Characterization and Selective Antiglioma Activity of a Standardized Hydroalcoholic Extract from Yellow Psidium...

Glioblastoma (GBM) is an aggressive and prevalent malignant brain tumor and remains a major public health challenge. Prognosis is poor, with median survival of 14-18 months and fewer than 7% of patients surviving beyond five years, reinforcing the need for new therapeutic strategies. Natural products are a traditional source of bioactive substances, and fruits are rich in phenolic constituents with potential anticancer activity. Psidium cattleianum, a Myrtaceae species native to South America, produces red and yellow fruits rich in vitamin C and phenolics, although biological data on the yellow variety are scarce. Preliminary evidence suggests anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antineoplastic activities, but studies in glioma models are limited. This study characterized the phenolic profile and evaluated the activity of a hydroalcoholic extract from yellow Psidium cattleianum (YPC) fruits in GBM and non-tumor cells. LC-MS analysis identified ellagic acid, catechin, and gallic acid as major constituents. Biological activity was assessed in glioma cell lines (C6 and U87MG), primary astrocytes, and fibroblast lines (L929 and MRC5). Cells were treated with extract concentrations ranging from 125 to 2000 µg/mL for 2 to 72 h. The extract significantly reduced proliferation, viability, colony formation and reactive oxygen species levels in glioma cells, while increasing glutathione peroxidase activity. In C6 cells, it also inhibited migration. Astrocytes and fibroblasts remained unaffected by cytotoxicity under the evaluated conditions. These findings demonstrate a selective antineoplastic potential of the YPC extract in glioma cells and support its relevance for further investigation in GBM treatment.