Effects of Annurca Apple (Malus pumila cv Annurca) Polyphenols on Breast Cancer Cells

Background: Dietary micronutrients have been proposed as effective inhibitory agents for cancer initiation, progression, and incidence. Among them, polyphenols, present in different foods and beverages, have retained attention in recent years. Apples are among the most consumed fruits worldwide, and several studies suggest that apple polyphenols could play a role in the prevention of degenerative diseases. Aims and Objectives: The present study aimed at evaluating the effects of Annurca flesh polyphenols extract (AFPE) effects of proliferation on MCF-7 cells. Methods: The data indicated that apple polyphenolic compounds had a significant antiproliferative action on MCF-7 cells and 500 mu M EqC AFPE induced a cell cycle arrest at G2/M. AFPE was also capable of inducing morphological changes as evidenced by nuclear condensation. Results: The cellular, morphological, and molecular data unequivocally suggested that induction of cellular apoptosis was mainly responsible for the previously observed antiproliferation-induced AFPE on MCF-7 cells. Conclusion: Taken together, AFPE that acts at a low micromolar range against breast cancer cells may be considered as a promising candidate for anticancer therapy.