Review of the Composition and Antimicrobial Roles of Extracts of Vine Tea (Ampelopsis grossedentata)

Vine tea (Ampelopsis grossedentata) is a traditional medicinal and edible plant widely consumed in China. Its bioactivity is attributed to flavonoids, particularly dihydromyricetin, which exhibits broad-spectrum antimicrobial activities. This review provides a comprehensive narrative synthesis of the antimicrobial properties of dihydromyricetin from vine tea against pathogenic bacteria and fungi, underlying mechanisms of action, and potential applications. Current evidence indicates that dihydromyricetin exerts antimicrobial effects through multiple mechanisms, including disruption of cell wall integrity, alteration of membrane permeability, interference with lipid and energy metabolism, inhibition of protein synthesis, and suppression of virulence-associated processes. Notably, its antibacterial activity is generally more pronounced against gram-positive bacteria than gram-negative species, while antifungal efficacy is comparatively weaker but can be significantly enhanced through advanced formulation strategies, including co-crystallization and nanoparticle-based delivery systems. Moreover, dihydromyricetin demonstrates a multi-target, multi-pathway mode of action, involving key metabolic and signaling pathways related to oxidative stress, inflammation, and cellular homeostasis. Despite its promising antimicrobial potential, current research is limited by methodological inconsistencies, including reliance on inhibition-zone assays, insufficient reporting of minimum inhibitory concentrations, and lack of standardized experimental frameworks. Furthermore, data on toxicity, bioavailability, and real-world application remain inadequate. Overall, dihydromyricetin represents a promising natural antimicrobial agent with potential applications in food preservation, agriculture, and pharmaceuticals. Future research should prioritize standardized evaluation methods, comprehensive toxicological assessment, and the development of effective delivery systems to facilitate its translation from laboratory studies to practical applications. This article aims to review the composition and antimicrobial roles of extracts of vine tea (A. grossedentata).