Therapeutic potential of grape pomace extracts: a review of scientific evidence

Grape pomace is widely studied as a source of phenolic compounds. These secondary metabolites are recognized by presenting pharmacological properties such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-tyrosinase, vasodilating, anti-inflammatory, antihyperglycemic and antitumoral, that can be exploited in new and sustainable therapies. In this review, we gather scientific evidences of biological properties of extracts and individual phenolic from grape pomace through in vitro, in vivo or in silico studies. In a more specific approach, we discuss the mechanisms of action of these compounds as therapeutical agents to prevent or treat diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. The outcomes from the studies evaluated show that phenolic extracts from grape pomace have a high potential to be administrated as supplements and even to be incorporated in medicine formulations. However, even the researchers suggesting the mechanism of action responsible for their effects, the biological pathways are not completely elucidated. Furthermore, there is still a lack of in vivo studies to obtain more consistent evidences.