A series of antioxidant compounds, whose acronym is OPC, could be extracted from the pomace of white grapes. OPCs prevent disease and act against free radicals.
The ability to protect and benefit heart health, preventing aging, and is not unique to red wine: a group of researchers from San Juan (Argentina), succeeded in obtaining the substances responsible for this beneficial action (whose acronym is OPC) white grape marc. The novelty of the research is twofold: on one hand, extends the ability of white grapes protective of human health and on the other, he concludes that this acquisition can be very profitable for the industry.
The investigation, which lasted several years and is finished to be used for commercial purposes, was addressed by professionals of the Faculty of Engineering UNSJ and went through various stages, concluding with a national subsidy program and Local Development University. This grant was used for the purchase of specific instruments that allowed to conclude the research and check their results.
The good press that red wine has been made possible by the advent of technology to winemaking, which allowed the study of complex compounds that form. So it was learned that this drink is rich in resveratrol and OPC, ie oligomeric proanthocyanidins (also called tannins), which act as antioxidants Superman: protect vascular function are sunscreens and ionizing radiation have antihistamine action and are anticancer and anti-free radicals, which are the cause of aging.
Archirrepetida recommendation that "a glass of red wine a day is good for the heart" in the words of doctors and nutritionists, installed in the group of local researchers an idea: get the OPC famous white grape pomace, which is where tannins are not into wine. "It was known that resveratrol and OPCs were in red wine and grapes, says José Miguel Pia, one of the research team members-but the novelty was sought in the skins of white grapes. So we did and got both compounds are present, but that while resveratrol is more present in the skin, OPCs are more seeds. The challenge was to try to extract and show how this task could be profitable. "
The investigation began with the extraction of resveratrol, but although successful, came to the conclusion that this was not profitable. "Our job then turned around and we apply ourselves to see how we could extract OPC and show whether it was desirable economically," he said Pia.
The process was not easy, but on the way had its stimulus. A grant from the University Policies Secretariat allowed to move forward in light of the results, investors began to appear interested in using this technology for commercial purposes. "The OPC are widely used in cosmetics and pharmacopoeia. In recent publications, we have found a positive effect in treating Alzheimer's disease ", was the professional.
A series of separation processes by screening, washing and extraction, concentration possible to obtain seed OPC and resveratrol from the skin, as well as calcium tartrate, another very profitable product.
"Get OPC is not only possible but also profitable. Its use is widespread worldwide and already there were several interested in using this technology, the economic benefit that this would mean, "he said Pia.
