A flavonoid‐rich apple extract inhibits growth of HCT116 human colon cancer cells

Abstract

Colorectal cancer is one of the most prevalent types of cancer that can be influenced by diet. Many different flavonoids have been shown to inhibit colon cancer, and apples, rich in flavonoids, are one of the most common flavonoid sources in the American diet. We investigated the effect of an apple extract from apple pomace, containing many different flavonoids, on the growth of HCT116 human colorectal cancer cells. Apple extract was created by extracting apple pomace with ethanol and was concentrated by rotary evaporation before storage. Before addition to the media, the extract was further evaporated by rotary evaporation and filtered. HCT116 cells were seeded in 24‐well plates and treated with increasing concentrations of the apple extract. Cell number was assessed by quantification of total DNA content. After 72 hours of treatment, the apple extract caused a dose‐dependent reduction in cell number. This inhibition may be indicative of the combined effects that many different flavonoids in the apple extract have on colon cancer cells. Future research will investigate the mechanisms of action of this extract. This research was funded in part by the Michigan Apple Committee.