Abstract
Fruit extracts of Basella rubra, which are rich in bioactive phenolics, flavonoids and betalains were investigated for their antioxidant and anticancer activities against human cervical carcinoma (SiHa) cells. The fruits contained total betalain contents of 0.34 g/100 g fresh weight and 1.9 g/100 g dry weight. Betanin, isobetanin and gomphrenin I were the major pigments identified. Phenolic compounds, such as generic acid, sinapic acid, ferulic acid, coumaric acid and chlorogenic acid, and flavonoids, such as myricetin, quercetin, luteolin, apigenin and kaempferol, were identified. Both water and aqueous methanol extracts of fruits showed significant free radical scavenging potential and ferric reducing antioxidant power. Fruit extracts at 50 mg/mL showed strong (81%) cytotoxic activity against human cervical carcinoma cells. Thus, fruit extracts have potential application for cancer treatments and as nutraceutical or dietary supplements.
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