trans-Resveratro

Molecular Formula C14H12O3

Synonyms resveratrol
501-36-0
trans-resveratrol
3,4',5-Trihydroxystilbene
(E)-5-(4-Hydroxystyryl)benzene-1,3-diol

Molecular Weight 228.24 g/mol

Resveratrol is a stilbenol that is stilbene in which the phenyl groups are substituted at positions 3, 5, and 4' by hydroxy groups. It has a role as a phytoalexin, an antioxidant, a glioma-associated oncogene inhibitor and a geroprotector. It is a stilbenol, a polyphenol and a member of resorcinols.

Resveratrol (3,5,4'-trihydroxystilbene) is a polyphenolic phytoalexin. It is a stilbenoid, a derivate of stilbene, and is produced in plants with the help of the enzyme stilbene synthase. It exists as cis-(Z) and trans-(E) isomers. The trans- form can undergo isomerisation to the cis- form when heated or exposed to ultraviolet irradiation. In a 2004 issue of Science, Dr. Sinclair of Harvard University said resveratrol is not an easy molecule to protect from oxidation. It has been claimed that it is readily degraded by exposure to light, heat, and oxygen. However, studies find that Trans-resveratrol undergoes negligible oxidation in normal atmosphere at room temperature.

Resveratrol is a plant polyphenol found in high concentrations in red grapes that has been proposed as a treatment for hyperlipidemia and to prevent fatty liver, diabetes, atherosclerosis and aging. Resveratrol use has not been associated with serum enzyme elevations or with clinically apparent liver injury.