The unusually low incidence of atherosclerosis and its complications in wine drinking areas has been known for some years as the so-called French paradox. The authors analyze in detail the content of polyphenolic substances in wine and their relationship with this fact. They discuss in detail the physiological action of polyphenols, in particular the most effective ones Œ bioflavonoids ad trans-resveratol. These substances which have an anti-inflammatory, anti-tumourous, antithrombogenic and antioxidant action and promote vasodilatation by influencing nitrous oxide production in the vascular endothelium are mostly responsible for the favourable effect of red wine on retarding atherogenesis. The alcohol content of wine potentiates the effect in particular by raising HDL lipoprotein levels and facilitating intestinal absorption of antioxidant polyphenols.

        Key words: antioxidants - polyphenols - bioflavonoids - transresveratrol - atherogenesis - wine - alcohol