Utilization of Grape and Apricot Fruits By-products as Cheap Source for Biologically Active Compounds for Health Promotion

Abstract

The present study aims to evaluate the antioxidant and anti-cancer activities of The present study aims to evaluate the antioxidant and anti-cancer activities of nutraceuticals prepared from apricot kernel and grape seeds extracts. Different bioactive compounds were determined in the prepared nutraceuticals (total phenolic compounds, flavonoids, β-carotene, phytosterols and fatty acids). Acute toxicity of these nutraceuticals was evaluated. Apricot kernel showed the highest content of protein and fat, while grape seeds were rich in carbohydrates. Apricot kernel nutraceutical (AKN) showed the highest content of hydrocarbons, while grape seeds nutraceutical (GSN) showed the highest phytosterol content. Stigmasterol was the major phytosterol present in both nutraceuticals. Oleic acid and linoleic acid were the major unsaturated fatty acids present in AKN and GSN, respectively. GSN showed the highest content of phenolic compounds and total flavonoids, while AKN showed the highest content of β-carotene (2.91mg/100g). GSN showed the highest antioxidant activity in all the studied methods (DPPH, reducing power and ferric thiocynate) compared with apricot kernel nutraceutical. Both nutraceuticals showed anti-cancer activity against liver carcinoma cells (HEPG2), breast cancer cells (MCF7) and lung cell cancer (H460). GSN was the most promising in all types of cancer cells. GSN showed complete safety, while AKN was completely safe up to 6 g/kg mice body weight.