According to Ana Barros, researcher of the University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), from the Centre for Research and Agro-environmental and Biological Technologies, grape stalk extracts, a by-product resulting from each harvest, have been assessed for their potential at a pharmaceutical level and for the creation of cosmetic products.


After the gastrointestinal tract bacteria test, a study conducted in 2014 involving seven grape varieties, the researchers understood that the potential of this grape variety used in the Douro region may have a pharmaceutical application.


“There was one grape variety that proved to be extremely promising, Rabigato, which, despite being a white grape variety, showed better results than the antibiotic itself”.


The grape is very rich in resveratrol, used by cosmetic companies.


“We found that, in addition to having antioxidant capabilities, it helps reduce bad cholesterol and increase good cholesterol”.


“We believe it may have a pharmaceutical use, a topical use as an anti-inflammatory cream or something like that,” she added.


The research, started in 2014, had as its initial objective the classification of grape stalks, as there are few articles published worldwide and they represent 25 percent of the organic waste from the wine industry.


Ana Barros recalls that Rabigato can be used in the cosmetics and pharmaceutical areas, as an alternative to antibiotics, where resistance to these drugs is pointed out by the World Health Organisation as a major threat to public health.