Resveratrol as a privileged molecule with antioxidant activity

Abstract

Oxidative stress has a significant impact on the occurrence of many chronic diseases. Antioxidants have ability to prevent, postpone or treat effects of free radicals. Resveratrol is a polyphenol from the class of stilbenes. The importance of this compound is determined by its numerous biological properties. The strong antioxidant potential is of special significance, because of the way it acts in the prevention and treatment of numerous chronic diseases. The antioxidant action of compound is direct, by inhibiting the production of reactive species, and indirect, by influencing the activity of numerous antioxidant enzymes. In the case of analyzing antioxidant potential by known methods, it was observed that RSV had a higher capacity than the standard used. Also, in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrate the activity of compound in prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative, cardiovascular and renal diseases. In addition, RSV is active in preeclampsia and infertility. An important aspect is the fact that polyphenol has the ability to reduce and counteract the adverse effects of some anticancer agents.