Varietal Distributions of Stilbenes in Grape Cane of Vitis vinifera L.

Abstract

Grape cane is a waste product from viticulture, which can be used as a source of stilbenes, such as resveratrol and viniferins with high antioxidant values. These stilbenes have also important healthy effects for humans. Resveratrol and viniferins are known as phytoalexins since 1977. Biomass of grape canes in annual pruning is a very valuable source of stilbenes, e.g. trans- resveratrol, and trans- ε-viniferin in dry grape canes. The main goal of this article was to compare the distribution of resveratrol and viniferins in the grape cane varieties of Laurot, Hibernal, Malverina and Chardonnay. The highest content of trans- resveratrol was found in Hibernal (6,111 mg kg −1 ); for trans- ε-viniferin and r2-vinifein, the highest levels were found in Malverina (2,211 and 654 mg kg −1 ). These compounds can be obtained from this waste product (grape cane), by easy extraction process in winemaking or food-processing industry.