Phytochemical screening of Prunus avium for its antioxidative and anti-mutagenic potential against DMBA-induced hepatocarcinogenesis

Abstract

ScopePrunus avium fruit is the richer source of phenolics known to exert anticancer and anti-invasive activities. The study aimed at elucidating antiproliferative and chemo-preventive potential of sweet cherries (P. avium) against the in vivo hepatocarcinoma model.Methods and resultsThe quantification of ultrasound-assisted extract (UAE) of P. avium depicted anthocyanins, ferulic acid, gallic acid, quercetin, syringic acid and p- and m-coumaric acids as major phytochemicals. The hepatocarcinoma (HCC) was induced in rats through intraperitoneal administration of DMBA (20 mg/kg B.W) once a week for the period of eight weeks. The intragastric administration of P. avium UAE, as cotreatment (500 mg/Kg B.W) to treatment group, significantly (p < 0.01) attenuated the raised serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) as well as total oxidative stress (TOS) and enhanced total antioxidant capacity TAOC in contrast to diseased rats. Moreover, microscopic examination of hepatic tissues confirmed the pleomorphism, nests of neoplastic hepatocytes and necrosis in HCC-bearing rats as compared to extract-fed rats, where these necrotic changes were suppressed. Besides, qRT-PCR analysis of hepatic tissues demonstrated the higher mRNA expression of CHEK1, CHEK2 and P21/CDKN1α genes, while downexpression of ATM gene in extract fed rats, further denoting the anti-mutagenic potential.ConclusionConsequently, the polyphenol-rich sweet cherries UAE exhibited antiproliferative and chemo-preventive potential by reducing tumor biomarkers, serum transaminases and oxidative stress, as well as enhancing antioxidant status. It further upregulated the downstream targets of ATM signaling cascade.

The Chemical Profile, Antioxidant, and Anti-Lipid Droplet Activity of Fluid Extracts from Romanian Cultivars of Haskap Berries, Bitter Cherries, and Red Grape Pomace for the Management of Liver Steatosis

“…Similar studies have identified catechin, quercetin, and rutin as the most important phenolics in the fresh berries of Polish haskap (L. kamtschatica) [45], while catechin, quercetin, kaempferol, and syringic and vanillic acid were representative of extracts of pomace from Chilean red grape varieties [46]. A recent study revealed phytochemicals like quercetin, syringic, ferulic, and gallic acid in the ultrasound-assisted extract of Pakistan sweet cherry (P. avium) [47]. In addition, several authors reported that the most abundant anthocyanin compound was cyanidin-3-glucoside ranging between 79 and 92% in haskap berries [4] and cyanidin-3-rutinoside reaching 95% in red sweet cherries [48], while malvidin-3-glucoside represented 70% in Mediterranean grape pomace [49].…”

Utilization of Blackthorn Plums (Prunus spinosa) and Sweet Cherry (Prunus avium) Kernel Oil: Assessment of Chemical Composition, Antioxidant Activity, and Oxidative Stability

“…Apart from vitamins, it contains considerable amounts of minerals, with potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, and calcium being the most prevalent [6]. It is noteworthy that P. avium fruits are one of the richest sources of phenolic compounds known for physical anticancer and anti-invasive activities [11]. Finally, P. avium is considered among the most utilized fruits since it is cultivated for its delicious fruit [8] and there are also varieties cultivated as ornamental trees.…”