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Resveratrol and Its Derivatives as Phytoalexins

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Bioactive Polyphenols from Wine Grapes

Part of the book series: SpringerBriefs in Cell Biology ((SBCB))

Abstract

Phytoalexins are plant metabolites produced in response to biotic and abiotic stressors. Stilbenes are a class of phytoalexins produced in particularly high levels in the grapevine Vitis vinifera that are of biomedical interest for their activities in mammalian cells. In this chapter we review the biochemistry of stilbene synthesis and briefly outline the role of these compounds in plant physiology. We summarize the steps involved in the synthesis of resveratrol, the most well studied stilbene produced by Vitis vinifera in the context of human health, and show how this molecule serves as the precursor to a variety of structurally similar molecules found in grapevines and red wines. We then discuss current strategies used to enhance stilbene production in the grapevine, and the concentrations of resveratrol and related stilbenes in red wines.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biological Sciences, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON, Canada

    Jeffrey A. Stuart & Ellen L. Robb

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  1. Jeffrey A. Stuart
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  2. Ellen L. Robb
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Stuart, J.A., Robb, E.L. (2013). Resveratrol and Its Derivatives as Phytoalexins. In: Bioactive Polyphenols from Wine Grapes. SpringerBriefs in Cell Biology. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-6968-1_1

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