Phytochemistry, Functional and Nutraceutical Attributes of Grapes in Relationship with the Grapevine Cultivation Practice

A special issue of Plants (ISSN 2223-7747). This special issue belongs to the section "Phytochemistry".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 March 2025) | Viewed by 1696

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Research Station for Viticulture and Enology Blaj (SCDVV Blaj), 515400 Blaj, Romania
Interests: food chemistry; food biochemistry; food science; food analysis; antioxidants; antioxidant activity; phytochemicals; food science and technology; food and nutrition; food processing; grapevine; grapes; grape pomace; wine
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Grapes, an ancient fruit in the berry category, are renowned for their exceptional nutritional value. Enriched with phytochemicals such as polyphenols, flavonoids, phenolic acids, and anthocyanins, grapes possess a unique flavor and provide countless health benefits. These phytochemicals play a pivotal role in maintaining human health, especially their antioxidant properties, which help neutralize harmful free radicals within the body, safeguarding cells from oxidative stress and potential damage.

The fascinating phytochemical profile and, by consequence, the functional and nutraceutical attributes of grapes are intricately linked to cultivation practices. Soils with a balance of nutrients can promote the development of flavonoids and anthocyanins, elevating the phytochemical content of grapes. Additionally, pruning techniques maximize sunlight exposure, further enhancing flavonoid production. Understanding the relationship between grape phytochemistry and bioactive properties on the one hand and cultivation methods on the other hand is essential for optimizing viticulture practices and developing grapes with optimal quality and health benefits.

In this Special Issue, we welcome scientists to submit research manuscripts, reviews, mini-reviews, opinions, and short communications focusing on grapes' phytochemical properties and nutritional value and how cultivation practices can enhance these attributes.

Dr. Veronica Sanda Chedea
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • phytochemical
  • polyphenols
  • flavonoids
  • grape
  • nutritional value
  • cultivation

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Research

20 pages, 1295 KiB  
Article
Phenolic Profile, Fatty Acid Composition, and Antioxidant Activity of Italian Riesling Grape Pomace from Two Transylvanian Microclimates
by Veronica Sanda Chedea, Liliana Lucia Tomoiagă, Mariana Ropota, Gabriel Marc, Floricuta Ranga, Maria Comșa, Maria Doinița Muntean, Alexandra Doina Sîrbu, Ioana Sorina Giurca, Horia Silviu Răcoare, Corina Ioana Bocsan, Anca Dana Buzoianu, Hesham Kisher and Raluca Maria Pop
Plants 2025, 14(12), 1809; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14121809 - 12 Jun 2025
Viewed by 1307
Abstract
Italian Riesling is a grapevine (Vitis vinifera) cultivar widely grown in Transylvania vineyards. During the winemaking process, grape pomace (GP) is generated. This study aimed to exploit the potential of the Italian Riesling GP through its composition in polyphenols and fatty [...] Read more.
Italian Riesling is a grapevine (Vitis vinifera) cultivar widely grown in Transylvania vineyards. During the winemaking process, grape pomace (GP) is generated. This study aimed to exploit the potential of the Italian Riesling GP through its composition in polyphenols and fatty acids, as well as its antioxidant activity. Thus, two Italian Riesling GPs from two distinct Transylvanian microclimates (Crăciunelu de Jos and Ciumbrud) were analysed in terms of their phenolic and fatty acid composition and antioxidant activity while considering the influence of their respective microclimates. Every vineyard has unique geographical and meteorological characteristics that significantly influence grape production and consequently the structure of the resultant pomace. For example, Ciumbrud has a warmer, drier microclimate, whereas Crăciunelu de Jos has a colder, more humid environment. Biochemically, GP from Ciumbrud Italian Riesling grapes (RICI) contained greater amounts of gallic acid, total phenolic acids, and procyanidins and presented improved antioxidant activities, as reflected by DPPH˙, ABTS˙+, CUPRAC, and FRAP assays. RICI pomace also possessed a better fatty acid profile with higher oleic and linolenic acid levels, leading to a lower thrombogenicity index (TI) and a better PUFAω-6/PUFA ω-3 ratio. However, GP produced from Crăciunelu de Jos Italian Riesling grapes (RICR) possessed more catechin, epicatechin, epicatechin gallate, total flavanols, and higher COX values. The findings demonstrate that the two GPs have significant and distinct nutritional content, highlighting them as valuable resources for food consumption, providing benefits to consumers’ health. Full article
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