[Polyphenolic compounds of the stilbenoid class: classification, representatives, content in plant raw materials, structural features, use in the food industry and pharmacy].

Nowadays, more than 300 representatives of stilbenoids are known - a group of natural, synthetic and semi-synthetic biologic active substances, according to the chemical structure belonging to the group of polyphenolic compounds - phenylpropanoids. Representatives of this group of compounds can be detected in such classes of plants as gymnosperms, angiosperms, bryophytes and pteridophyte. The main food sources are the fruits of grapes, blueberries, blueberries, peanuts, cocoa. The history of their detection is associated with the discovery of the protective functions of plants in response to the action of external stimuli. Further study revealed pronounced antioxidant properties. The mechanism of development of many diseases is associated with the processes of oxidation of free radicals, which can be interrupted by the effect of antioxidants. Possible mechanisms of antioxidant action of stilbenoids and their effect on diseases caused by excessive amounts of free radicals have been studied. Stilbenoids increase the tone and stability of the body to stress factors of the environment, improve the adaptive capacity of the nervous and immune systems, show antitumor, cardio-protective and lipid-lowering activities, inhibit lipid peroxidation. In this regard specialized products, food supplements and drugs containing stilbenoids have been developed. However, representatives of this group of compounds have low consumer properties, are sensitive to environmental factors and have low solubility and absorption. Therefore, solutions of these problems are important when developing new foods and drugs. Nowadays, auxiliary substances (solubilizers) are used, as well as such technological methods as microencapsulation, coacervation, polymerization, and others that can cope with problems of instability, poor solubility, low bioavailability, and unsatisfactory consumer qualities, which improve the effect of stilbenoids on the organism.