VINTERA™ - Red grape polyphenols

Grape polyphenols are known for their antioxidant properties, providing multiple benefits to the body, including cardiovascular health, weight management and improved cognitive function.

1. Neuro-protective effects

2. Improved cognitive functions

Studies by ALVINESA on the red grape polyphenol extract VINTERA™ were focused on its cognitive properties.

The rise of neuro-degenerative diseases is a major health problem in developed countries. These are chronic and progressive diseases that affect the central nervous system, and stress has been identified as a primary risk factor for these disorders. 

In a study conducted in 2021, on the VINTERA™ red grape polyphenols from Alvinesa, aiming to investigate its protective properties against oxidative stress, researchers have highlighted a neuro-protective effect. 

Initially, the study showed, in groups of mice, that oral administration of supplements containing red grape polyphenol extract could decrease the production of genes responsible for the inflammation and oxidation mechanisms, while increasing the production of genes responsible for protection against oxidative stress when taken orally.

Subsequently, the study assessed the impact of VINTERA™ red grape polyphenols on oxidative stress in the brains of stressed mice by measuring lipid peroxidation levels and antioxidant enzyme activity. The mice were supplemented for 5 consecutive days and measurements were taken on day 6.

Researchers measured two parameters in the brains of the mice: 

• The levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), a tracer of lipid peroxidation, by a thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) assay.
• The activity of catalase and SOD, two major antioxidant enzymes. 

Graphs A and B show that catalase and SOD activity is significantly lower in stressed mice (dark grey bar), than in normal mice (light grey bar). However, administration of 100 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg of VINTERA™ extract significantly increases the activity of these antioxidant enzymes. (Graphs A and B). 

As shown in graph C below, acute stress induced in mice (dark grey bars), more than doubles the levels of MDA compared to levels in unstressed mice (light grey bars) and thus increases lipid peroxidation. Mice supplemented with VINTERA™ extract, at 100 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg, show significantly lower levels of MDA than unsupplemented mice (and relatively closely to unstressed mice). This shows that the extract reduces lipid peroxidation markers in stressed mice. (Graph C) (Bobadilla et al., 2021)

Figure 1: Plot of measurements of catalase activity (A), SOD activity (B) and TBARS (C) from the brain of one single mouse. Values are presented as the mean ± SEM of eight experimental animals. One-way ANOVA and Dunnett's multiple comparison test were used for statistical analysis. * p < 0.05 compared to normal mice, and # p < 0.05 and ## p < 0.01 compared to restrained mice (stress). (Bobadilla et al., 2021)

• In summary, the study by Bobadilla et al. (2021) indicates that oral administration of VINTERA™ red grape polyphenol extract may have a neuro-protective effect by reducing oxidative stress in the brain, in mice. 

A systematic review was conducted by Bird et al. in 2021 to assess the evidence from clinical trials of chronic consumption of red grape ingredients, on various cognitive functions. 

Six randomised controlled trials were conducted in healthy and mildly cognitively impaired participants. The results indicated that chronic consumption of red grapes would lead to improvements in certain cognitive domains, such as attention, language and memory in healthy older adults.

In conclusion, VINTERA™ red grape polyphenols supplementation could have a beneficial effect on cognitive health through its antioxidant properties.

The use of VINTERA™ Red Grape Polyphenols in food supplements is authorised in France. 

In fact, Vitis vinifera is listed in Appendix I of the “Plantes” Decree (Decree of 24 June 2014) and the “fruit” is one of the authorised parts.

Vitis vinifera L. is also listed in The Belgian Royal Decree of 31 August 2021 with regards to the manufacture of and trade in food products consisting of or containing plants or plant preparations (authorised part: fruit, leaf bud, leaf, seed).

VINTERA™ Red Grape Polyphenols is not considered a “Novel Food” as defined by the Regulation (EU) 2015/2283 concerning Novel Foods.

Fruits of Vitis vinifera (grapevine, wine grape) were used as foodstuffs in the EU before 15 May 1997 according to the Novel food Catalogue.

VINTERA™ Red Grape Polyphenols is an aqueous extract of red grape pomace produced by ALVINESA Natural Ingredients. 

In order to guarantee a grape pomace of the highest quality, ALVINESA carefully selects its raw material from 400 wineries and relies on its in-house laboratory. The partner wineries are chosen for their environmentally friendly practices and 75% come from the Castilla-La Mancha region in Spain

The production of VINTERA™ grape pomace extract allows the valorisation of an agricultural co-product from the wine making process and therefore avoids waste.

ALVINESA's production site, based in Daimiel, Spain, is the largest grape co-product manufacturing plant in the world, with a capacity of 320,000 tonnes/year.

This is where the polyphenols from the pomace are extracted using a mild extraction method without chemical solvents, using only water. The waste from this extraction is then recycled, mainly for the production of onsite energy. This is because the company generates a high percentage of its energy needs for production in a renewable energy source. It also controls its emissions with the objective of producing a natural extract with low environmental impact. (See the Alvinesa page for more information on the supplier's sustainable practices)

In order to meet high quality, safety and environmental requirements, the facilities are certified to FSSC 22000, ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 451001.

VINTERA™ Red Grape Polyphenols is also certified as kosher and halal.

The extract is available as a water-soluble powder, characterised by a dark purple colour and an astringent taste. 

VINTERA™ Red Grape Polyphenols can be used in the formulation of food supplements for sachets and capsule applications.

There is a “pending” EFSA assessment plant claim tolerated by the European Commission regarding grape marc. This claim concerns the Slimming health sphere.