A review: Potential of resveratrol and its analogues to mitigate diseases via gut microbial modulation

Abstract

The stilbenoids form a group of bioactive phenolic compounds found in various plant species whose original functions are to act as protective compounds against microbial infections and toxins. Among the stilbenoids, resveratrol is the most well-studied and has been shown to exert multiple benefits in disease prevention. The bioavailability of resveratrol is one of the major limitations in its role as a disease-prevention agent; however, it has exhibited biological activity in animals and clinical models. Gut microbiota may play a role in overcoming limited bioavailability via microbial transformations. On the other hand, the modulatory effects of stilbenoids on gut microbial dysbiosis induced by several diseases can be crucial in disease alleviation. In addition to gut microbial metabolites, such as SCFAs (short-chain fatty acids), stilbenoids can be used to inhibit microbial growth, making their use a potential strategy in preventing disease progression. In this review, the interactions of stilbenoids (with a major focus on resveratrol and pterostilbene) and gut microbiota will be discussed to clarify the importance of gut microbiota in the strategy of “disease prevention via phytochemicals.”