Resveratrol is a type of polyphenol, which is a plant compound that has anti-oxidant properties. Grape skins have high concentrations of resveratrol, which is why it appears abundantly in red wine. Peanuts, raspberries, the herb knotweed, and certain other plants also have high concentrations of the compound. Resveratrol‘s anti-cancer properties were first found in 1997, and the compound has been intensely studied since.

The Latest Research

The most recent research in cell cultures, or myeloma cells bred and maintained in labs, finds that resveratrol can kill myeloma cells and reduce the symptoms of multiple myeloma in several ways:

• University of Texas scientists showed that resveratrol suppressed the genes that protect myeloma cells from dying. In experiments, resveratrol killed myeloma cells that were resistant to chemotherapy and enhanced the effects of Velcade (bortezomib) and thalidomide (Thalomid). The scientists published their study in the journal Blood (abstract) in December 2006.
• Scientists at Huazhong University of Science and Technology in Wuhan, China, showed that resveratrol suppresses proteins that myeloma cells need to grow quickly. However, they found that the doses they used were much higher than the levels found in people after drinking red wine or even eating pure resveratrol. They suggested further studies look at applying resveratrol directly to tumors. The journal Acta Pharmacologica Sinica (abstract) published their results in November 2006.
• A study done at the Vejle Hospital in Denmark supported findings that resveratrol enhances myeloma cell death. Additionally, the Vejle scientists showed that resveratrol healed bones. It inhibited the cells that break down bone and worked with vitamin D to build new bone. The study appeared in the journal Cancer Research in November 2005.

All the studies suggested that resveratrol is relatively safe. It often causes fewer side effects than the chemotherapy drugs commonly used today. Resveratrol is an “ideal molecule” for chemotherapy, wrote scientists in a review published in the Archives of Biochemistry and Biophysics (abstract) in January.

“I am hoping safe agents like resveratrol are pursued actively,” wrote Dr. Bharat Aggarwal, a University of Texas cancer researcher, in an e-mail to the Myeloma Beacon. “Cell culture data tells us that resveratrol has the potential against multiple myeloma cells but it is not conclusive.”

There are a “million reasons” why cell line studies might not translate directly to treatments, he continued. “Perhaps the most important is that the human body is more complex than a few cells in culture.”

In his Blood publication, he and his colleagues wrote that resveratrol’s apparent safety and efficacy merited clinical trials.

The Myeloma Beacon found one clinical trial on resveratrol and multiple myeloma. The Phase 2, GlaxoSmithKline trial is currently recruiting participants in Denmark and the United Kingdom. However, no other ongoing trials or published results could be found.

“We need more trials,” wrote Aggarwal.

Drinking Red Wine

How the published research applies to red wine consumption is uncertain. There are no studies on drinking red wine and multiple myeloma. Studies about red wine and other cancers had mixed results.

In February, the Journal of the National Cancer Institute (abstract) published research that showed that drinking any alcohol, including red wine, increased women’s risk of some cancers but decreased women’s risk of other cancers.

Red wine’s effects on prostate cancer made the news in 2007, but the newest research suggests otherwise. A 2005 Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center study found that drinking red wine was associated with lowered risk, but studies since have seen no correlation. Examples include a June Kaiser Permanente (abstract) study and a 2007 Johns Hopkins study, both published in the International Journal of Cancer.

Resveratrol Supplements

Considering the positive results of resveratrol cell line studies, however, people with multiple myeloma may decide to try one of the many resveratrol capsules and powders on the market. Those who do should keep in mind that at the moment, resveratrol is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration as a dietary supplement. Companies who make it are responsible for ensuring it is safe, but do not need to register with the FDA.

After a supplement is on the market, the FDA monitors its safety but not its effectiveness. There is not yet any medical standard for how much resveratrol patients should take, or how often. Patients can read tips on how to choose supplements on the FDA’s Web site.

Though many companies follow the rules, patients should beware of those who do not. One resveratrol manufacturer drew high-profile lawsuits and criticism last month, reported the New York Times. Business watchdog the Better Business Bureau slammed FWM Laboratories Inc.’s “grossly misleading” advertising and fraudulent business practices.

It may be a while yet before resveratrol is tested to modern medicine’s standards of safety and efficacy. Meanwhile, patients have many factors to consider before choosing to drink red wine in moderation or to take resveratrol supplements. Patients should always consult their physician before taking resveratrol or changing their consumption of red wine.