2026, Issue-5, Volume 18

MOLECULAR MECHANISMS AND THERAPEUTIC POTENTIAL OF RESVERATROL

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Alejandra Torres-Flores1,2, Ana-Lucia Novelo-Aguirre1,2, Sofia-Joseline Sandoval-Villagrana1,2, Tania González-Cortés2, Iraís Castillo-Maldonado2, Dealmy Delgadillo-Guzmán1, Cecilia Hernández-Morales3, Agustina Ramirez-Moreno4, Erika Flores-Loyola4, Joaquín Avalos-Soto5, Miguel Ángel Téllez-López5, Gladis Michel-Ramírez2 and David Pedroza-Escobar*2

1Facultad de Medicina. Universidad Autonoma de Coahuila. Unidad Laguna. Torreon, Coahuila, 27000, Mexico., 2Centro de Investigacion Biomedica. Universidad Autonoma de Coahuila. Unidad Laguna. Torreon, Coahuila, 27000, Mexico., 3Facultad de Odontologia. Universidad Autonoma de Coahuila. Unidad Laguna. Torreon, Coahuila, 27000, Mexico., 4Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas. Universidad Autonoma de Coahuila. Unidad Laguna. Torreón, Coahuila, 27275, Mexico. 5Cuerpo Académico Farmacia y Productos Naturales, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Juárez del Estado de Durango, Gómez Palacio, Mexico

Email: dpedroza@uadec.edu.mx

Received-28.04.2026, Revised-14.05.2026, Accepted-30.05.2026

Abstract: Trans-resveratrol is a polyphenol that belongs to the stilbene family. In nature, resveratrol works primarily as a phytoalexin., it is synthesized by more than 70 plant species as a primary defense mechanism against environmental stressors, such as prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation or fungal and bacterial infections. Among the richest botanical sources is the Vitis vinifera plant whose fruits store this compound mainly in the skin of the grapes. Berries, blueberries and cranberries are a known source of resveratrol. Polygonum cuspidatum is a plant used as a source of resveratrol extraction for use in dietary supplements. Other sources of resveratrol include various trees like eucalyptus and floral species such as lilies. Several studies have documented different medicinal effects of resveratrol on human health, including its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective, and neuroprotective properties. For human consumption, this antioxidant is available in a variety of everyday foods, especially red and purple fruits, peanuts, grapes and red wine. The maceration process of red wine, which includes the skin, seeds, and woody parts of the plant, facilitates a very high concentration of this compound, giving it great nutritional value. On a structural level, resveratrol is composed of two aromatic rings linked by a carbon-carbon double bond, allowing it to exist in cis and trans configurations. The trans form is the most stable and, therefore, the most used in health research. Its synthesis occurs through three condensation reactions mediated by the enzyme stilbene synthase. Conclusions: Trans-resveratrol is a naturally occurring polyphenolic stilbene synthesized by numerous plant species as part of their defense mechanisms against environmental stress conditions. It is found in human foods such as grapes, berries, peanuts, and red wine. Several studies have documented its potential benefits for human health.

Keywords: Medicinal properties, Resveratrol, Stilbene, Phenolics, Trans-resveratrol

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