Overview of Cellular Mechanisms and Signaling Pathways of Piceatannol

Stilbenoids are a group of naturally occurring phenolic compounds found in various plant species. They share a common backbone structure known as stilbene. However, differences in the nature and position of substituents have made it possible to produce many derivatives. Piceatannol [PT], a hydroxylated derivative from resveratrol, exerts various biological activities ranging from cancer prevention, cardio- protection, neuro-protection, anti-diabetic, depigmentation and so on. Although positive results were obtained in most cell culture and animal studies, the relevant cellular and molecular mechanisms of cytokines and signaling pathway about their biological effects still unclear. Thus, in the current review, we focus on the latest findings of PT on cellular biology in order to better understand the underlying therapeutic mechanisms of PT among various diseases.