Plasma, urine and tissue levels of trans- and cis-resveratrol (3,4',5-trihydroxystilbene) after short-term or prolonged administration of red wine to rats.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the absorption, the concentration in different organs and the excretion of natural trans- and cis-resveratrol after red wine oral administration to rats. A first group of animals was given a dose of 4 ml of red wine containing 6.5 mg/l of total resveratrol. The animals were sacrificed at different time intervals. A second group of rats was given a daily dose of 2 ml of red wine containing 6.5 mg/l of total resveratrol for fifteen days. Total resveratrol concentrations were measured in plasma, urine, heart, liver and kidney. Even though the amount of resveratrol found in these different tissues was lower than that required for pharmacological activity, it is possible that prolonged administration of red wine in the diet could lead to an increased resveratrol concentration in different tissues and this could explain its suggested beneficial role against coronary heart disease.