Stilbenoids as Promising Natural Product-Based Solutions in a Race against Mycotoxigenic Fungi: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Exposure to mycotoxins can pose a variety of adverse health effects to mammals. Despite dozens of mycotoxin decontamination strategies applied from pre- to postharvest stages, it is always challenging to guarantee a safe level of these natural toxic compounds in food and feedstuffs. In the context of the increased occurrence of drug-resistance strains of mycotoxin-producing fungi driven by the overuse of fungicides, the search for new natural-product-based solutions is a top priority. This review aims to shed a light on the promising potential of stilbenoids extracted from renewable agricultural wastes (e.g., grape canes and forestry byproducts) as antimycotoxin agents. Deeper insights into the mode of actions underlying the bioactivity of stilbenoid molecules against fungal pathogens, together with their roles in plant defense responses, are provided. Safety aspects of these natural compounds on humans and ecology are discussed. Perspectives on the development of stilbenoid-based formulations using encapsulation technology, which allows the bypassing of the limitations related to stilbenoids, particularly low aqueous solubility, are addressed. Optimistically, the knowledge gathered in the present review supports the use of currently underrated agricultural byproducts to produce stilbenoid-abundant extracts with a high efficiency in the mitigation of mycotoxins in food and feedstuffs.

Stilbenoids as Antifungals to Counteract Rice Blast Pathogen Pyricularia oryzae

“…The crude products were purified by column chromatography as described below. (12). 3,4-Dihydroxy benzaldehyde (200 mg, 1.45 mmol) was suspended in dry dichloroethane (14.5 mL) under a nitrogen atmosphere.…”

“…Especially in the context of sustainable agricultural development, research on the transformation of agricultural byproducts into high-value-added extracts or molecules has been intensified. Several active plant byproduct extracts from Vitaceae, Leguminaceae, Gnetaceae, and Dipterocarpaceae contain natural compounds belonging to the class of stilbenoids, a family of nonflavonoid phenylpropanoids structurally characterized by the presence of a 1,2-diphenylethylene unit …”

“…A comprehensive understanding of the mode of action of stilbenoids as antifungals has not yet been completely elucidated. Current evidence suggests multiple mechanisms of action spanning from disruption of the cell wall and membrane to epigenetic effects and interference with fungal mitochondrial functions. , …”

“…Several active plant byproduct extracts from Vitaceae, Leguminaceae, Gnetaceae, and Dipterocarpaceae contain natural compounds belonging to the class of stilbenoids, a family of nonflavonoid phenylpropanoids structurally characterized by the presence of a 1,2diphenylethylene unit. 12 A comprehensive understanding of the mode of action of stilbenoids as antifungals has not yet been completely elucidated. Current evidence suggests multiple mechanisms of action spanning from disruption of the cell wall and membrane to epigenetic effects and interference with fungal mitochondrial functions.…”

“…Current evidence suggests multiple mechanisms of action spanning from disruption of the cell wall and membrane to epigenetic effects and interference with fungal mitochondrial functions. 12,13 These findings hold promise for the development of new multitarget biofungicides containing stilbenoid skeletons to protect plants from fungal phytopathogens. Remarkably, it has been demonstrated that the production of stilbenoids by plants can be activated by adverse conditions, e.g., fungal infections.…”