Comparative Studies of the Antioxidant Effects of Cis- and Trans- Resveratrol

TLDR

Resveratrol exists as cis and trans isomers, with trans abundant in grape skins and red wines and known for anti‑inflammatory and anticarcinogenic effects, while the cis form is present in wine but its pharmacological activity remains largely unknown. This review aims to compare the antioxidant effects of cis and trans resveratrol across various experimental models. The authors analyze comparative studies evaluating antioxidant activity of the two isomers in different in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo settings. Keywords: resveratrol isomers, NAD(P)H oxidase, xanthine oxidase, inducible nitric oxide synthase, murine macrophages, antioxidant activity, free radicals, wine.

Abstract

Resveratrol (3,4,5-trihydroxystilbene, RESV) is a natural phenolic compound that exists as cis and trans isomers [c-RESV or (Z)-RESV and t-RESV or (E)-RESV, respectively]. t-RESV is a natural component of Vitis vinifera L. (Vitaceae), abundant in the skin of grapes (but not in the flesh) and in the leaf epidermis, and present in wines, especially red wines. In in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo experiments t-RESV exhibits a number of biological activities, including anti-inflammatory and anticarcinogenic properties. RESV also exists in wines as a cis isomer, which (unlike t-RESV) is not currently available commercially; as a result, little is known about this isomers pharmacological activity. In this review, I will focus on the few comparative studies of the antioxidant effects of the two RESV isomers in different experimental models. Keywords: Resveratrol isomers, NAD(P)H oxidase, xanthine oxidase, inducible nitric oxide synthase, murine macrophages, antioxidant activity, free radicals, wine