Onco-Preventive and Chemo-Protective Effects of Apple Bioactive Compounds

Abstract

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death globally. Epidemiological studies have strongly linked a diet high in fruits to a lower incidence of cancer. Furthermore, extensive research shows that secondary plant metabolites known as phytochemicals, which are commonly found in fruits, have onco-preventive and chemo-protective effects. Apple is a commonly consumed fruit worldwide that is available all year round and is a rich source of phytochemicals. In this review, we summarize the association of apple consumption with cancer incidence based on findings from epidemiological and cohort studies. We further provide a comprehensive review of the main phytochemical patterns observed in apples and their bioavailability after consumption. Finally, we report on the latest findings from in vitro and in vivo studies highlighting some of the key molecular mechanisms targeted by apple phytochemicals in relation to inhibiting multiple ‘hallmarks of cancer’ that are important in the progression of cancer.

Bioactive potential of tropical highland apple (Malus domestica cv. Anna) crude extract: opportunities for food waste revalorization

“…The anti-cancer potential of apple extracts has been thoroughly documented [9,10]. In this study, the AE exhibited cytotoxic effects in low concentrations against human breast (MCF7; IC 50 = 33.12 µg GAE mL −1 ) and human lung (NCI-H460; IC 50 = 216.26 µg GAE mL −1 ) cancer cells (Fig.…”

“…Antioxidant plant polyphenols have been shown to reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases associated with the accumulation of age-related oxidative damage [4][5][6][7][8]. The phytochemical composition and bioactive activities of apples have been described elsewhere [2,3,[9][10][11][12].…”

Agri-Food By-Products in Cancer: New Targets and Strategies

“…We still have few data regarding the effect of apple waste products on colon cancer, but the findings may suggest that triterpenoids may be partially responsible for apple peel’s antitumoral activity in colon cancer along with other bioactive compounds such as flavonoids [ 159 ]. Quercetin also induces apoptosis in colon cancer cells through the regulation of p53, suppresses carcinogenesis in rat models of colon cancer through the inhibition of enzymes involved in inflammation (cyclooxygenases COX-1 and COX-2, as well as iNOS) [ 160 ], and when used in combinatorial approaches with doxorubicin is able to arrest the cell cycle in the G2/M phase [ 161 ].…”

Targeting Nrf2 and NF-κB Signaling Pathways in Cancer Prevention: The Role of Apple Phytochemicals

“…Apple phytochemicals have been considerably studied for their ability to inhibit multiple hallmarks of cancer which are required for tumorigenesis and progression. Tumorigenesis is a complex process involving modifications in various signaling pathways along with a dysregulation of transcription factors, providing survival advantages for cancerous cells [ 13 ]. However it is worth saying that apples have so far been analyzed in terms of their phytochemical composition and are a well-known source of phenolic compounds highly bioavailable, but the doses required to exert their action on in vitro models are very high compared to their daily intake [ 14 ].…”