Chemical Composition of Volatile Extracts from Black Raspberries, Blueberries, and Blackberries and Their Antiproliferative Effect on A549 Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Cells

Abstract

Berry volatiles are responsible for the berry aroma but there is limited information available on the health-promoting activities of berry volatiles. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the chemical composition of volatile extracts from black raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries and investigate their antiproliferative effect and apoptotic mechanisms on A549 lung cancer cells. The chemical composition of three berry volatile extracts (BVEs) was identified by using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Cells were treated with different dilutions of three BVEs for 48 h and determined for cell proliferation and apoptosis. Total volatiles in BVEs were 1.6–3.2 mg/L. Two-fold diluted BVEs significantly inhibited cell proliferation after 48 h, inducing apoptosis (p < 0.05). Blackberry volatile extract significantly reduced the inactive form of apoptotic proteins, including poly adenosine diphosphate-ribose polymerase (PARP), procaspase-9, and procaspase-3 compared to the control (p < 0.05). Blueberry volatile extract showed higher apoptotic cell death (p < 0.05) with a slightly higher cell population in G0/G1 phase than other berries. These results showed that volatile extracts from three berries have the antiproliferative effect on human lung adenocarcinoma cells partially via apoptosis, suggesting that volatiles from three berries may have potential anti-cancer activity through apoptosis in lung cancer.

Rubi idaei fructus as a Source of Bioactive Chemical Compounds with an Important Role in Human Health and Comparison of the Antioxidant Potential of Fruits and Juice of Three Repeat-Fruiting Rubus idaeus L. Cultivars

“…A strong cytotoxic and cytostatic effect on tumor cells has been noted in both lines [33]. Volatile substances present in berry fruit extracts inhibit the proliferation of non-small-cell lung cancer A549 cells via the induction of apoptosis [10]. Raspberry fruits used in the diet exert a chemopreventive effect on colorectal cancer in patients with nonspecific inflammatory bowel disease.…”

“…The fruits of various Rubus species and other berries consumed as part of the diet can be used for the prophylaxis and adjuvant therapy of many diseases, mainly oxidative stress-induced conditions [6,7]. Rubus fruit phytochemicals exhibit a wide range of pharmacological activities, e.g., anti-obesity [8], anti-Alzheimer [9], antibacterial [6], anticancer [10], hepatoprotective [11], hypoglycemic [12], hypolipidemic [13], neuroprotective [14], against obesity [15], and skincare [16] effects.…”

Raspberry Leaves and Extracts-Molecular Mechanism of Action and Its Effectiveness on Human Cervical Ripening and the Induction of Labor

“…Moreover, studies have also revealed that using raspberry extract stimulates the apoptosis of cervical cancer cells [ 67 ]. Furthermore, flavonoids (contained in blueberries) also show proapoptotic properties in breast and lung cancer cells [ 68 , 69 ].…”

Selective Cytotoxicity of Anthocyanins on Breast Cancer Cells

“…Anthocyanins have garnered significant scientific interest due to their potential health benefits. Epidemiological investigations have linked regular consumption of anthocyanin-rich foods (e.g., red cabbage [13], blueberry [14], and blackberry [15]) to a lower risk of some forms of cancer, including TNBC [16][17][18]. Out of the 700 different anthocyanin derivatives found in nature, only six are dominant, making up 90% of all known anthocyanins (cyanidin, delphinidin, malvidin, pelargonidin, peonidin, and petunidin) [11,13].…”