Phytochemical Characterization and Anticancer Potential of Avocado Seed Oil

Abstract

The current research aims to investigate the phytochemicals in Persea americana (Avocado) seed oil and assess its potential anticancer properties. The cytotoxic activity was evaluated against five cell lines, including HT29 (colorectal cancer), A-549 (lung cancer), B16-F10 (mouse Melanoma), Huh-7 (liver cancer), and T-47D (breast ductal carcinoma). In addition, the oil was analyzed using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis. The results revealed 45 compounds in unsaponifiable matter, representing 94.56% of the total composition. 1-methyl dodecylbenzene and dotriacontane are the major compounds, constituting 6.71% and 6.62%, respectively. Furthermore, 15 compounds were identified from the saponifiable matter, representing 92.56 % of the total composition. 9-Octadecenoic methyl ester (methyl oleate) and 9,12-octadecadienoic acid methyl ester (methyl linoleate) are the major compounds, constituting 10.67 % and 8.04 %, respectively. Furthermore, avocado seed oil showed potential cytotoxicity against all cell lines under investigation. The oil exhibited promising cytotoxic/antiproliferative activity (average IC50 of 16.6 µg/mL). Additionally, Huh-7 (liver cancer cells) and HT-29 (colorectal cancer) cells showed the highest susceptibility to the oil, while B16-F10 (melanoma cells) and A549 (lung cancer) cells were the most resistant to the oil. Based on the current results, avocado seed oil may be presented as a possible natural cancer treatment.