Anti‐proliferative activities, phytochemical levels and fruit quality of pepper (Capsicum spp.) following prolonged storage

Abstract

Peppers are rich in health-promoting phytochemicals, which are involved in the defence mechanisms against cancer. To select a lead variety of pepper with anti-proliferative activity against colon cancer cells and liver cancer cells, high antioxidant activity, and high concentrations of capsaicin, flavonoids and phenolics, we compared these attributes in nine different pepper accessions belonging to Capsicum annuum and C. chinense. Quality parameters such as weight loss and total soluble solids content were tested as well. The different parameters were determined immediately after harvest and after prolonged storage and marketing simulation. A significant variation of these traits was detected among the accessions. C. chinense line 1745 had the highest antioxidant activity, the highest levels of capsaicin and flavonoids, a high and specific anti-cancer activity, and the lowest weight loss level during postharvest storage. It is proposed that line 1745 has potential for use as a source for health-promoting traits and should be further evaluated for use as a nutraceutical for the prevention and treatment of colon and liver cancers.

Chili pepper extracts as potential anticancer agents targeting topoisomerases

“…Line 1745 of C. chinense showed potential as a nutraceutical compound for the prevention and treatment of colon and liver cancers. The different levels of anticancerous phytochemicals, such as capsaicin and avonoids, were also detected in cultivars [49]. The data indicate chili peppers with signi cantly higher CAP and DHK levels.…”

Impact of Green Extraction on Curcuminoid Content, Antioxidant Activities and Anti-Cancer Efficiency (In Vitro) from Turmeric Rhizomes (Curcuma longa L.)

“…Phytochemicals from dietary sources have shown potential uses as therapeutic and chemo preventive agents for several chronic maladies [ 1 ]. Dietary phytochemicals of spices, and phenolic components of fruits and vegetables, have been shown to have significant potential in their ability for potent antioxidant activity, and suppression of carcinogenesis and other diseases in pre-clinical models [ 2 , 3 , 4 ]. Turmeric ( Curcuma longa L.) is a rhizomatous herbaceous plant of the ginger family, Zingiberaceae, and has been traditionally used as an antiseptic for wound healing and as an anti-inflammatory agent due to its bioactive compounds and antioxidant activities [ 5 ].…”