Grape Stem Extracts From Three Native Greek Vine Varieties Exhibit Strong Antioxidant and Antimutagenic Properties

Abstract

Background/Aim: The winemaking procedure results in the generation of stems, a by-product that is harmful to the environment. Concomitantly, stems are rich in polyphenols and, hence, they are putatively beneficial for human health. Materials and Methods: In this study, the grape stem extracts derived from three native Greek vine varieties, namely Mavrodaphne, Muscat and Rhoditis were examined for their chemical composition and antioxidant and antimutagenic properties using a battery of in vitro biomarkers. Results: All extracts are rich in polyphenols. Moreover, they exhibit potent antioxidant and antimutagenic properties with the extract of Mavrodaphne being the strongest in reducing the DPPH • and O 2 -• radicals and the Fe 3+ and in protecting plasmid DNA from peroxyl radicalinduced oxidative modification. Conclusion: Therefore, although they are serious pollutants, grape stems contain phytochemicals with important biological properties and can be used as (ingredients of) bio-functional foods to improve certain aspects of human health.

Grape Stem Extracts with Potential Anticancer and Antioxidant Properties

“…According to current research results, grape stem extracts possess important biological activities with multiple benefits for human health due to antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties [5,[7][8][9][10][11]. Veskoukis et al [10] found that this by-product is particularly rich in flavonoids and stilbenes, such as trans-resveratrol and viniferin, which are found in considerably high concentrations. These authors also found that such extracts exhibited significant antioxidant properties, and, even at low concentrations, they showed a strong ability to prevent the oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and to reduce intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS).…”

“…These authors also found that such extracts exhibited significant antioxidant properties, and, even at low concentrations, they showed a strong ability to prevent the oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and to reduce intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In this way, Gonzalez-Centeno et al [12] and Veskoukis et al [10] evaluated the total phenolic and total proanthocyanidin composition of different grape stem varieties, as well as their antioxidant potentials. Grape stem extracts also prevent ROS-induced DNA damage and have inhibitory activity against liver and cervical cancer cell growth, suggesting their potential as chemopreventive agents [13].…”

Ameliorative Effects of the Sesquiterpenoid Valerenic Acid on Oxidative Stress Induced in HepG2 Cells after Exposure to the Fungicide Benomyl

“…Additionally, the use of herbal extracts as antioxidant products and as food additives and physical food conservatives have become more and more popular during the last few years [ 28 ]. It has been demonstrated that plant extracts and phytoconstituents exert their cell protective effects by scavenging free radicals or by enhancing antioxidant defense in vitro and in vivo [ 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 ]. Valerian is a plant native to Europe and Asia that has been used as a medicinal plant at least since the 5th century B.C.…”

Biofunctional Feed Supplemented With By-products of Olive Oil Production Improves Tissue Antioxidant Profile of Lambs

“…In order to intensify their antioxidant defense system and to protect them from oxidative stress related diseases, supplementation with feed rich in polyphenolic additives appears to be an appropriate regimen. Polyphenols are considered the most important and abundant antioxidants present in fruits, vegetables and plant derivatives (29,49,50). Thus, animal diets rich in polyphenols can protect them against a number of diseases associated with disrupted redox equilibrium and also enhance their productivity, a fact that is important regarding the economic impact on the primary production section (51,52).…”