Assessing the cytotoxicity of phenolic and terpene fractions extracted from Iraqi Prunus arabica on AMJ13 and SK-GT-4 human cancer cell lines

Sep 21, 2026

Breast and esophageal cancer are among the most aggressive global causes of death, and both can resist current chemotherapy with limited success. This study evaluates phenolic and terpene fractions extracted from Iraqi Prunus arabica for cytotoxicity against AMJ13 (breast) and SK-GT-4 (esophageal) cancer cell lines, using the MTT assay. Chou–Talalay analysis and HPLC quantify synergistic effects with docetaxel and bioactive molecules, while assessing selectivity toward normal human fibroblasts.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages20

Reading Time50 min

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Abstract

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Introduction

RESEARCH ARTICLE Assessing the cytotoxicity of phenolic and terpene fractions extracted from Iraqi Prunus arabica on AMJ13 and SK-GT-4 human cancer cell lines [version 1; peer review: 1 approved with reservations] Matin Adil Mahmood 1,2, Abdulkareem Hameed Abd2, EnasJawad Kadhim3 1 Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Al-Kitab University, Altun Kopre, Kirkuk, Iraq 2 Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Al-Nahrain University, Kadhimiya, Baghdad, Iraq 3 Department of Pharmacognosy and Medicinal Plants, College of Pharmacy, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq v1 First published: 21 Apr 2023, 12:433 [https://doi.org/10.12688/f1000research.131336.1](https://doi.org/10.12688/f1000research.131336.1) Second version: 24 Jul 2023, 12:433 [https://doi.org/10.12688/f1000research.131336.2](https://doi.org/10.12688/f1000research.131336.2) [Latest published:](Latest published: 10 Sep 2024)[ 10 Sep 2024](Latest published: 10 Sep 2024), 12:433 [https://doi.org/10.12688/f1000research.131336.3](https://doi.org/10.12688/f1000research.131336.3) Abstract Background: Breast and esophageal cancer are the most aggressive and prominent causes of death worldwide. In addition, these cancers showed resistance to current chemotherapy regimens with limited success rates and fatal outcomes. Recently many studies reported the significant cytotoxic effects of phenolic and terpene fractions extracted from various Prunus species against different cancer cell lines. As a result, it has a good chance to be tested as a complement or replacement for standard chemotherapies. Methods: The study aimed to evaluate the cytotoxicity of phenolic and terpene fractions extracted from Iraqi Prunus arabica on breast (AMJ13) and esophageal (SK-GT-4) cancer cell lines by using the MTTassay (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide). Analysis using the Chou-Talalay method was performed to assess the synergistic effect between the extracted fractions and chemotherapeutic agent (docetaxel) . Moreover, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis was conducted for the quantitative determination of different bioactive molecules of both phenolic and terpene fractions in the extract. Results: According to the findings, the treatment modalities significantly decreased cancer cell viability of AMJ13 and SK-GT-4 and had insignificant cytotoxicity on the normal cells (normal human fibroblast cell line) (all less than 50% cytotoxicity) . Analysis with ChouTalalay showed a strong synergism with docetaxel on both cancer cell lines (higher cytotoxicity even in low concentrations) and failed to induce cytotoxicity on the normal cells. Important flavonoid glycosidesand terpenoids were detected by HPLC, in particularly, ferulic acid, Open Peer Review | Approval Status | | | | --- | --- | --- | | | 1 | 2 | | version 3 | | | | (revision) | | | | 10 Sep 2024 | | | | version 2
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view | | 24 Jul 2023 | | | | version 1 | | | | 21 Apr 2023 | view | | 1. Serap Sahin-Bolukbasi , Afyonkarahisar Health Sciences University, Afyonkarahisar, Turkey 2. Heba A. S. El-Nashar , Afyonkarahisar Health Sciences University, Afyonkarahisar, Turkey Any reports and responses or comments on the article can be found at the end of the article. catechin, chlorogenic acid, β-sitosterol, and campesterol. Conclusions: In conclusion, the extracted fractions selectively inhibited the proliferation of both cancer cell lines and showed minimal cytotoxicity on normal cells. These fractions could be naturally derived drugs for treating breast and esophageal cancers. Keywords Prunus arabica, Phenolic, Terpene, Cytotoxicity assay, HPLC, ChouTalalay This article is included in the Cell & Molecular Biology gateway. Corresponding author: Matin Adil Mahmood ([matin.a.mahmood@uoalkitab.edu.iq](matin.a.mahmood@uoalkitab.edu.iq)) Author roles: Mahmood MA: Conceptualization, Data Curatio

FAQs

What is the main purpose of assessing cytotoxicity in this study?

To evaluate how phenolic and terpene fractions from Iraqi Prunus arabica affect viability of AMJ13 and SK-GT-4 cancer cell lines and determine selectivity versus normal cells.

Which experimental methods were used to measure cytotoxicity and interactions?

Cytotoxicity was measured using the MTT assay, and synergistic effects between the fractions and docetaxel were assessed using the Chou–Talalay method.

How was the chemical composition of the fractions analyzed?

High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used for quantitative determination of bioactive molecules present in both phenolic and terpene fractions.

Sep 21, 2026

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