Natural Oligostilbenes

More than 200 naturally occurring oligostilbenes isolated from plant kingdom are grouped into I-V structural types. They are a special kind of polyphenolic natural products with multi-faceted bioactivities. This article will review their classification, distribution, spectral characteristics, biological activities (anti-fungal, antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticarcinogenic activities, etc.) and mimetic biosynthesis.