Resveratrol analogs have been investigated in preclinical studies for their potential protective effects against diabetic retinopathy (DR), a complication of diabetes characterized by retinal vascular damage and neurodegeneration. The scientific interest stems from the well-documented antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and vasoprotective properties of resveratrol and its structural analogs. Several animal studies and in vitro experiments suggest that resveratrol analogs may inhibit pathways implicated in DR, such as oxidative stress, advanced glycation end product formation, and inflammation within retinal tissues. Some analogs have shown improved bioavailability and potency compared to natural resveratrol, which is rapidly metabolized in humans.

Despite these promising mechanistic findings, there is currently a lack of robust clinical trial data evaluating the efficacy and safety of resveratrol analogs specifically for diabetic retinopathy in humans. No major guidelines recommend their use, and available evidence is limited to preclinical models and a few small pilot studies. Therefore, while there is a scientific rationale and some experimental support, the overall evidence remains preliminary. Their use for diabetic retinopathy should be considered investigational pending further clinical research.