CRUDE ANTHOCYANIN EXTRACT FROM CAPSICUM CHINENSE REGULATES THE CELL CYCLE AND CAUSES CELL DEATH IN HUMAN LEUKEMIA CELLS

Introduction Natural compounds are considered promising candidates for cancer treatment and prevention due to their low toxicity1 . Spicy fruit are a rich source of bioactive compounds, including vitamins (A and C), flavonoids and tocopherols2 . Pepper is among the representatives of the Mediterranean diet. Thanks to the relevant content of many phytonutrients, its extracts possess strong antioxidant capacities, protecting normal cells against oxidative damage as a result of interacting with oxygen molecules and scavenging peroxyl radicals3 . In addition, they can inhibit tumorigenesis by specifically interacting with different cellular pathways. Methods. Western blot, RT-qPCR, flow cytometry, ROS assay. Results. The antitumor potential of the anthocyanin extract from Capsicum chinense (Pimenta de Neyde var) was characterized, evaluating their cytotoxic potential in leukaemia cells. The blocking of proliferation, the modulation of some molecular actors and the characterization of the regulated pathways of cell death were evaluated. Furthermore, particular interest has been directed to their antioxidant effect and how the reduction of reactive oxygen species can interfere with the mechanisms of tumour progression. Conclusions. New therapeutic prospectives for cancer therapy will be provided by the characterization and discovery of new sources of natural compounds whose modulation is able to stop the progression of the disease