Evaluation of Antioxidant Capacity and Antiproliferative Activity of Fruit Extract of Dry Figs (Ficus carica L.) on MDA MB-468 Cell Line

Abstract Fig (Ficus carica L.; Hindi: Anjeer) is one of the the earliest domesticated fruit. Present study investigates its antiproliferative activity against breast cancer (MDA MB-468) cells. Dry figs were mascerated in sixteen solvent-combinations of varying polartiy and extracts were assessed for antiproliferative activity in vitro. Extracts of moderatly polar solvents, particularly 80% aqueous-methanol extract showed maximum activity (IC50 = 17.9 mg IDF/ml). Antiproliferative efficacy of extracts was supported by respective total phenolic content (41-236 mg GAE/100g) and various antioxidant capacities; ABTS (14-354 µM TE/g), DPPH (18-460 µM TE/g), FRAP (28.7-66.5 µM FeSO4 equivalents/g), ORAC (7.9-32.8 µM TE/g), and superoxide radical scavenging activity. Flow cytometry analysis revealed that extracts of lower IC50 induce more cell death. Phenolic compounds (cyanidin 3-O-glucoside, quercetin 3-β-glucoside, rutin, trans-cinnamic acid, ellagic acid and ferulic acid) were analysed by UPLC-PDA technique and their concentrations in extracts were found to be negatively correlated with respective IC50 values. The negative correlation suggests the involvement of phenolics in fig’s antiproliferative mechanism. Therefore, the study advocates fig as a dietary component having anticancer potential.