Phytochemical composition, cellular antioxidant capacity and antiproliferative activity in mango (Mangifera indica L.) pulp and peel

Cellular antioxidant activity (CAA) and inhibition of hepato-cellular carcinoma (HepG2) proliferation were evaluated for the first time in the pulp and peel of mango cultivars. Comparatively, peel had high flavonoids and tocopherols content and showed significant antioxidant activity. Among all the studied cultivars, the Xiao Tainong peel was predominant with highest fistein, mangiferin and alpha-tocopherol content and significant cellular antioxidant activity value 2986 +/- 380mol QE/100g FW. The HepG2 cells antiproliferation was maximum in the peel of Da Tainong and pulp of Aozhou with lowest EC50 values, 2.35 +/- 0.65 (peel) and 185.4 +/- 10.9 (pulp) mgmL(-1), in a dose-dependent manner. Negative associations of flavonoids and tocopherol compounds with CAA and antiproliferative activity in mango confirmed synergistic, additive or antagonistic actions of phytochemicals. The current study suggests that mango peel could be used as a value added ingredient or functional food and may contribute considerably to promote consumer health.