Abstract
Aim The aim of the current study is to investigate the antioxidant and apoptotic potential of Ajwa date flesh (ADF) and Ajwa date pit (ADP) extract on human squamous cell carcinoma cell line (HSC-2). Method ADF and ADP were extracted with a solvent extraction method using hexane, acetone, and ethanol, which were then subjected to antioxidant assay by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). HSC-2 cells were then treated with different concentrations of ADF and ADP extract for 24, 48, and 72 hours. MTT assay was performed to assess the antiproliferative effect, and Annexin V-FITC was used for the detection of cellular apoptosis. Results Acetone extracts of ADF and ADP had the highest radical scavenging and antioxidant activities followed by the ethanolic extracts, whereas ADP appeared to have significantly higher antioxidant effects than ADF. MTT assay demonstrated that acetone extracts of ADF and ADP were significantly cytotoxic against HSC-2 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The half inhibitory concentration (IC50) of ADF was found to be 8.69 mg/ml at 24 h, and the maximum cell growth inhibition was observed at 50 mg/ml. The IC50 for the ADP was found to be 0.97 mg/ml at 24 h, and the maximum cell growth inhibition was observed at 5 mg/ml. Statistical analysis of the flow cytometry assay showed that the treatment with ADF and ADP extracts had a significant apoptotic effect which occurred in a dose-dependent manner. HSC-2 cells were seen in the late apoptotic stage with higher doses of ADF and ADP extract. ADP extract demonstrated higher apoptotic activity than ADF extract. In addition, combined treatment of ADF and ADP was also performed on HSC-2 cells which demonstrated higher apoptotic activity when compared to the single extract. Conclusion Ajwa date fruit has a promising cytotoxic effect by inhibiting the growth and proliferation of OSCC cells and inducing cell death by apoptosis.
Highlights
Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the 6th most common cancer around the world
The results from the present study suggest that Ajwa date demonstrated significant cytotoxic and antiproliferative activity against HSC-2 cells
The IC50 value demonstrated that Ajwa pit had a stronger antiproliferative effect than the flesh extract signifying its higher anticancerous potential, which was further confirmed in morphological alteration such as nuclear shrinkage, blebbing of cell membrane, and reduction in cell number, which are characteristic features of apoptotic cells
Summary
Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the 6th most common cancer around the world. It has been documented that 90% of all oral malignancies are squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) [1]. With an increase in the prevalence and mortality rate, there were an estimated 377,713 new cases and 177,757 deaths from oral cancer in 2020 [2]. The 5-year survival rate is 50%, but if detected in BioMed Research International early stages, it is increased to 60-80% [4]. Despite advancement in surgical approach and radiation therapy, the adverse effects of these treatments include anaemia, loss of appetite, and peripheral neuropathy leading to poor quality of life. There is a need to develop an effective treatment with potent anticancer activity and less adverse effects [5]
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