Aglianico: The Promising Grape to Treat Diabetic Retinopathy and Protect Your Eyes
We recently made an interesting discovery in the world of wine that could have revolutionary implications for eye health. Aglianico , an iconic grape variety from Campania, is proving to be much more than just an ingredient for great wines. Italian researchers have shed light on its therapeutic potential to treat diabetic retinopathy , a serious complication of diabetes that affects vision.
Aglianico: a grape with unsuspected virtues
Aglianico , the noble grape variety from southern Italy, is well-known among wine lovers for its powerful tannins and exceptional aging capacity. However, its benefits could extend far beyond our taste buds. A team of Italian scientists has developed an innovative dietary supplement based on Aglianico pomace, opening up new perspectives in the field of eye health.
What makes Aglianico so promising are its polyphenolic compounds , including resveratrol and quercetin. These molecules, naturally present in the skin of the grape, are known for their powerful antioxidant properties. As a passionate sommelier, I have always been intrigued by the health benefits of wine, but this discovery exceeds all my expectations.
Here is an overview of the main bioactive compounds of Aglianico:
- Resveratrol: a powerful antioxidant
- Quercetin: a flavonoid with anti-inflammatory properties
- Anthocyanins: pigments with protective effects
- Proanthocyanidins: tannins beneficial for vascular health
Diabetic retinopathy: a major challenge
Diabetic retinopathy is a serious complication of diabetes that affects the retina. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 422 million people worldwide have diabetes , and nearly a quarter of type 2 diabetic patients will develop some form of diabetic retinopathy during their lifetime. This condition can lead to progressive vision loss and is the leading cause of preventable blindness in adults in many countries.
Oxidative stress plays a crucial role in the development of this pathology. This is precisely where Aglianico comes in. Researchers have developed a maltodextrin grape pomace extract (MaGPE) from Aglianico, specifically designed to combat oxidative stress in the retina.
Traveling through the world's vineyards, we've often heard about the medicinal properties of certain grape varieties. But this is the first time we've seen such a promising study, combining winemaking tradition with cutting-edge medical research.
A promising clinical study
The efficacy of MaGPE was evaluated in a randomized clinical trial involving 99 patients with diabetic retinopathy. The results are particularly encouraging:
| Setting | MaGPE Group | Placebo Group |
|---|---|---|
| Visual acuity | Significant improvement | No noticeable change |
| Central retinal thickness | Reduction | Stable or increased |
| Vascular perfusion | Stabilization | Progressive deterioration |
| Oxidative stress markers | Decrease | No significant change |
These results suggest that MaGPE supplementation could effectively reduce retinal edema and oxidative stress , thereby contributing to improving visual outcomes in patients with diabetic retinopathy.
Future prospects for Aglianico
This discovery opens the way to new therapeutic approaches based on natural compounds. As wine enthusiasts, we are excited by the idea that our field of expertise can contribute significantly to public health.
Aglianico, once appreciated only for its oenological qualities, could soon become a valuable ally in the fight against diabetes-related blindness . This advance underlines the importance of interdisciplinary research, here combining expertise in viticulture, medicinal chemistry and ophthalmology.
As we continue to explore the world’s vineyards, we’ll be keeping a close eye on future developments in this exciting research. Who knows what other medicinal treasures might be hiding in our glasses of wine?
