Raspberry seeds extract selectively inhibits the growth of human lung cancer cells in vitro

Area of Science:

• Phytochemistry
• Pharmacology
• Cancer Research

Background:

• Raspberry seeds are a potential source of bioactive compounds.
• Natural products are increasingly investigated for anticancer properties.
• Understanding the cytotoxic effects of plant extracts is crucial for drug discovery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the in vitro cytotoxicity of raspberry seed methanol extract against human cancer cell lines.
• To assess the extract's mutagenicity towards normal human lung cells.
• To investigate the free radical scavenging activity of the extract.

Main Methods:

• In vitro cytotoxicity assays using various human cancer and normal cell lines.
• Determination of half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values.
• Free radical scavenging assays (hydroxyl radical and superoxide radical).
• Phytochemical analysis for total phenolic content (TPC) and total anthocyanin content (TAC).

Main Results:

• Raspberry seed extract significantly inhibited lung cancer A-549 cell growth (IC50 = 14.07 ± 0.96 µg/mL).
• The extract showed no significant cytotoxicity towards normal MRC-5 lung cells (IC50 > 300 µg/mL) and was non-mutagenic.
• Potent scavenging of hydroxyl radicals (IC50 = 20.11 ± 1.77 µg/mL) and superoxide radicals (IC50 = 47.23 ± 3.82 µg/mL).
• Seeds were rich in phenolic compounds (TPC = 5.21 ± 0.07 mg GAE/g) but contained only trace amounts of anthocyanins.

Conclusions:

• Raspberry seed methanol extract exhibits selective in vitro anti-lung cancer activity.
• The extract possesses significant antioxidant properties, contributing to its potential anticancer effects.
• This study highlights the potential of raspberry seeds as a novel source for anti-lung cancer agents.