Slightly viscous dispersions of mucoadhesive polymers as vehicles for nasal administration of dopamine and grape seed extract-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles.

With the aim to find an alternative vehicle to the most used thermosensitive hydrogels for efficient nanotechnology-based nose-to-brain delivery approach for Parkinson's disease (PD) treatment, in this work we evaluated the Dopamine (DA) and the antioxidant grape seed-derived pro-anthocyanidins (Grape Seed Extract, GSE) co-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) put in slight viscous dispersions (SVDs). These SVDs were prepared by dispersion in water at low concentrations of mucoadhesive polymers to which SLN pellets were added. For the purpose, we investigated two polymeric blends, namely Poloxamer/Carbopol (PF-127/Carb) and oxidized alginate/Hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose (AlgOX/HPMC). Rheological studies showed that the two fluids possess Newtonian behaviour with a viscosity slightly higher that water. The pH values of the SVDs were mainly within the normal range of nasal fluid as well as almost no osmotic effect was associated to both SVDs. All the SVDs were capable to provide DA permeation through nasal porcine mucosa. Moreover, it was found that PF-127/Carb blend possesses penetration enhancer capability better than the Alg OX/HPMC combination. Flow cytometry studies demonstrated the uptake of viscous liquids incorporating fluorescent SLNs by human nasal RPMI 2650 cell in time-dependent manner. In conclusion, the SVD formulations may be considered promising alternatives to thermosensitive hydrogels strategy. Moreover, in a broader perspective, such SVD formulations may be also hopeful for treating various neurological diseases beyond PD treatment.

Improved analysis of grape seed extract by liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) reveals that proanthocyanidin-protein interaction mechanisms in cream depend on degree of polymerization.

This study aimed to comprehensively characterize chemical profiles of proanthocyanidins (PACs) from grape seed extract (GSE), examine their interactions with proteins in a cream system, and define the mechanisms mediating PAC-protein interactions. GSE PACs were fractionated and characterized by thiolysis followed by liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) analysis. New PACs with a degree of polymerization (DP) up to 16 were identified by improved HRMS data processing methods. In the model cream system, high-DP PACs exhibited greater precipitation capacity and protein binding than low-DP PACs. Low-DP PACs primarily engaged in hydrogen bonding, while high-DP PACs predominantly utilized multiple hydrophobic interaction sites to form cream protein aggregates. Furthermore, particle size and viscosity measurement of cream revealed a progressively DP-dependent increase in aggregated fat globules and cream viscosity. These findings enhanced our understanding of PACs' structural intricacies and highlighted their functional role as PAC-rich natural ingredients in creating structured cream systems.

Dopamine- and Grape-Seed-Extract-Loaded Solid Lipid Nanoparticles: Interaction Studies between Particles and Differentiated SH-SY5Y Neuronal Cell Model of Parkinson's Disease.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a prevalent neurodegenerative disorder, primarily associated with dopaminergic neuron depletion in the Substantia Nigra. Current treatment focuses on compensating for dopamine (DA) deficiency, but the blood-brain barrier (BBB) poses challenges for effective drug delivery. Using differentiated SH-SY5Y cells, we investigated the co-administration of DA and the antioxidant Grape Seed Extract (GSE) to study the cytobiocompability, the cytoprotection against the neurotoxin Rotenone, and their antioxidant effects. For this purpose, two solid lipid nanoparticle (SLN) formulations, DA-co-GSE-SLNs and GSE-ads-DA-SLNs, were synthesized. Such SLNs showed mean particle sizes in the range of 187-297 nm, zeta potential values in the range of -4.1--9.7 mV, and DA association efficiencies ranging from 35 to 82%, according to the formulation examined. The results showed that DA/GSE-SLNs did not alter cell viability and had a cytoprotective effect against Rotenone-induced toxicity and oxidative stress. In addition, this study also focused on the evaluation of Alpha-synuclein (aS) levels; SLNs showed the potential to modulate the Rotenone-mediated increase in aS levels. In conclusion, our study investigated the potential of SLNs as a delivery system for addressing PD, also representing a promising approach for enhanced delivery of pharmaceutical and antioxidant molecules across the BBB.

Ultrasonic-assisted extraction of grape seed procyanidins, preparation of liposomes, and evaluation of their antioxidant capacity.

The residue remaining after oil extraction from grape seed contain abundant procyanidins. An ultrasonic-assisted enzyme method was performed to achieve a high extraction efficiency of procyanidins when the optimal extraction conditions were 8 U/g of cellulase, ultrasound power of 200 W, ultrasonic temperature of 50 ℃, and ultrasonic reaction time of 40 min. The effects of free procyanidins on both radical scavenging activity and thermal stability at 40, 60, and 80 ℃ of the procyanidins-loaded liposomal systems prepared by the ultrasonic-assisted method were discussed. The presence of procyanidins at concentrations ranging from 0.02 to 0.10 mg/mL was observed to be effective at inhibiting lipid oxidation by 15.15 % to 69.70 % in a linoleic acid model system during reaction for 168 h, as measured using the ferric thiocyanate method. The procyanidins-loaded liposomal systems prepared by the ultrasonic-assisted method were characterized by measuring the mean particle size and encapsulation efficiency. Moreover, the holographic plots showed that the effect-response points of procyanidins combined with α-tocopherol in liposomes were lower than the addition line and 95 % confidence interval limits. At the same time, there were significant differences between the theoretical IC50add value and the experimental IC50mix value. The interaction index (γ) of all combinations was observed to be less than 1. These results indicated that there was a synergistic antioxidant effect between procyanidins combined with α-tocopherol, which will show promising prospects in practical applications. In addition, particle size differentiation and morphology agglomeration were observed at different time points of antioxidant activity determination (0, 48, 96 h).

Performance-enhanced regenerated cellulose film by adding grape seed extract.

Eco-friendly packaging material with intelligent colorimetric performance has been a requirement for food safety and quality. This work focused on a food packaging material from regenerated cellulose films that added the grape seed extract (GSE) and polyethylene glycol 200 (PEG). FTIR and SEM techniques were employed to prove the compatibility of GSE with cellulose matrix. The composite film showed an enhanced elongation at break (16.61 %) and tensile strength (33.09 MPa). The addition of PEG and GSE also improved the water contact angle of regenerated-cellulose film from 53.8° to 83.8°. Moreover, the composite films exhibited UV-blocking properties while maintaining adequate transparency. The GSE induced the regenerated films with a macroscopic change in color under different pH conditions. Furthermore, the loading of GSE slowed down the decomposition of strawberries and delayed the self-biodegradation compared with the control for more than 3 days and 18 days. The present study showed a regenerated cellulose film with acceptable mechanical and hydrophilia properties, pH-responsiveness, anti-decomposition, and delayed biodegradation performances, indicating a potential color sensor in food packaging.

Root canal disinfection and maintenance of the remnant tooth tissues by using grape seed and cranberry extracts.

The purpose of this study was to perform an integrative review on the effects of cranberry and grape seed extracts concerning the disinfection of root canals maintaining the strength of the remnant tooth tissues' structure. A bibliographical search was carried out on the PubMed electronic platform using the following key terms: cranberry, grape seed, vaccinium macrocarpon, proanthocyanidin, antibacterial, antimicrobial, decontamination, disinfection, bacteria removal, bacteria eradication, bacteria elimination, endodontic, root canal, faecalis, and strength. The inclusion criteria involved articles published in the English language, until March, 2022, reporting the antibacterial effect of grape seed and cranberry extracts. Of 185 studies identified, 13 studies were selected for the present review. The grape seed extract (GSE), composed of proanthocyanidins, showed an antioxidant activity against the main bacteria found in endodontic secondary infection. The percentage of bacteria removal was recorded at around 96.97% by using GSE. Studies on cranberry extracts, which are composed of proanthocyanidins, revealed antimicrobial effects against bacteria related to periodontitis and dental caries. Additionally, GSE or cranberry allowed the dentin collagen cross-linking that preserved the 3D collagen network leading to the maintenance of the strength of the remnant tooth structure. However, the contaminated smear layer could not be removed by using only GSE or cranberry. Cranberry extracts and GSE revealed a significant antimicrobial activity in endodontic disinfection without changing the mechanical properties of the remnant dentin tissues. Furthermore, those components can be associated with traditional compounds to enhance their antimicrobial effects and eliminate the smear layer.

A Food-Grade Method for Enhancing the Levels of Low Molecular Weight Proanthocyanidins with Potentially High Intestinal Bioavailability.

Proanthocyanidins (PACs) are a group of bioactive molecules found in a variety of plants and foods. Their bioavailability depends on their molecular size, with monomers and dimers being more bioavailable than those that have a higher polymerization degree. This study aimed to develop a method to convert high-molecular-weight PACs to low-molecular-weight ones in a grape seed extract (GSE) from Vitis vinifera L. Therefore, GSE was subjected to alkaline treatment (ATGSE), and its difference in chemical composition, compared to GSE, was evaluated using a molecular networking (MN) approach based on results obtained from HPLC-ESI HRMS/MS characterization analysis. The network analysis mainly noted the PAC cluster with about 142 PAC compounds identified. In particular, the obtained results showed a higher content of monomeric and dimeric PACs in ATGSE compared to GSE, with 58% and 49% monomers and 31% and 24% dimers, respectively. Conversely, trimeric (9%), polymeric (4%), and galloylated PACs (14%) were more abundant in GSE than in ATGSE (6%, 1%, and 4%, respectively). Moreover, in vitro antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities were investigated, showing the high beneficial potential of both extracts. In conclusion, ATGSE could represent an innovative natural matrix rich in bioavailable and bioaccessible PACs for nutraceutical applications with potential beneficial properties.

Chemical and mechanical accelerated and long-term stability evaluation of sunscreen formulation containing grape seed extract.

BACKGROUND: Sunscreens and catechins from grape seed extract (GSE) are sensitive to various environmental factors and undergo certain changes over time that might affect the effectiveness of the final product. To this date, effects of thermal storage conditions have not been sufficiently addressed to guarantee the long-term stability of sunscreen formulations. AIMS: To study the chemical and mechanical accelerated and long-term stability of sunscreen formulation containing GSE at the Climatic Zone IVb conditions. METHODS: Stability studies were performed for 6 months for accelerated stability study at 30°C ± 2 and 50°C ± 2, 75 ± 5% relative humidity; and long-term stability study at 5°C ± 5. The quantification of constituents of three formulations: sunscreen with GSE, cream with UV filters only, and cream with GSE only was performed by high-performance liquid chromatography. In vitro spectrophotometry was used to determine changes in sun protection effectiveness through SPF and UVAPF values. Mechanical stability was evaluated by textural and rheological analyzes. RESULTS: All tested formulations were less stable at high-temperature conditions. The contents of catechin (С) and epicatechin (EC) in sunscreen with GSE were reduced to 37% and 50% at 50°C, respectively, whereas UV filters appeared to be stable. However, despite the significant reduction in catechins over time, polyphenols in GSE remained unchanged at different stored conditions. The SPF values and water resistance of sunscreen with GSE were maintained throughout the study. CONCLUSIONS: A current in vitro study has shown that sunscreen with GSE is a value-added anti-aging ingredient in sunscreen formulation because its polyphenolic composition as well as SPF values and water resistance were maintained under all temperature conditions over time.

Optimization of the Extraction of Proanthocyanidins from Grape Seeds Using Ultrasonication-Assisted Aqueous Ethanol and Evaluation of Anti-Steatosis Activity In Vitro.

Conventional extraction methods of proanthocyanidins (PAC) are based on toxic organic solvents, which can raise concerns about the use of extracts in supplemented food and nutraceuticals. Thus, a PAC extraction method was developed for grape seeds (GS) and grape seed powder using food-grade ethanol by optimizing the extraction conditions to generate the maximum yield of PAC. Extraction parameters, % ethanol, solvent: solid (s:s) ratio, sonication time, and temperature were optimized by the central composite design of the response surface method. The yields of PAC under different extraction conditions were quantified by the methylcellulose precipitable tannin assay. The final optimum conditions were 47% ethanol, 10:1 s:s ratio (v:w), 53 min sonication time, and 60 °C extraction temperature. High-performance liquid chromatography analysis revealed the presence of catechin, procyanidin B2, oligomeric and polymeric PAC in the grape seed-proanthocyanidin extracts (GS-PAC). GS-PAC significantly reduced reactive oxygen species and lipid accumulation in the palmitic-acid-induced mouse hepatocytes (AML12) model of steatosis. About 50% of the PAC of the GS was found to be retained in the by-product of wine fermentation. Therefore, the developed ethanol-based extraction method is suitable to produce PAC-rich functional ingredients from grape by-products to be used in supplemented food and nutraceuticals.

Alleviation effects of grape seed proanthocyanidin extract on inflammation and oxidative stress in a D-galactose-induced aging mouse model by modulating the gut microbiota.

Grape seed proanthocyanidin extract (GSPE) that prevents and alleviates the degenerative changes associated with aging has been receiving extensive attention. In our present work, the ageing model was induced by injection of 500 mg kg-1D-galactose daily for a period of eight weeks. The D-galactose-induced ageing mice model was used for evaluating the effect of GSPE on oxidative stress, inflammation levels and gut microbiota composition. D-Galactose induced oxidative damage and inflammation with a significant increase in malondialdehyde contents, myeloperoxidase activities and the levels of TNF-α and IL-1ß, as well as a reduction in the activities of glutathione peroxidase and reduced glutathione. Treatment with different doses of GSPE could significantly improve the antioxidant capacity and inflammation levels in the liver and brain, which is accompanied by increased Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136, Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Akkermansia, as well as decreased Helicobacter and Alistipes. In addition, the high-dose GSPE group exhibited greater potential to delay the ageing process than the low-dose group. Our results also showed that GSPE administration could downregulate the NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathway for inhibiting inflammation levels in the brain tissue. This study provided a novel strategy to target the gut microbiota with regard to the effect of GSPE administration on alleviating aging-induced alterations via the gut microbiota-liver axis and gut microbiota-brain axis.

Grape seed polyphenol extract and cognitive function in healthy young adults: a randomised, placebo-controlled, parallel-groups acute-on-chronic trial.

Grapes are polyphenol-rich, and grape juice intake has shown cognitive benefits in middle-aged females and older adults with mild cognitive impairment. Extracts obtained from grape seeds have similarly been associated with cognitive benefits in older adults. The aim of this research was to investigate whether a highly purified grape seed-derived polyphenol extract was associated with cognitive benefits in healthy young adults following a single acute dose, and chronically following repeated daily dosage over 12 weeks. Following an acute-on-chronic, parallel groups, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled design, sixty adults aged 18-30 consumed either a 400 mg grape seed polyphenol extract (GSPE, n = 30) or a placebo (n = 30). Cognitive function was assessed acutely at baseline and 2, 4 and 6 h post consumption, and chronically at 6 and 12 twelve weeks with a computerised battery of multiple cognitive tests. Mood was assessed with the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule. Linear marginal model analysis with baseline included as a covariate did not reveal a consistent pattern of cognitive benefits following the GSPE relative to the placebo either acutely or chronically when considering all outcome measures. GSPE was associated with some improvements in reaction time (acutely) and psychomotor skill (chronically), however the placebo was also associated with some benefits to reaction time and memory. Therefore, a 400 mg GSPE did not consistently improve cognitive function in healthy young adults. These findings suggest that younger, healthy populations are perhaps less sensitive to polyphenol extract doses <400mg relative to older, or cognitively compromised populations.

AGSE: A Novel Grape Seed Extract Enriched for PP2A Activating Flavonoids That Combats Oxidative Stress and Promotes Skin Health.

Environmental stimuli attack the skin daily resulting in the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inflammation. One pathway that regulates oxidative stress in skin involves Protein Phosphatase 2A (PP2A), a phosphatase which has been previously linked to Alzheimer's Disease and aging. Oxidative stress decreases PP2A methylation in normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDFs). Thus, we hypothesize agents that increase PP2A methylation and activity will promote skin health and combat aging. To discover novel inhibitors of PP2A demethylation activity, we screened a library of 32 natural botanical extracts. We discovered Grape Seed Extract (GSE), which has previously been reported to have several benefits for skin, to be the most potent PP2A demethylating extract. Via several fractionation and extraction steps we developed a novel grape seed extract called Activated Grape Seed Extract (AGSE), which is enriched for PP2A activating flavonoids that increase potency in preventing PP2A demethylation when compared to commercial GSE. We then determined that 1% AGSE and 1% commercial GSE exhibit distinct gene expression profiles when topically applied to a 3D human skin model. To begin to characterize AGSE's activity, we investigated its antioxidant potential and demonstrate it reduces ROS levels in NHDFs and cell-free assays equal to or better than Vitamin C and E. Moreover, AGSE shows anti-inflammatory properties, dose-dependently inhibiting UVA, UVB and chemical-induced inflammation. These results demonstrate AGSE is a novel, multi-functional extract that modulates methylation levels of PP2A and supports the hypothesis of PP2A as a master regulator for oxidative stress signaling and aging in skin.

Development of grape seed extract based formulations by using non-invasive biophysical technique and its impact on skin aging.

Given the substantial benefits of grape seed extract (GSE) in reducing oxidative stress, the study aimed development, characterization and comparative analysis of GSE-based formulations. The development entailed extraction of GSE from Vitisvinifera L. HPLC confirmed catechin, epicatechin, gallic acid, epicatechingallate and procyanidin dimers. Storage of Formulations observed, Stability & rheological parameters determined. Olive oil used as a permeability enhancer. Presence of the highest oleic acid content (65-86%) in Olive oil, skin permeability within the stratum corneum was enhanced hence better transdermal skin absorption. Using two-way ANOVA, and T-test, efficacy of formulations and impact on slowing down skin aging by countering exogenous factors of oxidative stress determined. Non-invasive biophysical technique showed emulgel substantially reduced roughness, scaliness, winkles, and sebum content by 55%, 26%, 23.9% and 30.3% respectively enhancing elasticity and hydration by 50% and 32.2% respectively. Emulsion reduced roughness, scaliness, winkles and sebum content 14%, 13%, 21% and 26.13% respectively enhancing elasticity and hydration 45.3% and 29.85% respectively. The formulations significantly offset exogenous factors of aging and impact on free radicals and oxidative stress and may be safe to incorporate bio-active botanical antioxidants for evaluation of derma cosmetic benefits in management of dehydrated and aged facial skin.

The Antimicrobial Activities of Silver Nanoparticles from Aqueous Extract of Grape Seeds against Pathogenic Bacteria and Fungi.

Grape seed extract (GSE) is a natural source of polyphenolic compounds and secondary metabolites, which have been tested for their possible antimicrobial activities. In the current study, we tested the antibacterial and antifungal activities of aqueous GSE and the biosynthesized silver nanoparticles loaded with GSE (GSE-AgNPs) against different pathogens. The biosynthesized GSE-AgNPs were assessed by UV spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The antimicrobial activities were assessed against different bacterial and fungal species. DLS analysis showed that GSE-AgNPs had a Z-Average of 91.89 nm while UV spectroscopy showed that GSE-AgNPs had the highest absorbance at a wavelength of ~415 nm. FTIR analysis revealed that both of GSE and GSE-AgNPs consisted of different functional groups, such as hydroxyl, alkenes, alkyne, and aromatic rings. Both FE-SEM and TEM showed that GSE-AgNPs had larger sizes and rough surfaces than GSE and AgNO3. The results showed significant antimicrobial activities of GSE-AgNPs against all tested species, unlike GSE, which had weaker and limited effects. More studies are needed to investigate the other antimicrobial activities of GSE.

Grape seed proanthocyanidin-loaded gel-like W/O/W emulsion stabilized by genipin-crosslinked alkaline soluble polysaccharides-whey protein isolate conjugates: Fabrication, stability, and in vitro digestion.

The present work aims to fabricate the genipin-crosslinked alkaline soluble polysaccharides-whey protein isolate conjugates (G-AWC) to stabilize W/O/W emulsions for encapsulation and delivery of grape seed proanthocyanidins (GSP). After crosslinking reaction, the molecular weight was increased and surface hydrophobicity was decreased. Then, the G-AWC and polyglycerol polyricinoleate (PGPR, a lipophilic emulsifier) were employed to prepare a GSP-loaded W/O/W emulsion with the addition of gelatin and sucrose in W1 phase via a two-step procedure. Creamed emulsion could be fabricated at W1/O volume fraction (Φ) of 10%-70% and further increased Φ to 75% or even up to 90% could obtain gel-like emulsion with notably elastic behaviors. In the W1/O/W2 emulsion with Φ of 80%, the encapsulation efficiency (EE) of GSP reached up to 95.86%, and decreased by ca. 10% after a week of storage. Moreover, the encapsulated GSP in the emulsion showed a remarkably higher bioaccessibility (40.72%) compared to free GSP (13.11%) in the simulated gastrointestinal digestion. These results indicated that G-AWC-stabilized W/O/W emulsions could be an effective carrier to encapsulate water-soluble bioactive compounds with enhanced stability and bioaccessibility.

Chemical Composition, Antioxidant, Antimicrobial and Cytotoxic/Cytoprotective Activity of Non-Polar Extracts of Grape (Vitis labrusca cv. Bordeaux) and Blackberry (Rubus fruticosus) Seeds.

The aim of this study was to compare the influence of the extraction method, chemical composition, antimicrobial effects, antioxidant activity, and cytotoxicity on human cells of the non-polar extracts of grape (Vitis labrusca) and blackberry (Rubus fruticosus) seeds. The Soxhlet (Sox), Bligh-Dyer (BD), and ultrasound (US) methods were used for extractions. For blackberry non-polar seed extract, extraction via the BD method showed the highest mean values of total phenolic content (TPC), expressed in milligrams of gallic acid equivalent per 100 mL of non-polar seed extracts (102.37 mg GAE/100 mL), and higher antioxidant activity in relation to the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical, expressed in milligrams of gallic acid equivalent per 100 mL of non-polar seed extracts (11.50 mg AAE/100 mL), if compared with the Sox and US extractions. Similar results were obtained for the non-polar grape seed extracts, where BD extraction obtained the highest values for TPC (28.61 mg GAE/100 mL) and DPPH (35.36 mg AAE/100 mL). The type of extraction method had an impact on the composition of fatty acids. Only the non-polar blackberry and grape seed extracts obtained via the Sox method showed some in vitro inhibitory effect against Escherichia coli (IAL 2064) and Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 13565). Regardless of the extraction method used, the non-polar blackberry and grape seed extracts did not decrease the cell viability (IC50 >1000 µg/mL) of cancer and normal cell lines, thus indicating the relative safety of the extracts. All the seed extracts decreased the generation of reactive oxygen species in the cell lines. Blackberry and grape seed lipid fractions can be utilized as antioxidants, and the extraction methods used cause significant changes in relation to their bioactivity and chemical composition.

Skimmed Goat's Milk Powder Enriched with Grape Pomace Seed Extract: Phenolics and Protein Characterization and Antioxidant Properties.

The aim of this research was phenolics and protein characterization and antioxidant properties evaluation of skimmed thermally treated goat's milk powder enriched with different concentration of grape pomace seed extract (SE). The dominant phenolics in SE were phenolic acids, flavan-3-ols and procyanidins. Different electrophoretic techniques together with UHPLC-MS/MS analysis revealed the presence of phenolics-protein interactions in the samples, mainly procyanidins with whey protein/caseins complexes. Addition of SE into thermally treated goat's milk significantly improved antioxidant properties of goat's milk such as TAC, FRP, DPPH• and ABTS•+ scavenging activity. Gallic acid, catechin, and procyanidins mostly contributed to these activities. The schematic representation of phenolics-casein micelles interactions in thermally treated goat's milk enriched with SE was given. The addition of SE into thermally treated goat's milk can be a promising strategy in food waste recovery and to enhance the beneficial health effects of goat's milk-based functional foods.

Grape Seed Extract Positively Modulates Blood Pressure and Perceived Stress: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study in Healthy Volunteers.

It is well established that maintaining healthy blood pressure is fundamental in order to avoid disorders to the heart and blood vessels. In prevention, and alongside pharmacological therapy, the use of natural substances has been proven to be extremely helpful for pre- and mild hypertensive subjects. Our study was therefore focused on the effects, both in vitro and in humans, of a grape seed extract, Enovita (GSEe), a highly standardized extract in polyphenols of Vitis vinifera L. The in vitro human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) model was chosen to explore the extract properties related to vascular inflammation/vasodilation. A significant reduction of both soluble Inter-Cellular Adhesion Molecule-1 (sICAM) and endothelin-1 secretion/release was induced by GSEe in HUVEC cells. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study in healthy volunteers was further performed to investigate GSEe benefits. In healthy volunteers, both supplementations significantly modulated blood pressure, with a pronounced effect after GSEe tablets (300 mg/day for 16 weeks) in respect to placebo. In the male gender subgroup, no placebo effect was observed as it was for the female group. As an additional outcome, an overall GSEe positive modulation emerged on mood related to stress perception. Thus, GSEe resulted in a benefit of modulating endothelial functionality and blood pressure. It was noteworthy that GSEe relieved the perceived stress, promising new future perspectives on mood comfort.

Effect of grape seed power on the structural and physicochemical properties of wheat gluten in noodle preparation system.

Noodles were prepared using wheat flour supplemented with 1%, 3%, and 5% grape seed power (GSP). The farinograph properties of wheat flour, the textural properties of the dough, and thermal properties of the gluten were determined. The microstructure was analyzed by scanning electron and atomic force microscopy, and the effects of the addition of GSP on the physicochemical and structural properties (free sulfhydryl content, surface hydrophobic region, and secondary structure) of wheat gluten protein were analyzed. 1% GSP promoted the aggregation of gluten proteins by promoting hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bonding, thus enhanced the noodle quality. Whereas, 3% and 5% GSP addition disrupted the disulfide bonds between gluten protein molecules and formed macromolecular aggregates linked to gluten proteins through non-covalent bonds and hydrophobic interactions, which prevented the formation of the gluten protein reticulation structure. Our study emphasized the interaction between wheat proteins and GSP in noodle making dough.

Deodorization films based on polyphenol compound-rich natural deodorants and polycaprolactone for removing volatile sulfur compounds from kimchi.

As natural polyphenols have been known to have the deodorizing activity, the deodorizing properties and mechanisms of action of polyphenols, the main constituents of green tea extract (GTE), black tea extract (BTE), and grape seed extract (GSE), against volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) in kimchi were investigated. Six VSCs were targeted and detected to be in high abundance in kimchi. The deodorizing activity (%) toward VSCs was found to be in the following order: GSE (58.4 to 91.8) >GTE (37.6 to 73.8) >BTE (28.4 to 60.3). This was attributed to the high phenolic (892.6 ± 10.5 mg GAE/g) and flavonoid (666.5 ± 23.9 mg CE/g) contents in GSE, that is, polymeric proanthocyanidins (85.97%). Particularly, the hydroxyl groups in the polyphenols showed deodorizing activity against VSCs via a sulfur-capture reaction. For packaging applications, deodorization films based on GSE and polycaprolactone were developed, and the GSE/polycaprolactone 20% films exhibited strong deodorizing effects (54.9 to 99.8%) against kimchi VSCs.