Grape Polyphenols Ameliorate Muscle Decline Reducing Oxidative Stress and Oxidative Damage in Aged Rats

Effect of Cucumis melo L. peel extract supplemented postbiotics on reprograming gut microbiota and sarcopenia in hindlimb-immobilized mice

Postbiotics made from lactic acid bacteria may ameliorate sarcopenia via the metabolic reprogramming of gut dysbiosis. This study investigated the anti-sarcopenic effect of postbiotics (WDK) produced from polyphenol-rich melon peel extract (Cucumis melo L. var. makuwa, KEE) and whey with Lentilactobacillus kefiri DH5 (DH5) in C2C12 skeletal muscle cells and hindlimb-immobilized mice. WDK significantly ameliorated palmitate-induced atrophy of C2C12 cells, restoring myotube length and diameter. It also upregulated the expression of myogenic genes including Atrogin-1, Igf-1, and MyoD. Hindlimb-immobilized C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided and orally administered 10 mL/kg body weight of saline (CON), Whey, Whey + DH5 (WD), DH5 + KEE, Whey + DH5 + KEE postbiotic (WDK) for three weeks (n = 10/group). Interestingly, WDK significantly improved muscle function in hindlimb-immobilized mice by restoring both the grip strength and the mass of the soleus muscle, which was closely related to the upregulation of the myoD gene. WDK increased microbial diversity and modulated the distribution of intestinal bacteria, particularly those involved in protein synthesis and the production of butyrate. There was a significant correlation between myogenic biomarkers and butyrate producing gut microbiota. Restoration of muscle mass and function following postbiotic WDK is strongly related to the regulation of myogenic genes by in part remodulating gut microbiota. In conclusion, these findings suggest that polyphenol- and whey-based postbiotics WDK may have potential as an effective manner to combat the progression of sarcopenia.

Antiviral activity of Taurisolo® during bovine alphaherpesvirus 1 infection

Bovine alphaherpesvirus 1 (BoAHV-1), the pathogen causing Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis (IBR) and predisposing to polymicrobial infections in cattle, provokes farm economic losses and trading restrictions in the world. However, nontoxic antiviral agents for BoAHV-1 infection are still unavailable, but plant extracts, such as flavonoid derivatives possess activity against BoAHV-1. Taurisolo®, a nutraceutical produced by Aglianico grape pomace, has recently shown promising antiviral activity. Herein, the potential activity of Taurisolo® during BoAHV-1 infection in Madin Darby bovine kidney (MDBK) cells was tested. Taurisolo® enhanced cell viability and reduced morphological death signs in BoAHV-1-infected cells. Moreover, Taurisolo® influenced the expression of bICP0, the key regulatory protein of BoAHV-1, and it strongly diminished virus yield. These effects were associated with an up-regulation of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), a transcription factor involved in microbial metabolism and immune response. In conclusion, our findings indicate that Taurisolo® may represent a potential antiviral agent against BoAHV-1 infection. Noteworthy, AhR could be involved in the observed effects and become a new target in antiviral therapy.

In Vitro Evaluation of Biological and Anticancer Activities Exhibited by Five Varieties of Vitis vinifera L

Vitis vinifera commonly known as grapevine is one of the most important fruit crops worldwide. Its cultivation started more than 7000 years ago in the Near East, and over the millennia was followed by the development of thousands of cultivars that were further selected and characterized for specific purposes. Its important pharmacological value and its richness in phytoconstituents were the triggers to perform this project. Seven extracts were prepared from five different V. vinifera varieties (V. vinifera 'Black Pearl' (BP), V. vinifera 'Red Glob' (RG), V. vinifera 'Crimson' (CR), V. vinifera 'Beitamouni' (BE) and V. vinifera 'Superior' (SU)) by separating the pulp from the seeds, followed by methanolic extraction. The phytochemical analysis showed that red colored grapes (RE, BP and CR), the seeds from V. vinifera 'Black Pearl' and V. vinifera 'Red Globe' contain higher amounts of primary and secondary metabolites such as polyphenols, anthocyanins and reducing sugars. In addition to their richness in phytoconstituents, these varieties/seeds possess an important antioxidant activity. The results of the cell viability assays showed that the red varieties have a potential anticancer activity against Capan-2 pancreatic cancer and MDA-MB231(TNBC) breast cancer cell lines, with the greatest promise when combined with the seeds.

Mitochondrial homeostasis: a potential target for delaying renal aging

Mitochondria, which are the energy factories of the cell, participate in many life activities, and the kidney is a high metabolic organ that contains abundant mitochondria. Renal aging is a degenerative process associated with the accumulation of harmful processes. Increasing attention has been given to the role of abnormal mitochondrial homeostasis in renal aging. However, the role of mitochondrial homeostasis in renal aging has not been reviewed in detail. Here, we summarize the current biochemical markers associated with aging and review the changes in renal structure and function during aging. Moreover, we also review in detail the role of mitochondrial homeostasis abnormalities, including mitochondrial function, mitophagy and mitochondria-mediated oxidative stress and inflammation, in renal aging. Finally, we describe some of the current antiaging compounds that target mitochondria and note that maintaining mitochondrial homeostasis is a potential strategy against renal aging.

Antiherpetic Activity of Taurisolo®, a Grape Pomace Polyphenolic Extract

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is widespread in the population, causing oral or genital ulcers and, rarely, severe complications such as encephalitis, keratitis, and neonatal herpes. Current available anti-HSV drugs are acyclovir and its derivatives, although long-term therapy with these agents can lead to drug resistance. Thus, the discovery of novel antiherpetic compounds merits additional studies. In recent decades, much scientific effort has been invested in the discovery of new synthetic or natural compounds with promising antiviral properties. In our study, we tested the antiviral potential of a novel polyphenol-based nutraceutical formulation (named Taurisolo^®) consisting of a water polyphenol extract of grape pomace. The evaluation of the antiviral activity was carried out by using HSV-1 and HSV-2 in plaque assay experiments to understand the mechanism of action of the extract. Results were confirmed by real-time PCR, transmission electron microscope (TEM), and fluorescence microscope. Taurisolo^® was able to block the viral infection by acting on cells when added together with the virus and also when the virus was pretreated with the extract, demonstrating an inhibitory activity directed to the early phases of HSV-1 and HSV-2 infection. Altogether, these data evidence for the first time the potential use of Taurisolo^® as a topical formulation for both preventing and healing herpes lesions.

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential of rhizome aqueous extract of sea holly (Eryngium maritimum L.) on Jurkat cells

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The genus Eryngium is known for producing a wide range of bioactive compounds with proved medicinal properties. In the last years, research has focused on E. maritimum, with previous studies reporting anticancer, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities. Ethnobotanical literature suggests that it has been traditionally used to treat a wide range of illnesses, having antitussive, diuretic and aphrodisiac properties. Being rhizome one of the most bioactive organs, much of the available references from traditional uses suggest that it has been specifically used to treat renal diseases. In this sense, inflammation and oxidative processes play a major role in kidney dysfunctions, which could be associated to the mechanism of action of the plant extracts.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The main aim of the study was to investigate the effects of E. maritimum rhizome extract on the antioxidant and inflammatory response in human immune cells.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Rhizome extracts were obtained from plants growing in Mallorca (Balearic Islands), and its composition was determined using HPLC-DAD, highlighting simple phenolic compounds such as trans-ferulic acid, catechin, chlorogenic acid, epicatechin and rosmarinic acid as the major constituents. Total antioxidant capacity was determined using the FRAP assay. Jurkat cells were cultured to analyse cytotoxicity by cell viability assay. In parallel, cells were stimulated with phytohemagglutinin and treated with different extract concentrations. Gene and protein expression, as well as nitrite and cytokine levels were evaluated as indicators of metabolic responses.

RESULTS

The plant extract showed a high diversity of pharmacologically bioactive compounds with potential therapeutic uses. The extract presented null cytotoxicity and exerted antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects on Jurkat cells by inducing an antioxidant response and reducing cytokine and nitric oxide release and the expression of pro-inflammatory genes.

CONCLUSION

The present findings suggest that E. maritimum is a promising phytotherapeutic species because of its strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential, which could explain some of its traditional uses.

Grape Polyphenols in the Treatment of Human Skeletal Muscle Damage Due to Inflammation and Oxidative Stress during Obesity and Aging: Early Outcomes and Promises

Today, inactivity and high-calorie diets contribute to the development of obesity and premature aging. In addition, the population of elderly people is growing due to improvements in healthcare management. Obesity and aging are together key risk factors for non-communicable diseases associated with several co-morbidities and increased mortality, with a major impact on skeletal muscle defect and/or poor muscle mass quality. Skeletal muscles contribute to multiple body functions and play a vital role throughout the day, in all our activities. In our society, limiting skeletal muscle deterioration, frailty and dependence is not only a major public health challenge but also a major socio-economic issue. Specific diet supplementation with natural chemical compounds such as grape polyphenols had shown to play a relevant and direct role in regulating metabolic and molecular pathways involved in the prevention and treatment of obesity and aging and their related muscle comorbidities in cell culture and animal studies. However, clinical studies aiming to restore skeletal muscle mass and function with nutritional grape polyphenols supplementation are still very scarce. There is an urgent need for clinical studies to validate the very encouraging results observed in animal models.

Antioxidative properties of phenolic compounds and their effect on oxidative stress induced by severe physical exercise

Extensive research has found strongly increased generation of reactive oxygen species, free radicals, and reactive nitrogen species during acute physical exercise that can lead to oxidative stress (OS) and impair muscle function. Polyphenols (PCs), the most abundant antioxidants in the human diet, are of increasing interest to athletes as antioxidants. Current literature suggests that antioxidants supplementation can effectively modulate these processes. This overview summarizes the actual knowledge of chemical and biomechanical properties of PCs and their impact as supplements on acute exercise-induced OS, inflammation control, and exercise performance. Evidence maintains that PC supplements have high potency to positively impact redox homeostasis and improve skeletal muscle's physiological and physical functions. However, many studies have failed to present improvement in physical performance. Eleven of 15 representative experimental studies reported a reduction of severe exercise-induced OS and inflammation markers or enhancement of total antioxidant capacity; four of eight studies found improvement in exercise performance outcomes. Further studies should be continued to address a safe, optimal PC dosage, supplementation timing during a severe training program in different sports disciplines, and effects on performance response and adaptations of skeletal muscle to exercise.

Taurisolo®, a Grape Pomace Polyphenol Nutraceutical Reducing the Levels of Serum Biomarkers Associated With Atherosclerosis

Trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) is a gut microbiota-derived metabolite recognized as strongly related to cardiovascular diseases (CVD), mainly increasing the risk of atherosclerosis development. Currently, no pharmacological approaches have been licensed for reduction of TMAO serum levels and conventional anti-atherosclerosis treatments only target the traditional risk factors, and the cardiovascular risk (CVR) still persist. This underlines the need to find novel targeted strategies for management of atherosclerosis. In this study we tested the ability of a novel nutraceutical formulation based on grape pomace polyphenols (Taurisolo®) in reducing both the serum levels of TMAO and oxidative stress-related biomarkers in humans (n = 213). After chronic treatment with Taurisolo® we observed significantly reduced levels of TMAO (−49.78 and −75.80%, after 4-week and 8-week treatment, respectively), oxidized LDL (oxLDL; −43.12 and −65.05%, after 4-week and 8-week treatment, respectively), and reactive oxygen species (D-ROMs; −34.37 and −49.68%, after 4-week and 8-week treatment, respectively). On the other hand, no significant changes were observed in control group. Such promising, the results observed allow indicating Taurisolo® as an effective nutraceutical strategy for prevention of atherosclerosis.

Clinical Trial Registration: This study is listed on the ISRCTN registry with ID ISRCTN10794277 (doi: 10.1186/ISRCTN10794277).

Low-Intensity Exercise Routine for a Long Period of Time Prevents Osteosarcopenic Obesity in Sedentary Old Female Rats, by Decreasing Inflammation and Oxidative Stress and Increasing GDF-11

The loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength is known as sarcopenia; it is characterized as a progressive and generalized muscle disorder associated with aging. This deterioration can seriously compromise the elderly's health and reduce their quality of life. In addition to age, there are other factors that induce muscle mass loss, among which are sedentary lifestyle, chronic diseases, inflammation, and obesity. In recent years, a new clinical condition has been observed in older adults that affects their physical capacities and quality of life, which is known as osteosarcopenic obesity (OSO). Osteoporosis, sarcopenia, and obesity coexist in this condition. Physical exercise and nutritional management are the most widely used interventions for the treatment and prevention of sarcopenia. However, in older adults, physical exercise and protein intake do not have the same outcomes observed in younger people. Here, we used a low-intensity exercise routine for a long period of time (LIERLT) in order to delay the OSO appearance related to sedentarism and aging in female Wistar rats. The LIERLT routine consisted of walking at 15 m/min for 30 min, five days a week for 20 months. To evaluate the effects of the LIERLT routine, body composition was determined using DXA-scan, additionally, biochemical parameters, inflammatory profile, oxidative protein damage, redox state, and serum concentration of GDF-11 at different ages were evaluated (4, 8, 12, 18, 22, and 24 months). Our results show that the LIERLT routine delays OSO phenotype in old 24-month-old rats, in a mechanism involving the decrease in the inflammatory state and oxidative stress. GDF-11 was evaluated as a protein related to muscle repair and regeneration; interestingly, rats that perform the LIERLT increased their GDF-11 levels.

Ex Vivo Study on the Antioxidant Activity of a Winemaking By-Product Polyphenolic Extract (Taurisolo®) on Human Neutrophils

Oxidative stress (OxS) has been linked to several chronic diseases and is recognized to have both major causes and consequences. The use of antioxidant-based nutraceuticals has been licensed as an optimal tool for management of OxS-related diseases. Currently, great interest is focused on the valorization of agri-food by-products as a source of bioactive compounds, including polyphenols. In this sense, we evaluated the efficacy of a novel nutraceutical formulation based on polyphenolic extract from Aglianico cultivar grape pomace (registered as Taurisolo^®). In particular, we tested both native and in vitro gastrointestinal digested forms. The two extracts have been used to treat ex vivo neutrophils from subjects with metabolic syndrome, reporting a marked antioxidant activity of Taurisolo^®, as shown by its ability to significantly reduce both the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the activities of catalase and myeloperoxidase in the cell medium after stimulation of neutrophils with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA). Interestingly, we observed an increase in intracellular enzymatic activities in PMA-treated cells, suggesting that Taurisolo^® polyphenols might be able to activate nuclear factors, up-regulating the expression of this target antioxidant gene. In addition, Taurisolo^® reversed the increase in malondialdehyde induced by PMA; reduced the expression of pro-inflammatory genes such as cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) and myeloperoxidase (MPO); and induced the expression of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. Overall, these results suggest the efficacy of Taurisolo^® in contrasting the OxS at blood level, providing evidence for its therapeutic potential in the management of OxS-related pathological conditions in humans.

Vascular Effects of the Polyphenolic Nutraceutical Supplement Taurisolo®: Focus on the Protection of the Endothelial Function

Preservation of vascular endothelium integrity and functionality represents an unmet medical need. Indeed, endothelial dysfunction leads to decreased nitric oxide biosynthesis, which is prodromic of hypertension and hypercoagulability. In this panorama, the nutraceutical supplement Taurisolo^®, a polyphenolic extract from Aglianico cultivar grape, rich in catechin and procyanidins, was evaluated as a vasoprotective, vasorelaxing, anti-hypertensive and anti-coagulant agent in: cell lines, isolated vessels, in vivo models of chronic hypertension and hypercoagulability, and in clinical tests of endothelial reactivity. Taurisolo^® demonstrated to fully protect vascular cell viability from oxidative stimulus at 100 µg/mL and evoke vasorelaxing effects (Emax = 80.6% ± 1.9 and pEC50 = 1.19 ± 0.03) by activation of the Sirtuins-AMPK-pathway. Moreover, Taurisolo^®, chronically administered at 20 mg/Kg/die in in vivo experiments, inhibited the onset of cardiac hypertrophy (heart weight/rat weight = 3.96 ± 0.09 vs. 4.30 ± 0.03), hypercoagulability (decrease of fibrinogen vs. control: p < 0.01) and hypertension (mean of Psys: 200 ± 2 vs. control 234 ± 2 mmHg) and improved endothelial function (Emax = 88.9% ± 1.5 vs. control 59.6% ± 3.6; flow-mediated dilation in healthy volunteers after 400 mg twice daily for 8 weeks vs. baseline: p = 0.019). In conclusion, Taurisolo^® preserves the vascular function against ox-inflamm-ageing process and the consequent cardiovascular accidents.

The Treatment of Rhodiola Mimics Exercise to Resist High-Fat Diet-Induced Muscle Dysfunction via Sirtuin1-Dependent Mechanisms

Muscle dysfunction is a complication of high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity that could be prevented by exercise, but patients did not get enough therapeutic efficacy from exercise due to multiple reasons. To explore alternative or supplementary approaches to prevent or treat muscle dysfunction in individuals with obesity, we investigated the effects of Rhodiola on muscle dysfunction as exercise pills. SIRT1 might suppress atrogenes expression and improve mitochondrial quality control, which could be a therapeutic target stimulated by exercise and Rhodiola, but further mechanisms remain unclear. We verified the lipid metabolism disorders and skeletal muscle dysfunction in HFD feeding mice. Moreover, exercise and Rhodiola were used to intervene mice with a HFD. Our results showed that exercise and Rhodiola prevented muscle atrophy and dysfunction in obese mice and activating the SIRT1 pathway, while atrogenes were suppressed and mitochondrial quality control was improved. EX-527, SIRT1 inhibitor, was used to validate the essential role of SIRT1 in salidroside benefit. Results of cell culture experiment showed that salidroside alleviated high palmitate-induced atrophy and mitochondrial quality control impairments, but these improvements of salidroside were inhibited by EX-527 in C2C12 myotubes. Overall, Rhodiola mimics exercise that activates SIRT1 signaling leading to improvement of HFD-induced muscle dysfunction.

Grape polyphenols supplementation for exercise-induced oxidative stress

Exercise induces free radicals’ overproduction and therefore, an enhancement of oxidative stress, defined as an imbalance between the production of reactive species and the intrinsic antioxidant defense. Redox activity of reactive species plays an important and a positive role on exercise adaptation, but these species at very high concentrations have detrimental effects. As a result, the use of antioxidant supplements for reducing oxidative stress can be an effective health strategy to maintain an optimal antioxidant status. In this sense, grapes are an important source of natural antioxidants due to their high content in polyphenols. They have shown antioxidant potential benefits for the reduction of intense exercise effect in athletes of different sport disciplines. Consequently, it is plausible to hypothesize that a strategic supplementation with grape based products may be a good approach to mitigate the exercise induced oxidative stress. The goal of this review is to present the state of the art of supplementation effects with grape beverages and grape extracts on the oxidative stress markers in athletes. The data of polyphenolic dosages, participant characteristics and exercise protocols are reported.

Beneficial Effects of a Mixture of Algae and Extra Virgin Olive Oils on the Age-Induced Alterations of Rodent Skeletal Muscle: Role of HDAC-4

Aging is associated with a progressive decline in skeletal muscle mass, strength and function (sarcopenia). We have investigated whether a mixture of algae oil (25%) and extra virgin olive oil (75%) could exert beneficial effects on sarcopenia. Young (3 months) and old (24 months) male Wistar rats were treated with vehicle or with the oil mixture (OM) (2.5 mL/kg) for 21 days. Aging decreased gastrocnemius weight, total protein, and myosin heavy chain mRNA. Treatment with the OM prevented these effects. Concomitantly, OM administration decreased the inflammatory state in muscle; it prevented the increase of pro-inflammatory interleukin-6 (IL-6) and the decrease in anti-inflammatory interleukin-10 (IL-10) in aged rats. The OM was not able to prevent aging-induced alterations in either the insulin-like growth factor I/protein kinase B (IGF-I/Akt) pathway or in the increased expression of atrogenes in the gastrocnemius. However, the OM prevented decreased autophagy activity (ratio protein 1A/1B-light chain 3 (LC3b) II/I) induced by aging and increased expression of factors related with muscle senescence such as histone deacetylase 4 (HDAC-4), myogenin, and IGF-I binding protein 5 (IGFBP-5). These data suggest that the beneficial effects of the OM on muscle can be secondary to its anti-inflammatory effect and to the normalization of HDAC-4 and myogenin levels, making this treatment an alternative therapeutic tool for sarcopenia.

A Ten-Day Grape Seed Procyanidin Treatment Prevents Certain Ageing Processes in Female Rats over the Long Term

Adaptive homeostasis declines with age and this leads to, among other things, the appearance of chronic age-related pathologies such as cancer, neurodegeneration, osteoporosis, sarcopenia, cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Grape seed-derived procyanidins (GSPE) have been shown to be effective against several of these pathologies, mainly in young animal models. Here we test their effectiveness in aged animals: 21-month-old female rats were treated with 500 mg GSPE/kg of body weight for ten days. Afterwards they were kept on a chow diet for eleven weeks. Food intake, body weight, metabolic plasma parameters and tumor incidence were measured. The GSPE administered to aged rats had an effect on food intake during the treatment and after eleven weeks continued to have an effect on visceral adiposity. It prevented pancreas dysfunction induced by ageing and maintained a higher glucagon/insulin ratio together with a lower decrease in ketonemia. It was very effective in preventing age-related tumor development. All in all, this study supports the positive effect of GSPE on preventing some age-related pathologies.

Nutraceuticals and Exercise against Muscle Wasting during Cancer Cachexia

Cancer cachexia (CC) is a debilitating multifactorial syndrome, involving progressive deterioration and functional impairment of skeletal muscles. It affects about 80% of patients with advanced cancer and causes premature death. No causal therapy is available against CC. In the last few decades, our understanding of the mechanisms contributing to muscle wasting during cancer has markedly increased. Both inflammation and oxidative stress (OS) alter anabolic and catabolic signaling pathways mostly culminating with muscle depletion. Several preclinical studies have emphasized the beneficial roles of several classes of nutraceuticals and modes of physical exercise, but their efficacy in CC patients remains scant. The route of nutraceutical administration is critical to increase its bioavailability and achieve the desired anti-cachexia effects. Accumulating evidence suggests that a single therapy may not be enough, and a bimodal intervention (nutraceuticals plus exercise) may be a more effective treatment for CC. This review focuses on the current state of the field on the role of inflammation and OS in the pathogenesis of muscle atrophy during CC, and how nutraceuticals and physical activity may act synergistically to limit muscle wasting and dysfunction.

Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory and Antiproliferative Effects of the Vitis vinifera L. var. Fetească Neagră and Pinot Noir Pomace Extracts

The pathophysiology of inflammation and oxidative stress generated during different types of cancers and anticancer treatments is well documented. Traditionally, grape pomace is used for animal feed, organic fertilizers, ethanol production or is disposed as waste. Because grape pomace is a rich source of antioxidant compounds, the purpose of the study was to evaluate the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiproliferative effects of fresh and fermented grape pomace extracts of two Vitis vinifera L. varieties Fetească neagră and Pinot noir cultivated in Romania. Firstly, grape pomace phytochemical analysis and in vitro antioxidant tests were performed. Secondly, the effect of a seven-day pretreatment with grape pomace extracts on the turpentine oil-induced inflammation in rats was assessed by measuring total oxidative status, total antioxidant response, oxidative stress index, malondialdehyde, total thiols, nitric oxide and 3-nitrotyrosine. Thirdly, the antiproliferative properties were evaluated on human lung carcinoma (A549), human breast adenocarcinoma (MDA-MB-231), murine melanoma (B164A5), and keratinocyte (HaCat) cell lines. Fetească neagră and Pinot noir grape pomace extracts have a rich content of polyphenols and in vitro antioxidant effect. Fermented samples had higher polyphenol content, but fresh samples had better antioxidant activity. Pretreatment with grape pomace extracts reduced inflammation-induced oxidative stress in a concentration-dependent way, fresh samples being more efficient. The malignant cells' proliferation was inhibited by all grape pomace extracts, fermented Fetească neagră extracts having the strongest effect. Conclusion: fresh and fermented pomace extracts of Vitis vinifera L. varieties Fetească neagră and Pinot noir cultivated in a Romanian wine region have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative effects.