Element found in red wine 'protects against various diseases'

A new pill could be set to reach the market that utilises a substance found in red wine to protect the body against several conditions that might be developed in old age.

Scientists at the Harvard Medical School have identified the resveratrol compound and monitored the way it helps to sustain good health, the Daily Express reports.

It is thought a drug derived from the substance would protect the body against several conditions, including Alzheimer's, cancer and heart disease.

As the UK struggles to deal with an ageing population, the amount of people diagnosed with these diseases is putting a significant strain on the NHS.

According to research published in the latest edition of the Science journal, the team discovered "conclusive evidence" that resveratrol actively aids health and longevity in the animal models it was tested on. Further research is planned to see if it has the same effect in humans.

Dr Simon Ridley, head of research at Alzheimer’s Research UK, said: "There is still a way to go to know whether these results would translate into benefits in people."

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