red wine, has been most extensively studied to-date for its potential to increase lifespan in laboratory models of aging, as well as for its anti-inflammatory benefits that may extend cardiovascular, cancer diabetes benefits in humans. R. W. K. Wong, from The University of Hong Kong (Hong Kong), and colleagues studied the effects of resveratrol on two strains of bacteria involved in periodontal disease. After incubating the bacteria with resveratrol for one hour, significant decreases in the bacteria counts were observed; no viable bacterial cells were observed after 24 hours of incubation with resveratrol.  The researchers conclude that: “The results suggest that resveratrol possesses significant antimicrobial properties on periodontal pathogens in vitro.”