Synthesis of novel derivatives of resveratrol and screening for potential cancer chemopreventive activities

Resveratrol (trans-3,4’,5-trihydroxystilbene) has attracted the attention of the biomedical researchers because of its beneficial physiological effects it produces. Positive effects of resveratrol has been observed in the field of cardiovascular diseases and neurodegenerative disorders. It has been also identified as a potent cancer chemopreventive agent in assays representing the three major stages of carcinogenesis (i.e. tumor initiation, promotion and progression). We have synthesized a variety of Resveratrol analogues by chemical modification of the parent trihydroxy stilbene skeleton. The compounds were screened for cancer chemopreventive potential using a series of bioassays relevant for the prevention of carcinogenesis in humans (inhibition of cytochrome P450 1A; determination of NAD(P)H:quinone reductase activity; scavenging of radicals; inhibition of cyclooxygenase activity; inhibition of NO synthase; antiestrogenic and estrogenic activity).