The antiproliferative effects of a purified white grape pomace extract (PWGPE), as well as of some phenolic standards on colon cancer cells were examined. The phenolic composition of the PWGPE was determined by rapid resolution liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (RRLC/MS). The PWGPE had 92.6, 43.3 and 6.01mg/g of flavanols, flavonols and phenolic acids, respectively and, along with pure catechin, epicatechin, quercetin and gallic acid, they were all found capable of inhibiting cellular proliferation. PWGPE (100μg/ml) inhibited the proliferation of cells by 52.1% at 48h, whilst catechin, epicatechin, quercetin and gallic acid (60μg/ml) inhibited growth by 65.2%, 62.2%, 81.0% and 71.0%, respectively, at 72h. The PWGPE is an interesting source of phenolic compounds with antiproliferative properties, that could be of interest in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

The winemaking industry produces large amount of byproducts, including grape pomace, stalks, and lees. Wine lees are a natural source of phenolic compounds, which have important antioxidant and biological properties. Due to the high quantities produced worldwide, this byproduct can be an ideal raw material for obtaining phenolic compounds that could be of interest in the food and pharmaceutical industries. In this mini review, the main characteristics of wine lees as well as their phenolic composition and antioxidant activity have been summarized from the information in the literature.