Antioxidant profile and in vitro cardiac radical scavengings us pro-oxidant effects of commercial red grape juices (Vitisvinifera I.cv Aglianico)

Several works have reported on the antioxidant and cardioprotective properties of grape products, mainly grape seed extracts. The present study represents the first investigation on whole commercial red grape juices (Vitis vinifera L. cv. Aglianico N.) before and after lyophilisation. The results obtained revealed that the juice samples were characterised by a valuable antioxidant profile in comparison with other red grape products and a good stability to the freeze-drying process. Experiments on cardiomyocytes showed an appreciable direct radical scavenging activity at low sample doses while pro-oxidant properties at higher concentrations were detected. A combination of doxorubicin and liophilised juice was tested on cardiomyocytes: an appreciable cardioprotective effect at low juice sample doses was revealed. Our data suggest that both juice and its formulation for food supplements could be able to favor a reduction of cardiovascular disease risk both in normal subjects and in patients undergoing doxorubicin therapy.