Sweet Cherries as Anti-Cancer Agents: From Bioactive Compounds to Function

Abstract

Sweet cherries (Prunus avium L.) are among the most appreciated fruits worldwide because of their organoleptic properties and nutritional value. The accurate phytochemical composition and nutritional value of sweet cherries depends on the climatic region, cultivar, and bioaccessibility and bioavailability of specific compounds. Nevertheless, sweet cherry extracts are highly enriched in several phenolic compounds with relevant bioactivity. Over the years, technological advances in chemical analysis and fields as varied as proteomics, genomics and bioinformatics, have allowed the detailed characterization of the sweet cherry bioactive phytonutrients and their biological function. In this context, the effect of sweet cherries on suppressing important events in the carcinogenic process, such as oxidative stress and inflammation, was widely documented. Interestingly, results from our research group and others have widened the action of sweet cherries to many hallmarks of cancer, namely metabolic reprogramming. The present review discusses the anticarcinogenic potential of sweet cherries by addressing their phytochemical composition, the bioaccessibility and bioavailability of specific bioactive compounds, and the existing knowledge concerning the effects against oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, deregulated cell proliferation and apoptosis, invasion and metastization, and metabolic alterations. Globally, this review highlights the prospective use of sweet cherries as a dietary supplement or in cancer treatment.

Aroma Compounds Are Responsible for an Herbaceous Off-Flavor in the Sweet Cherry (Prunus avium L.) cv. Regina during Fruit Development

“…It is well-known that these constituents reduce oxidative stress and inflammation [2,3]. The cytoprotective effect of sweet cherries is a trending topic, which still requires clinical trials to fully understand the anti-cancer properties [4]. Consumer preference for sweet cherries can be related to quality characteristics such as size, color, firmness and flavor, all characteristics being valued by the sweet cherry industry [5].…”

Dark Sweet Cherry (Prunus avium) Supplementation Reduced Blood Pressure and Pro-Inflammatory Interferon Gamma (IFNγ) in Obese Adults without Affecting Lipid Profile, Glucose Levels and Liver Enzymes

“…Given the significant role of nutrition in the progression and sustenance of obesity, numerous studies support the inverse association between a diet rich in fiber and polyphenols, and obesity along with its associated metabolic disorders [ 9 ]. Dark sweet cherries ( Prunus avium ) (DSC) are appreciated by consumers due to their organoleptic attributes and content of bioactive compounds including polyphenols [ 10 ]. DSC are considered a relevant source of phenolic acids and anthocyanins, with the latter being responsible for the deep red color characteristic of the fruit.…”

The Phenolic Profile of Sweet Cherry Fruits Influenced by Cultivar/Rootstock Combination

“…[ 8 , 9 ]. The main dietary phenolic compounds play an important role as anti-cancer agents [ 10 ]. In the group of phenolics, flavonoids have significant anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits, while anthocyanins have a considerable impact on cardiovascular health [ 11 ].…”

“…Sweet cherries are very nutritious fruits with their proposed health benefits mostly stemming from their high levels of phytochemicals, moderate levels of carbohydrates, and low amounts of calories [ 10 ]. Many properties of sweet cherry-based products are associated with the presence and content of their phenolic compounds [ 12 ].…”