Chemotherapeutic Properties of Naturally Occurring Stilbene Polyphenol-Resveratrol

Stilbenes are low molecular weight polyphenols found in many plant species as plant antibiotics and produced in response to infection or stress as plant protectants. Many naturally occurring stilbene compounds like resveratrol (3,5,4‘ trihydroxystilbene) has multi-functional effects such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and cardio-protectant and recent studies focused on its positive effect on age related infertility problems. It increases vasorelaxation, lowers cholesterol, improves RBC deformability, activates potassium channels, positive effect on myocardial remodeling and inhibits platelet aggregation. Res involves in the prevention and treatment of autoimmune diseases by elevating proteoglycan level. Resveratrol activates anti-aging genes and extends life span in lower organisms. It is also known to exert nueroprotective property. This review article mainly focused on the therapeutic properties of stilbenes, such as resveratrol.