Enhanced NMR-based profiling of polyphenols in commercially available grape juices using solid-phase extraction

Grapes and related products, such as juices, and in particular, their polyphenols, have previously been associated with many health benefits, such as protection against cardiovascular disease. Within grapes, a large range of structurally diverse polyphenols can be present, and their characterisation stands as a challenge. 1H NMR spectroscopy in principle would provide a rapid, nondestructive and straightforward method for profiling of polyphenols. However, polyphenol profiling and identification in grape juices is hindered because of signals of prevailing carbohydrates causing spectral overlap and compromising dynamic range. This study describes the development of an extraction method prior to analysis using 1H NMR spectroscopy, which can, potentially, significantly increase the number of detectable polyphenols and aid their identification, by reduction of signal overlap and selective removal of heavily dominating compounds such as sugars.