Anti-proliferative effects of a blueberry extract on a panel of tumor cell lines of different origin

Abstract

Background: Blueberries are among the fruits with the highest antioxidant activity and have been recognized by their health promoting properties. Aim: In vitro study of the anti-proliferative effects of a blueberry extract on a panel of cancer cells from different origin. Materials and Methods: A blueberry extract was produced using ethanol as extracting solvent. The anti-proliferative activity of the extract was evaluated against seven tumor cell lines. The properties of blueberry extract to decrease cell adhesion and migration were also investigated. Results: Blueberry extract showed a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on cell proliferation for all cell lines. Non-cytotoxic concentrations of the extract decreased cell adhesion in five of seven cell lines studied and inhibited the migration of MDA-MB-231 and PC-3 tumor cells. Conclusion: This work provides additional evidence regarding the ability of blueberry extract to inhibit the growth and decrease cell adhesion and migration of different cancer cell lines in vitro.