Determination of trans-resveratrol in plasma by HPLC

trans-Resveratrol (trans-3,5,4'-trihydroxystilbene), a phenolic compound present in grapes, wines, and peanuts, has been reported to have health benefits including anticarcinogenic effects and protection against cardiovascular diseases. Despite its importance, little is known about its bioavailability in both humans and animals. A fundamental step for this evaluation consisted in measuring this stilbene in blood. In the present work, a simple and rapid HPLC method with diode array-UV detection has been developed. Resveratrol contained in plasma was purified by solid-phase extraction using a C18 cartridge. The sample was rinsed with water and methanol-water (25:75 v/v), and trans-resveratrol was finally eluted with methanol. The collected fraction was evaporated under nitrogen and analyzed by HPLC. The method was validated by obtaining a linear correlation, a detection limit of 20 micrograms/L, and a good precision with a coefficient of variation of 2.85%. trans-Resveratrol administered orally to rats was detected in plasma. With this procedure, excellent separation of trans-resveratrol is achieved, thus allowing a rapid analysis of the sample for absorption, distribution, and metabolism studies.