Effect of Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents on trans-Resveratrol Photo-Chemical Induced Isomerization and 2,4,6-Trihydroxyphenanthrene Electro-Cyclic Formation

UV light can turn a health-boosting molecule into a potential genotoxic threat—but a green, natural solvent might just stop it in its tracks.

Resveratrol, a celebrated antioxidant found in grapes and red wine, has a dark side under UV exposure. When hit by ultraviolet light, it can twist into a less stable cis form and even cyclize into 2,4,6-trihydroxyphenanthrene (THP), a compound with genotoxic potential. This transformation is a silent risk in commercial products containing resveratrol, from skincare to supplements.

To tackle this, researchers improved a chromatographic method using a non-commercial pentafluorophenyl stationary phase to separate and measure resveratrol's isomers and THP. Then they tested whether Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents (NaDES)—green, biocompatible liquids—could shield resveratrol from UV damage.

The results were striking: glycerol-containing NaDES, especially proline/glycerol, showed a marked photoprotective effect. They strongly inhibited the isomerization and significantly limited THP formation. This suggests NaDES could be key to developing stable, eco-friendly resveratrol formulations, reducing the genotoxic risk without sacrificing nature's benefits.

Key Points

• UV triggers resveratrol to form genotoxic THP.
• Proline/glycerol NaDES strongly inhibits photochemical damage.
• NaDES offers green route to stable resveratrol products.