Abstract
Resveratrol is a phytoalexin produced by many plants as a defense mechanism against stress-inducing conditions. The richest dietary sources of resveratrol are berries and grapes, their juices and wines. Good bioavailability of resveratrol is not reflected in its high biological activity in vivo because of resveratrol isomerization and its poor solubility in aqueous solutions. Proteins, cyclodextrins and nanomaterials have been explored as innovative delivery vehicles for resveratrol to overcome this limitation. Numerous in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrated beneficial effects of resveratrol in cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Main beneficial effects of resveratrol intake are cardioprotective, anti-hypertensive, vasodilatory, anti-diabetic, and improvement of lipid status. As resveratrol can alleviate the numerous factors associated with CVD, it has potential as a functional supplement to reduce COVID-19 illness severity in patients displaying poor prognosis due to cardio-vascular complications. Resveratrol was shown to mitigate the major pathways involved in the pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 including regulation of the renin-angiotensin system and expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, stimulation of immune system and downregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokine release. Therefore, several studies already have anticipated potential implementation of resveratrol in COVID-19 treatment. Regular intake of a resveratrol rich diet, or resveratrol-based complementary medicaments, may contribute to a healthier cardio-vascular system, prevention and control of CVD, including COVID-19 disease related complications of CVD.
Highlights
An interesting study showed that resveratrol and its metabolites are present in human low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particles after moderate wine consumption (250 mL). These results indicate that LDL particles represent another way of resveratrol transportation in circulation
Solid scientific evidence on the beneficial effects of resveratrol in prevention and control of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) has for long been an excuse for wine lovers to get yet another glass of wine: Mediterranean diet despite high intake of saturated fat and moderate intake of wine does not predispose for cardiovascular disorders
Data gathered from in vitro studies confirmed specific molecular targets of resveratrol action that could directly be attributed to its role in prevention and control of CVD
Summary
Resveratrol oligomers (ROs) can be found in several plants They are biosynthesized by the successive condensation of resveratrol units and their structural diversity originates from patterns of phenoxy radical–radical coupling. This phenomenon yields various fused-ring systems containing asymmetric carbons, resulting in regioisomerism and stereoisomerism [8]. Aromatic rings and a double bond enable resveratrol to be modified into derivatives with higher bioactivity as well as diversified therapeutic efficacies. Structure–activity relationship (SAR) studies indicate that the bioactivity and the stability of resveratrol might be improved after modification of its hydroxyl groups, benzene rings and double C-C bond leading to the formation of resveratrol derivatives [10]. Throughout recent decades, medicinal chemists have synthesized a lot of novel derivatives and analogues of resveratrol using different modification strategies to improve its pharmacokinetic properties and its biological activity, such as anticarcinogenic activity [13]
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