Hopeaphenol

Hopeaphenol is a stilbenoid, a type of natural phenol, that is classified under the category of resveratrol oligomers. It is a compound that is found in the heartwood of certain plants, including the Hopea species, from which it derives its name.

Chemical Structure

Hopeaphenol is a polyphenol, specifically a stilbenoid. Stilbenoids are a class of phenolic compounds that are characterized by a 1,2-diphenylethylene nucleus. Hopeaphenol is an oligomer of resveratrol, a type of stilbenoid that is found in various plants, including grapes, blueberries, and peanuts. The chemical structure of hopeaphenol includes six resveratrol units linked together.

Natural Occurrence

Hopeaphenol is found in the heartwood of several species of the genus Hopea, which includes about 196 species of trees in the family Dipterocarpaceae. These trees are native to the tropical regions of Asia, including India, Malaysia, and the Philippines. The compound is also found in the heartwood of Vitis vinifera, the common grape vine.

Biological Activity

Hopeaphenol has been studied for its potential biological activities, including its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. It has been found to exhibit significant antioxidant activity, which is believed to be due to its polyphenolic structure. The compound has also been found to inhibit the production of prostaglandin E2, a compound involved in inflammation, in human cells. In addition, hopeaphenol has been found to inhibit the growth of certain types of cancer cells in laboratory studies.

See Also

• Resveratrol
• Stilbenoid
• Phenol
• Dipterocarpaceae