3,4',5-trans-Trimethoxystilbene; a natural analogue of resveratrol with enhanced anticancer potency

Invest New Drugs. 2015 Jun;33(3):775-86. doi: 10.1007/s10637-015-0222-x. Epub 2015 Feb 28.

Abstract

Resveratrol is a phytoalexin produced by many plant species as a defence mechanism. Over the last decade, this polyphenol has been reported to be active against multiple targets associated with chronic disorders. However, its poor pharmacokinetic profile, as well as multiple discrepancies related to its in vitro and in vivo profile, has resulted not only on the study of suitable delivery systems, but the use of resveratrol derivatives. In this regard, the 3,4',5-trans-trimethoxystilbene (TMS), a natural analogue of resveratrol, has emerged as a strong candidate. TMS has an enhanced anticancer profile compared to resveratrol, exhibiting higher potency than resveratrol, as shown by multiple reports describing an improved cancer cell proliferation inhibition, induction of cell cycle arrest, decreased metastasis, reduced angiogenesis, and increased apoptosis. In this review, we provide a concise summary of results reported in the literature, related to the similarities and differences between resveratrol and TMS, and we submit to the scientific community that TMS is a promising and (still) understudied natural agent candidate, with potential applications in cancer research. Nevertheless, based on the available evidence, we also submit to the scientific community that TMS may also find a niche in any other research area in which resveratrol has been used.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents / chemistry
  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacokinetics
  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology*
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Antioxidants / metabolism
  • Apoptosis / drug effects
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Proliferation / drug effects
  • Free Radical Scavengers / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Inhibitory Concentration 50
  • Neoplasm Metastasis
  • Neoplasms / blood supply
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Neoplasms / pathology
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic / drug therapy
  • Resveratrol
  • Stilbenes / chemistry
  • Stilbenes / pharmacokinetics
  • Stilbenes / pharmacology*
  • Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays

Substances

  • 3,4',5-trimethoxystilbene
  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Antioxidants
  • Free Radical Scavengers
  • Stilbenes
  • Resveratrol