stilbenoider

Stilbenoids are a class of naturally occurring organic compounds that are based on the stilbene skeleton, which consists of two phenyl rings connected by a three-carbon bridge. This structure gives them a characteristic conjugated system. They are found in a variety of plants, particularly in grapes, berries, and some legumes, and are synthesized by plants as part of their defense mechanisms against pathogens and herbivores.

The most well-known stilbenoid is resveratrol, which has gained significant attention for its potential health benefits, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Other notable stilbenoids include pterostilbene, piceatannol, and oxyresveratrol. The biological activities of stilbenoids are diverse and can include antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-cancer, cardioprotective, and neuroprotective effects, although much of this research is still in its early stages or conducted in vitro.

Stilbenoids can exist in various forms, including cis and trans isomers, with the trans isomer generally being more biologically active. Their production in plants can be induced by environmental stress, such as fungal infection or UV radiation. Due to their presence in edible plants and their reported health-promoting properties, stilbenoids are of interest in the fields of food science, nutrition, and pharmacology.