Variations in free radical scavenging capacity and antiproliferative activity among different genotypes of autumn olive (Elaeagnus umbellata)

Fruit from six genotypes of autumn olive (Elaeagnus umbellata Thunb.) ('Brilliant Rose', 'Delightful', 'Jewel', Natural 1, Natural 2, and 'Sweet Tart') were evaluated for antioxidant capacity and anti-cancer properties. Based on data from electron spin resonance (ESR) measurements, autumn olive contained potent free radical scavenging activities for hydroxyl (OH) and superoxide (O2(-)) radicals. Among the six genotypes, 'Brilliant Rose' and 'Jewel' had the highest levels of antioxidant activity. Pretreatment of JG6 P+ mouse epidermal cells with autumn olive extracts inhibited the activation of activator protem-1 (AP-1) and nuclear factoF-kappaB (NF-kappa B) induced by either 12-O-tetradecanoyl- phorbol 13-acetate (TPA) or ultraviolet-B (UVB). Extracts of all autumn olive genotypes inhibited proliferation of human leukemia HL-60 cancer cells and human lung epithelial cancer A549 cells and induced apoptosis of HL-60 cells. In particular, 'Brilliant Rose' and 'Jewel' had relatively potent activities compared to other genotypes. These results indicate that consuming autumn olive fruit may be beneficial to human health, although further studies are needed for confirmation.