There's no better way to unwind for many people after a stressful day, than with a glass of delicious red wine
A new study has now suggested why sinking a glass or two can help de-stress - and alcohol has nothing to do with it.
Researchers from the University of Buffalo have found that a chemical in red wine called resveratrol has anti-stress effects.
Dr Ying Xu, co-lead author of the study, said: “Resveratrol may be an effective alternative to drugs for treating patients suffering from depression and anxiety disorders.”
While previous studies have demonstrated the antidepressant effects of resveratrol, this is the first time that its anti-stress effects have been discovered, reports MirrorOnline.
In the study, the researchers looked at resveratrol’s effect on phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4), an enzyme influenced by the stress hormone corticosterone, in mice.
Corticosterone regulates the body's response to stress. However, too much stress can lead to excessive amounts of the hormone circulating in the brain and the development of depression or other mental disorders.
Their study revealed that when induced by excessive amounts of corticosterone, PDE4 causes depression and anxiety.
However, when the mice were given resveratrol, PDE4 was inhibited, meaning the animals did not become depressed or anxious.
Based on the findings, the researchers hope that resveratrol could be used to develop novel anti-anxiety medication, as well as antidepressants.
