Grape Stem Extracts From Three Native Greek Vine Varieties Exhibit Strong Antioxidant and Antimutagenic Properties
Aristidis S. Veskoukis, Eleni Vassi, Konstantinos Poulas, Manolis Kokkinakis, Eftihia Asprodini, Serkos A. Haroutounian, Demetrios Kouretas
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.