Investigation of anti-proliferative activities of extract derived from some fruits that groves in Rize vicinity

The aim of the study was to evaluate the anti-proliferative activity of some fruits that grow in Rize. For cytotoxic activity transformed and non-trasformed human cell lines HeLa (cervicalcarcinoma) and ARPE (normal retina pigment) were used. The fruits studied were Arbutus unedo (Strawberry tree), Aronia spp. (Russian bilberry), Fragaria spp. (Wild strawberry), Frangula spp. (Alder dogwood), Fructus spp. (Rosehip), Ribes spp. (Red currant), Rubus spp. (Blackberry), Solanum spp. (Nightshade), Sorbus spp. (Wild service tree), Vaccinium spp. (Blueberry) and Vitis spp. (Isabella grape). For the assesmed of the cytotoxicity of the fruits, various concentrations of methanol extracts ranging from 800 μg/ml, 400 μg/ml, 200 μg/ml, 100 μg/ml, 50 μg/ml, 25 μg/ml, 12,5 μg/ml were added to the cells. Taxol and DMSO were used as positive and negative controles, respectevely. The extracts of Solanum spp., Ribes spp. and Vitis spp. showed dose dependent cytotoxic activity against both cell lines. In additions, Aronia spp., Fragaria spp., Vaccinium spp. and Rubus spp. extracts exhibited moderate cytotoxic effect on both cell lines at higher concentrations. However, methanol extracts from Arbutus spp., Frangula spp., Fructus spp. and Sorbus spp. were found to decrease cell viability in a dose-dependent manner only in HeLa cells which was statistically significant (p<0.05). These findings suggest that Arbutus spp., Frangula spp., Fructus spp. and Sorbus spp. deserve further studies as a potential anti-cancer agents.