Resveratrol: Biological Activities and Therapeutic Potential

Resveratrol is a polyphenolic flavonoid initially identified as a phytoalexin and as a major constituent of red wine. However interest in this molecule initially developed as a cardioprotective agent and in due course of time therapeutic actions came into limelight. This article explores the different therapeutic activities of Resveratrol and highlights their possible mode of action responsible for its therapeutic action. It becomes evident from this article that Resveratrol has a pharmacological agent that has widespread targets and therefore due emphasis on specific biological action need to be addressed using medicinal chemistry and quantitative structure activity relationships in developing new congeners of Resveratrol to be exploited as drugs.