Synthesis and bioactivity evaluation of glycosylated resveratrol derivatives as antioxidative neuroprotection agents against cerebral Ischemia-Reperfusion injury

Resveratrol (Res) has long been discovered to have antioxidant effects to prevent such as oxidation, inflammation, neurodegeneration and age-related diseases. However, its poor water solubility, low bioavailability and instability have become a barrier to its pharmaceutical application. In order to improve the neuroprotective effects and develop more potential usage of Res, three Res derivatives containing one or two glucose groups, i.e., Res-Glu1, Res-Glu2 and Res-Glu3, were designed and synthesized through click reaction. Res-Glu1, Res-Glu2 and Res-Glu3 were tested being better water solubility and stability compared to Res. Res derivatives reduced •OH radicals-induced DNA damage. PC12 assays indicated that glucosylated Res derivatives could alleviate H₂O₂-induced neurotoxicity and reduce intracellular ROS generation, demonstrating their neuroprotective effects. In addition, Res derivatives enhanced the protective effects on cerebral ischemia–reperfusion injury in rats. Res-Glu3 displayed the best neuroprotective effects among the three derivatives.