Stilbenoids are hydroxylated derivatives of stilbene. They have a C6–C2–C6 structure. In biochemical terms, they belong to the family of phenylpropanoids and share most of their biosynthesis pathway with chalcones. Most stilbenoids are produced by plants, and the only known exception is the antimicrobial stilbenoid drug tapinarof which is biosynthesized by the Gram-negative bacterium Photorhabdus luminescens.

Chemistry

Stilbenoids are hydroxylated derivatives of stilbene and have a C6–C2–C6 structure. They belong to the family of phenylpropanoids and share most of their biosynthesis pathway with chalcones. Under UV irradiation, stilbene and its derivatives undergo intramolecular cyclization, called stilbene photocyclization to form dihydrophenanthrenes. Oligomeric forms are known as oligostilbenoids.

Types

Production

Stilbenoids are produced in various plants, for example they are secondary products of heartwood formation in trees that can act as phytoalexins. Another example is resveratrol, an antifungal which is found in grapes and which has been suggested to have health benefits. Ampelopsin A and Ampelopsin B are resveratrol dimers produced in porcelain berry. A bacterial stilbenoid, (E)-3,5-dihydroxy-4-isopropyl-trans-stilbene, is produced by Photorhabdus which is a bacterial symbiont of insect nematodes called Heterorhabditis. Stilbenoids are secondary metabolites present in Cannabis sativa.

Properties

Phytoalexins have been suggested by some studies to be responsible for resistance to some tree diseases, such as pine wilt.

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