COMPARATIVE-STUDY OF RADICAL SCAVENGER AND ANTIOXIDANT PROPERTIES OF PHENOLIC-COMPOUNDS FROM VITIS-VINIFERA CELL-CULTURES USING IN-VITRO TESTS

Vitis vinifera cell suspensions were used to isolate and characterize the flavonoids (anthocyanins, catechins) and non-flavonoids (stilbenes ) found in red wine. Furthermore, we showed that astringin is produced although this stilbene has not previously been reported to be a const ituent of V. vinifera or wine. Tile ability of these compounds to act as radical scavengers was investigated using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hyd razyl (DPPH), a stable free radical. Antioxidant activities were asses sed by their capacity to prevent Fe2+-induced lipid peroxidation in mi crosomes and their action on Cu2+-induced lipid peroxidation in low-de nsity lipoproteins. The results showed that astringin has an important antioxidant effect similar to that of trans-resveratrol, and a higher radical scavenger activity than the latter. Astringinin appeared to b e more active. These data indicate that phenolic compounds (stilbenes, catechins, anthocyanins) exhibit interesting properties which may acc ount in part for the so-called ''French paradox,'' i.e. that moderate drinking of red wine over a long period of time can protect against co ronary heart disease.