Phenolic Composition and Cytotoxic Activity of Red Wine

Positive effects of moderate wine consumption in individuals with cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes, and cancers have been shown in numerous epidemiological and clinical studies. This research examined the phenolic content of commercial and two clonal Merlot wines as well as their biological potential. The obtained results indicated that all analyzed samples were a good source of phenolic compounds. Cytotoxicity assay on melanoma (A375) and cervical (HeLa) cancer cell lines have shown that all analyzed wines inhibited the growth of human cancer cells in vitro with differing susceptibility among tested cell lines. Clonal wines in the volume ratio of 10 and 20% showed to be more efficient anti-proliferative agents than commercial wine regarding the A375 cells. This could be connected with higher total phenolic content in clonal wines. The effect of all analyzed samples on the A375 cells was greater compared to HeLa cell line.