Aqueous extract of andean berry induces apoptosis in human colon cancer cells without mitochondrial damage

BACKGROUND: Andean berry contains several classes of phenolic compounds which have showed antioxidant and cytotoxic activity. OBJECTIVE: To characterize the Andean berry aqueous extract and to study their anti-proliferative mechanisms on SW480 and SW620 cell lines (human colon adenocarcinoma). METHODS: Total phenolic and total anthocyanins contents were determined by Folin-Ciocalteau and differential pH methods, respectively. Antioxidant activity was measured by FRAP, ORAC and DPPH methods. Antiproliferative effect was determined by sulforhodamine colorimetric method and apoptosis was analyzed by flow cytometry using propidium iodide/Annexin-V. Mitochondrial potential was evaluated using DIOC6 and ROS levels were measured by 2,7-Dicholorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA). RESULTS: The total phenol and anthocyanin content were 4409.78± 63,05 mg equivalents of gallic acid/100 mL and 106,57± 1.43 mg equivalents of cyanidin-3-glycoside/100 mL, respectively. Andean berry extract showed antioxidant activity by FRAP, ORAC and DPPH methods and antiproliferative effect on SW480 and SW620 cells. It was observed a cell cycle arrest at S and G2/M phases on SW480 and at G0/G1 phase on SW620 cells. Aqueous extract did not induce mitochondrial depolarization or affect intracellular ROS levels. CONCLUSIONS: Andean berry aqueous extract has antioxidant capacity and induces apoptosis involving cell cycle arrest in SW480 and SW620 cells without mitochondrial damage.