Resveratrol is a well-known polyphenolic metabolite widespread in many plants. Resveratrol was first reported by Takaoka in 1939 from the plant Veratrum grandiflorum. Structurally, resveratrol is a stilbene that bears three phenolic hydroxyl groups. Resveratrol demonstrates free radical scavenging, antioxidant, antitumor, neuroprotective and antiinflammatory effects and acts as a phytoalexin. Resveratrol has antibacterial and antifungal activity, inhibits tyrosinase and inhibits cell adhesion molecules (ICAM-1 and VCAM-1).