Wine

Scientific Name(s): Vitis vinifera L.

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 21, 2021.

Clinical Overview

Use

Numerous clinical and epidemiological studies document an inverse relationship between red wine consumption and the incidence of some cardiovascular disease and risk factors, including coronary disease, heart failure, hyperlipidemia, metabolic syndrome, and hypertension. However, as with cancer studies, results are equivocal with somewhat high heterogeneity observed among studies. Some results show greater beneficial effects with moderate consumption of red wine than with higher consumption or in nondrinkers. Other trials have investigated red wine for use in depression, and to improve cognitive function and decision making. The antioxidant activity of red wine is fairly well established. For information specific to the activity of resveratrol, a constituent of red wine, see the Resveratrol monograph.

Dosing

Red wine extract supplements are available in numerous dosages and doseforms. Clinical trials evaluating the effects of red wine on risk factors for cardiovascular disease (eg, blood pressure, LDL) have used the following dosages: 125 mL twice daily (total daily dose, 250 mL) of red wine or red wine-onion extract for 10 weeks; or 150 mL of red wine with dinner for 6 months. Higher red wine consumption (200 to 300 mL/day) for 4 weeks was evaluated in premenopausal women to determine effects on blood pressure.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to red wine or any of its components. Anaphylactic reactions have been documented. Alcohol consumption is contraindicated in patients with viral hepatitis (eg, hepatitis B and C).

Pregnancy/Lactation

Avoid use during pregnancy and lactation because of the risk of birth defects and fetal alcohol syndrome. Avoid nonprescription supplements because of the lack of clinical data.

Interactions

Red wine is reported to be an effective reversible inhibitor, but weak irreversible inhibitor, of cytochrome P450 (CYP-450) 3A4 activity. A negative interaction occurred between wine and rosuvastatin in a large multicenter study, although data regarding type of wine used (red vs white) were not reported. Red wine should be used with caution when coadministered with other medications.

Adverse Reactions

Adverse reactions to pure wine are rare. However, because the vast majority of commercially prepared wines now contain sulfites as preservatives, individuals sensitive to these chemicals may develop severe allergic reactions, including wheezing and tachycardia. Headaches following ingestion of some wines have been associated with histamine or tyramine content.

Toxicology

Toxicity with excessive alcohol consumption is well documented.

Scientific Family

• Vitaceae

Source

Wine is an agricultural product created by the natural fermentation of sun-ripened grape juice. Yeast-induced fermentation converts endogenous sugars to alcohol, and the flavors associated with each wine depend on the grape variety, harvesting, and fermentation conditions. While most wines are derived from grapes, fermentation of other fruits and vegetables has yielded wine-like alcoholic beverages. Wine production includes a series of steps, including extraction of juice, fermentation, clarification, and aging.Ensminger 1994, Wine 1986

History

Wine has played an important role in societal development for thousands of years. The first cultivated grapes were grown in Asia Minor around 6000 BC. Archaeologists have uncovered the remains of a 2,600-year-old winery in Israel,Wine 1986 and Egyptian accounts of winemaking date back to...