Polydatin (PD, also named pieceid, (E)-piceid, (E)-polydatin, trans-polydatin, 3,40 ,5-trihydroxystilbene-3-b-D-glucoside) is a monocrystalline compound originally isolated from the root and rhizome of Polygonum cuspidatum Sieb. et Zucc. (Polygonaceae), a traditional Chinese medicine that has long been used in China as an analgesic, anti-pyretic, diuretic and expectorant. It is a glucoside of resveratrol (3,40 ,5-trihydroxystilbene) in which the glucoside group bound to the position C-3 substitutes a hydroxyl group, belonging to stilbene phytoalexins. Polydatin can also be detected in grape, peanut, hop cones, red wines, hop pellets, cocoa-containing products, chocolate products and many daily diets. Polydatin is the most abundant form of resveratrol in nature. Polydatin shows many pharmacological effects confirmed by numerous investigations, including cardiovascular protection, neuroprotection, anti-inflammation, immunoregulation, anti-oxidation, anti-tumour and liver and lung protective effects. Polydatin has found its way into clinical trials for the treatment of hemorrhagic shock and irritable bowel syndrome.