Polyphenolic profiles, antioxidant, and in vitro anticancer activities of the seeds of Puno and Titicaca quinoa cultivars

Abstract

Background and objectives: Quinoa is considered to be a “natural functional food” due to a lot of bioactive compounds that are beneficial for human health by helping prevent the risks of different diseases. The aim of this study was to test the health-promoting characteristics of Puno and Titicaca quinoa seeds grown in Serbia by assessing their phenolic and flavonoid content, antioxidant activities, and potential anticancer effect on human colorectal cancer cells. Findings: Thirteen phenolic compounds were identified and quantified in the seeds of both cultivars, but their profile and concentration of individual phenolic compounds differed. Cytotoxic activities were present in both cultivars, whereas the pronounced concentration and time-dependent effects were more expressed in Puno extracts. Conclusions: The extracts of the seeds of both cultivars are a rich source of phenolic and flavonoid compounds and with high antioxidant activities. Potent anticancer activity against the human colorectal cancer was expressed in both investigated cultivars. Significance and novelty: The study confirmed the health benefit potential of Puno and Titicaca quinoa cultivars, grown in Serbia. These results are the first to demonstrate a potent anticancer activity of quinoa seed extract against the human colorectal cancer cell line HCT-116, as well as the presence of 7 new phenolic and flavonoid compounds.