MOLECULE

Dihydroresveratrol

Dihydroresveratrol or 5-[2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethyl]benzene-1,3-diol is a stilbenol where hydroxy groups at positions 1, 3 and 4' are added to 1,1'-ethane-1,2-diyldibenzene. Dihydroresveratrol is an aromatic polyketide, which contains alternating carbonyl groups and methylene groups. Dihydroresveratrol is a very hydrophobic molecule, practically insoluble in water, and relatively neutral. Dihydroresveratrol is a non-cannabinoid estrogenic compound found in cannabis (PMID: 6991645). Dihydroresveratrol, a prominent polyphenol component of red wine (PMID: 20630177), has a profound proliferative effect on hormone-sensitive tumor cell lines at picomolar concentrations. Dihydroresveratol is a derivative of resveratol and one of the main metabolites of two stereoisomers of resveratol, trans resveratrol and cis resveratrol. Dihydroresveratrol is formed in the intestine by microbial hydrogenation of trans-resveratrol (PMID: 20509689). Trans-resveratrol is a common component of fruits and berries, particularly grapes (Vitis vinifera), where it is formed as a response to the stress of weather conditions, microbe infections, or direct sunlight. Cis resveratrol is as a minor component in some berries, grapes, and wines along with trans-resveratrol (PMID: 20813524). Resveratrol has received special attention due to its diverse and potentially beneficial biological properties. The compound is currently on the market as a popular dietary supplement and is under clinical trials for treatment of some types of cancers (PMID: 25446990), metabolic syndrome, Alzheimer’s disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity (PMID: 25790328), neurologic syndrome, and some symptoms of aging.