EVALUATION OF GRAPES STEM-DERIVED PHYTOCHEMICALS FOR PHARMACOLOGICAL EFFICACY AND COSMECEUTICAL FORMULATION

While the phytochemical profile of Vitis vinifera is well documented, the stems produced as waste product during wine and juice processing are relatively under-utilised despite being a rich source of phenols. In this work, extracts collected from grape stems were evaluated for their chemical profile and biological properties with a special emphasis on antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and tyrosinase-inhibitory action. The extract was rich in polyphenols, comprising tannins, flavonoids phenolic acids and stilbenes such as resveratrol that are responsible for its prominent free radical scavenging potential. Biological studies demonstrated (anti)bacterial activity to skin-associated bacteria and facilitated wound healing, indicating potential dermatological use. As a result of these results, a topical formulation containing standardized grape stem extract was developed and evaluated with respect to its physicochemical stability, safety profile, and in vivo activity. Conclusively, the results suggest that grape steams are a potential and eco-friendly natural matrix of bioactive molecules which can be used in cosmeceutics and pharmaceutical applications.