407
© Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2017
S. Sugathan et al. (eds.), Bioresources and Bioprocess in Biotechnology,
DOI 10.1007/978-981-10-4284-3_17
N. Vijayan • M. Haridas
Inter University Centre for Bioscience, Department of Biotechnology and Microbiology,
Kannur University, Thalassery Campus, Kannur 670 661, Kerala, India
S. Abdulhameed (*)
Inter University Centre for Bioscience, Department of Biotechnology and Microbiology,
School of Life Sciences, Kannur University, Kannur, Kerala, India
e-mail: drsabu@gmail.com
17
Stilbenes and Their Derivatives
in Traditional Medicine
Nimisha Vijayan, Madathilkovilakath Haridas,
and Sabu Abdulhameed
Abstract
Stilbenes are a non-flavanoid class of polyphenols. They are important for their
medicinal values. Stilbenes and their derivatives possess a vast number of applications. Many naturally occurring stilbene compounds like resveratrol have
multi-functional effects such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer and
cardio-protectant, and recent studies have focused on their positive effect on agerelated infertility problems. They increase vasorelaxation, lower cholesterol,
improve Red Blood Cell (RBC) deformability, activate potassium channels, have
a positive effect on myocardial remodelling and inhibit platelet aggregation.
They are abundantly present in wine. They are important for their antioxidant
activity. These compounds are also known as phytoalexins and are found in a
variety of plant species where they are produced against various stresses.
Stilbenes and their derivatives are effective against various diseases, especially
cardiovascular diseases, cancer, etc., and hence they play an important role in
modern medicine. This chapter focuses on the presence and role of stilbene and
its derivatives in traditional Indian medicines and their biological activities.
Keywords
Stilbenes • Polyphenols • Antioxidant activity • Traditional medicine
© Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2017
S. Sugathan et al. (eds.), Bioresources and Bioprocess in Biotechnology,
DOI 10.1007/978-981-10-4284-3_17
N. Vijayan • M. Haridas
Inter University Centre for Bioscience, Department of Biotechnology and Microbiology,
Kannur University, Thalassery Campus, Kannur 670 661, Kerala, India
S. Abdulhameed (*)
Inter University Centre for Bioscience, Department of Biotechnology and Microbiology,
School of Life Sciences, Kannur University, Kannur, Kerala, India
e-mail: drsabu@gmail.com
17
Stilbenes and Their Derivatives
in Traditional Medicine
Nimisha Vijayan, Madathilkovilakath Haridas,
and Sabu Abdulhameed
Abstract
Stilbenes are a non-flavanoid class of polyphenols. They are important for their
medicinal values. Stilbenes and their derivatives possess a vast number of applications. Many naturally occurring stilbene compounds like resveratrol have
multi-functional effects such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer and
cardio-protectant, and recent studies have focused on their positive effect on agerelated infertility problems. They increase vasorelaxation, lower cholesterol,
improve Red Blood Cell (RBC) deformability, activate potassium channels, have
a positive effect on myocardial remodelling and inhibit platelet aggregation.
They are abundantly present in wine. They are important for their antioxidant
activity. These compounds are also known as phytoalexins and are found in a
variety of plant species where they are produced against various stresses.
Stilbenes and their derivatives are effective against various diseases, especially
cardiovascular diseases, cancer, etc., and hence they play an important role in
modern medicine. This chapter focuses on the presence and role of stilbene and
its derivatives in traditional Indian medicines and their biological activities.
Keywords
Stilbenes • Polyphenols • Antioxidant activity • Traditional medicine