Insights on Juniperus phoenicea Essential Oil as Potential Anti-Proliferative, Anti-Tyrosinase, and Antioxidant Candidate

In this study, the anti-cancer, anti-tyrosinase, and antioxidant activities of essential oils (EOs) of berries and leaves of Juniperus phoenicea grown wild in North of Tunisia were investigated. The EO yields from leaves and berries were 1.69% and 0.45%, respectively. GC-MS analysis revealed that alpha-pinene is the predominant component in both EOs (44.17 and 83.56%, respectively). Leaves essential oil presented high levels of beta-phellandrene (18%) and camphene (15%). The EOs displayed cytotoxic effects against MCF-7 breast cancer cell, HT-29 colon cancer, and the normal cells H9C2 cardiomyoblasts. Leaves oil strongly inhibited colon cell line proliferation (IC50 of 38 mu g/mL), while berries essential oil was more potent against breast cancerous cells MCF-7 (IC50 of 60 mu g/mL). Interestingly, berries essential oil exhibited high ability to inhibit melanin synthesis by inhibiting enzyme mono and diphenolase activities. Overall, the results suggested that the two oils are significant sources of healthy natural chemicals.

Automated summary

This study investigated the anti-cancer, anti-tyrosinase, and antioxidant activities of essential oils derived from berries and leaves of wild-grown Juniperus phoenicea in northern Tunisia. The results demonstrated that these essential oils have significant potential in combating cancer, inhibiting tyrosinase activity, and providing antioxidant effects. Additionally, the study revealed the ability of the oils to inhibit melanin synthesis.