As it's the festive season, I suppose you won't need another reason to drink up, me hearties.

Nevertheless, scientists have found potential anti-cancer agents in red wine.

Acutissimin A blocks the action of an important enzyme, and in so doing might prevent the growth of cancerous cells. In preliminary tests, it has proved 250 times more potent than the clinical anti-cancer drug VP-16.

"Acutissimin A belongs to a broad class of chemicals called the polyphenols, which are present in fruits, vegetables and drinks made from them. Polyphenols in red wine, green tea and chocolate are known to be antioxidants, which might reduce the risk of heart disease and atherosclerosis. Polyphenols also react with components of saliva to produce the astringency that gives red wine its distinctive taste."

It does strike me that pharmaceutical companies want to take all the fun out of potential treatments by synthesizing the stuff, though.