In an animal study, published in Carcinogenesis (2007 Sept;28(9):1946-53), resveratrol was found to offer protection from prostate cancer. Resveratrol is a phytoalexin, which is a substance produced by a plant to protect it from invading microorganisms; it is also a powerful antioxidant. Similarly, it may offer protection to the cells of animals that consume it. Beginning at age five weeks, mice bred to be prone toward prostate cancer were divided into two groups. One group was fed a normal diet and the other was given a normal diet with added resveratrol. The rats were examined at age 12 weeks and at age 28 weeks. In the rats given the resveratrol, the incidence of prostate cancer was reduced 7.7 fold.