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Grape Pomace: A Review of Its Bioactive Phenolic Compounds, Health Benefits, and Applications

Summary

Grape pomace is the leftover material from making wine, typically discarded as waste. This review shows that grape pomace is actually packed with beneficial plant compounds called phenolics that have powerful health effects. These compounds can fight bacteria, reduce inflammation, help control blood sugar, and protect heart health, making grape pomace waste valuable for creating new health products in food, cosmetics, and medicine.

Background

Grape pomace, the main solid residue from winemaking comprising skins, seeds, and stalks, constitutes 20-30% of processed grape weight. The wine industry generates significant waste, creating environmental and economic sustainability challenges. Grape pomace contains substantial amounts of bioactive phenolic compounds with potential health benefits and industrial applications.

Objective

To provide a comprehensive review of grape pomace composition, sustainable extraction methodologies for phenolic compounds, and their biological activities and health benefits. The review explores applications of grape pomace and its extractable compounds across food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical sectors from a circular economy perspective.

Results

Multiple extraction methodologies were identified including solid-liquid extraction, supercritical fluid extraction, ultrasound-assisted extraction, microwave-assisted extraction, high-voltage electric discharge, enzyme-assisted extraction, ohmic heating, high-pressure processing, and deep eutectic solvents. Grape pomace exhibits antioxidant, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, cardioprotective, antiproliferative, anti-aging, and gut health properties. Applications span food fortification, cosmetics, nutraceuticals, and pharmaceutical formulations.

Conclusion

Grape pomace represents a valuable source of bioactive phenolic compounds suitable for valorization through sustainable extraction methods. The compounds demonstrate significant health-promoting properties with potential applications across multiple industrial sectors. This valorization aligns with circular economy principles, reducing waste while creating high-value products for food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries.
  • Published in:Molecules,
  • Study Type:Review,
  • Source: PMID: 39860231, DOI: 10.3390/molecules30020362
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