Stilbenes belong to the naturally synthesized plant phytoalexins,
produced de novo in response to various biotic and abiotic stressors.
The importance of stilbenes in plant resistance to stress and disease
is of increasing interest. However, the defense mechanisms and potential
of stilbenes to improve plant stress tolerance have not been thoroughly
reviewed. This work overviewed the pentose phosphate pathway, glycolysis
pathway, shikimate pathway, and phenylalanine pathway occurred in
the synthesis of stilbenes when plants are subjected to biotic and
abiotic stresses. The positive implications and underlying mechanisms
regarding defensive properties of stilbenes were demonstrated. Ten
biomimetic chemosynthesis methods can underpin the potential of stilbenes
to improve plant stress tolerance. The prospects for the application
of stilbenes in agriculture, food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals
industries are anticipated. It is hoped that some of the detailed
ideas and practices may contribute to the development of stilbene-related
products and improvement of plant resistance breeding.