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Published on: August 14, 2019
Litchi flavonoids: isolation, identification and biological activity
1College of Food Science, Biotechnology and Environmental Engineering, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou, 310035, PR China. lijianrong@zjgsu.edu.cn
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
|September 14, 2007
Summary
Flavonoids from litchi fruit pericarp (LFP) show potent antioxidant and anticancer properties. These compounds, including epicatechin and procyanidins, may serve as valuable ingredients for functional foods and breast cancer therapies.
Area of Science:
- Phytochemistry
- Pharmacology
- Nutraceuticals
Background:
- Litchi fruit pericarp (LFP) is rich in flavonoids, comprising about 15% of the fruit's weight.
- Key flavonoids include flavonols, anthocyanins, and flavanols like epicatechin and procyanidins.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the isolation, identification, biological activity, and development prospects of LFP flavonoids.
- To investigate the antioxidant and anticancer potential of LFP extracts and specific flavonoid compounds.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on LFP flavonoid composition and bioactivity.
- Analysis of antioxidant assays (hydroxyl radical, superoxide anion, DPPH radical scavenging).
- Evaluation of anticancer effects on human breast cancer cells (MCF-7, HELF) in vitro.
Main Results:
- LFP flavonoids, particularly epicatechin and procyanidins, exhibit significant antioxidant activity.
- LFP extracts demonstrate dose- and time-dependent inhibition of human breast cancer cell proliferation and induction of apoptosis.
- Specific compounds like procyanidin B4 and epicatechin show varying cytotoxic effects on cancer cells compared to normal cells and paclitaxel.
Conclusions:
- Flavonoids from LFP possess promising antioxidant and anticancer properties.
- These findings suggest LFP flavonoids could be developed as functional food ingredients or anti-breast cancer drugs.
