CITAB research shows anti-inflammatory potential in Portuguese grape variety

Study conducted by CITAB's Director, Ana Barrros, using Rabigato grape stems extracts, have demonstrated a potential aplicability for pharmaceutical use for the treatment of the diabetic foot wound.
In an interview to TVI television and LUSA Agency, Ana Barros explained the potential use of grape stems extracts, a co-product from the wine industry, and particularly from Rabigato grape variety, for pharmaceutical and cosmetic purposes. Rabigato, a native Portuguese variety, despite being white, had better results than the antibiotic, and is very rich in a dimer of resveratrol, used by cosmetic companies. "We found that in addition to its antioxidant capabilities, it helps to lower bad cholesterol and raise good cholesterol," she said. "The goal now is to do trials with vineferin, the compound that distinguishes it from other varieties, or with the complete extract, in skin sunscreens to check its anti-inflammatory activity". "We understand that it may have topical pharmaceutical applicability as we use it in other varieties to treat diabetic foot wound, using it as an anti-inflammatory cream," she added. "We do not want to create new molecules or enter the field of organic synthesis, we want to take advantage of what is in nature giving it added value, either at the cosmetic, pharmaceutical or other industries," she concluded.