Cytotoxicity of subcritical water extracts obtained from byproducts generated at commercial pecan shelling operations on cancer cells

Abstract

This study examined potential of the extracts obtained from the byproducts generated at commercial pecan nut-shelling operations in cancer treatment. The subcritical water extracts obtained from two varieties, Native and Pawnee, were analyzed for their phenolic contents and compositions. Effects of the extracts on viability and IC50 of the human cell lines representing a broad range of cancer types, cervical, lung, skin, breast, colon and prostate cancers, were investigated. Although the effect of the temperature on the phenolic contents and compositions of the extracts was not statistically significant, the influence of the variety was extensive. The pecan shell extracts were not cytotoxic to the healthy cell line Vero in the concentration range examined. Some of the pecan shell extracts had greater efficay than Doxorubicin, a drug used in cancer chemotherapy, in reducing cancer cell viability. This study is novel and practical implications of the data generated in this study are noteworthy, because this is the first report on the beneficial effects of subcritical water extracts obtained from pecan shelling industry byproducts on a broad range of cancer cell lines. It is likely that the experimental data presented in this study will support and encourage future research on the biological pathways involved in the interactions of the cancer cells and the extracts. The findings of this study will facilitate research on downstream processing and purification of the crude extracts exhibiting high cancer cell cytotoxcity, potentially improving the final product efficacy and lead to commercial applications.

Keywords

Subcritical water extracts / Pecan shell extracts / Cancer cell lines / Pecan variety

References

[1] AACC (2000) American Association Of Cereal Chemists. Approved Methods. Aacc, St. Paul, Mn

[2] AOAC (2005) Official Methods Of Analysis. 18th Edn. Association Of Official Analytical Chemists, Wahington, D.C., Usa

[3] Atanasov AG, Sabharanjak SM, Zengin G, . Pecan nuts: a review of reported bioactivities and health effects. Trends Food Sci Technol, 2018, 71: 246-257.

[4] Baek SJ, Kim J-S, Jackson FR, Eling TE, Mcentee MF, Lee S-H. Epicatechin Gallate-induced expression of Nag-1 is associated with growth inhibition and apoptosis in colon cancer cells. Carcinogenesis, 2004, 25(12): 2425-2432.

[5] Cason C, Vk Y, Moreira J, Adhikari A. Antioxidant properties of pecan shell bioactive components of different cultivars and extraction methods. Foods, 2021, 10(4): 713.

[6] Cogan B, Rc P, Cm P, Nt J, Ja C. Pecan-enriched diet improves cholesterol profiles and enhances postprandial microvascular reactivity in older adults. Nutr Res, 2023, 111: 44-58.

[7] Do Prado ACP, Aragão AM, Fettand R, Block JM. Antioxidant properties of pecan nut [Carya Illinoinensis (Wangenh.) C. Koch] shell infusion. Grasas Aceites, 2009, 60(4): 330-335.

[8] Do Prado ACP, Manion BA, Seetharaman K, Deschamps FC, Barrera Arellano D, Block JM. Relationship between antioxidant properties and chemical composition of the oil and the shell of pecan nuts [Caryaillinoinensis (Wangenh.) C. Koch]. Ind Crops Prod, 2013, 45: 64-73.

[9] Do Prado ACP, Da Silva HS, Da Silveira SM, . Effect of the extraction process on the phenolic compounds profile and the antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of extracts of pecan nut [Carya Illinoinensis (Wangenh.) C. Koch] shell. Ind Crops Prod, 2014, 52: 552-561.

[10] Dunford NT, Zhang M. Pressurized solvent extraction of wheat germ oil. Food Res Int, 2003, 36: 905-909.

[11] Dunford NT, Irmak S, Jonnala RS. Pressurized solvent extraction of policosanol from wheat straw, germ and bran. Food Chem, 2010, 119: 1246-1249.

[12] Dunford NT, Gumus ZP, Gur CS. Chemical composition and antioxidant properties of pecan shell water extracts. Antioxidants, 2022, 11(6): 1127.

[13] FDA (2003) Qualified Health Claims: Letter Of Enforcement Discretion-Nuts And Coronory Heart Disease. U.S. Food And Drug Administration. In. http://www.Cfsan.Fda.Gov/~Dms/Qhcnuts2.html Accessed November 6, 2010

[14] FDA (2015) Dietary Guidelines For Americans 2015–2020. In: (Fda) Ufada (Ed). 8th Edn

[15] Guarneiri LL, Paton CM, Cooper JA. Pecan-enriched diets alter cholesterol profiles and triglycerides in adults at risk for cardiovascular disease in a randomized, controlled trial. J Nutr, 2021, 151(10): 3091-3101.

[16] Hilbig J, Pdb P, Vmads G, . Aqueous extract from pecan nut [Carya Illinoinensis (Wangenh) C. Koch] shell show activity against breast cancer cell line Mcf-7 and ehrlich ascites tumor In Balb-C mice. J Ethnopharmacol, 2018, 211: 256-266.

[17] Porto LCS, Silva JD, Sousa K, . Evaluation of toxicological effects of an aqueous extract of shells from the pecan nut Carya Illinoinensis (Wangenh.) K. Koch and the possible association with its inorganic constituents and major phenolic compounds. Evid-Based Complement Alternat Med, 2016

[18] Prado ACP, Aragão AM, Fett R, Block JM. Phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity of pecan [Carya illinoinensis (Wangenh.) C. Koch] Shell Extracts. Braz J Food Technol, 2009, 12(4): 323-332.

[19] Sevimli-Gur C, Gezgin Y, Oz A, Sa S, Zp G, Nt D. Biological activity of the extracts from pecan shelling industry byproducts. Trans ASABE, 2021, 64: 869-877.

[20] Sims KA (1994) Mechanization Of Post-Harvest Pecan Processing. In: Santerre Cr (Ed) Pecan Technology. Springer Us, Boston, Ma, P 68–86

[21] Tong X, Szacilo A, Chen H, Tan L, Kong L. Using rich media to promote knowledge on nutrition and health benefits of pecans among young consumers. J Agric Food Res, 2022, 10: 100387.

[22] Trevizol F, Dm B, Rcs B, . Comparative study between two animal models of extrapyramidal movement disorders: prevention and reversion by pecan nut shell aqueous extract. Behav Brain Res, 2011, 221(1): 13-18.

[23] Undersander D, Mertens Dr, Thiex N (1993) Forage Analyses Procedures. National Forage Testing Association, Omaha, Ne

[24] Villarreal-Lozoya JE, Lombardini L, Cisneros-Zevallos L. Phytochemical constituents and antioxidant capacity of different pecan [Carya Illinoinensis (Wangenh.) K. Koch] cultivars. Food Chem, 2007, 102(4): 1241-1249.

Funding

Oklahoma Department of Agriculture Food and Forestry (ODAFF)