Resveratrol is purported to possess cancer preventive activity, especially for colon cancer,
though its mechanisms of action are not well defined. Resveratrol is found in the skin of
grapes and has anti-oxidative and pro-apoptotic effects on cancer cell lines in vitro. The
main dietary sources of resveratrol are grapes, grape products, and red wine, and small
amounts may be found in mulberries. A prior report and compelling preliminary data from our
laboratory suggest that resveratrol modulates Wnt signaling, a signaling pathway which is
activated in over 85% of colon cancers. In this proposal, studies were performed to define
the actions of resveratrol on the Wnt signaling pathway in a clinical trial in which patients
with colon cancer received treatment with Resveratrol, and correlative laboratory studies
examined its effects directly on colon cancer and normal colonic mucosa. These studies
provided data on the mechanisms of resveratrol action and provided a foundation for future
prevention trials, correlative studies and therapeutic clinical research with this agent.