Benefits of Resveratrol and Pterostilbene to Crops and Their Potential Nutraceutical Value to Mammals

Resveratrol and its dimethoxylated derivative, pterostilbene, are produced by several plant species, including a few edible crops such as peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.), grapes (Vitis spp.), and blueberries (Vaccinium spp.), as well some plants used in traditional medicine. Both compounds are inducible, antimicrobial compounds with activity against both plant pathogenic bacteria and fungi, an activity apparently not directly related to their strong antioxidant activity. An amazing number of nutraceutical properties have been claimed for both compounds, including antioxidant, antiaging, anti-cholesterol, anticancer, antidiabetic and other beneficial activities. Most evidence supports the view that pterostilbene is more active for most of these effects, due in part to its greater biological availability. However, the amount of these compounds in most diets is insufficient to provide these health benefits. Dietary supplements of formulated pure compounds can now provide sufficient dietary levels for these effects, as transgenic crops in the future might also do.