Abstract
ABSTRACT: This study evaluated the composition and the cancer chemopreventive and antioxidant activities of the seed, skin, and pulp of Maximo hybrid grapes (IAC 138-22) harvested at different ripening stages. The content of total phenolic compounds and tannins were determined by the Folin-Ciocaulteau method, and total anthocyanins were determined using the differential pH method. Different chemical methods assessed the antioxidant activity. Cell viability (macrophage and melanoma skin cancer) and cancer chemopreventive activity were tested in cell lines by quinone reductase induction assay, TNF-α-induced NF-κB inhibitory activity assay, and aromatase inhibitory activity assay. The hybrid grape had high phenolic contents in both seeds and skin, significantly reduced upon ripening. The results showed that fruit ripening significantly affected both the composition and the antioxidant and cancer chemopreventive activities. Except for the anthocyanin content, the most significant results were observed for green seeds, with the greenest stage showing the best results. The green seeds showed the highest antioxidant activity, even when compared to free resveratrol. In the assessment of cancer chemopreventive activity, the green seeds showed the ability to inhibit N-FκB and aromatase activity, important factors for the early stage of cancer development. Besides, no extracts showed cytotoxicity. Therefore, this grape’s green seeds showed strong antioxidant and cancer chemopreventive activities confirmed herein, suggesting beneficial health effects.
Highlights
Grapes are popular worldwide, and their use is diverse
It is common knowledge that cancer is a chronic process determined by the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells and that the global incidence of this disease has been increasing considerably, which arouses the interest for new prevention strategies (National Cancer Institute (NCI), 2015)
Seed samples presented a significant difference between each other (P < 0.05), with the ripening stage being inversely proportional to the content of total phenolics, i.e., the riper the grapes, the lower the phenolic content
Summary
They can be consumed fresh, dehydrated, in wines, juices, jellies, dietary supplements, and ice cream, among other processed foods. Grapes comprise various nutrients, such as carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, minerals, and dietary fibers. They contain phytochemicals, such as phenolic compounds known to have numerous biological activities, e.g., anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antitumor, antioxidant, and cancer. The use of natural, biological, or synthetic agents capable of suppressing, reversing, or preventing the early stages of carcinogenesis is known as cancer chemoprevention. These agents may play a preventive role in the premalignant cells’ progression (SPORN, 1976). It is common knowledge that cancer is a chronic process determined by the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells and that the global incidence of this disease has been increasing considerably, which arouses the interest for new prevention strategies (NCI, 2015)
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