COMPARATIVE STUDY OF THREE WILD EDIBLE FRUITS OF UTTRAKHAND FOR ANTIOXIDANT, ANTIPROLIFERATIVE ACTIVITIES AND POLYPHENOLIC COMPOSITION

Abstract

Ficus palmata, Pyrus pashia and Ficus auriculata are the popular wild edible fruits of Uttarakhand. The present study aimed to evaluate their total phenolic, flavonoid contents, antioxidant and antiproliferative activities by using two solvents namely 80% aqueous methanol and acetone. The results showed highest phenolic and flavonoid contents in the Ficus palmata acetone extract, while lowest in Ficus auriculata and Pyrus pashia methanol extracts respectively. Antioxidant activities were highest in the acetone extract of Ficus palmata and Pyrus pashia respectively. RP-HPLC analysis revealed abundance of gallic acid and catechin in all the fruit extracts, while traces of caffeic acid, coumaric acid and ellagic acid. All the fruit extracts possessed antiproliferative activities (22-63%) against cervical cancer cells C33A being highest in Ficus palmata, while showing no cytotoxicity to the normal peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Therefore, Ficus palmata fruit extracts could be used for the developing herbal formulation that can reduce the oxidative stress and prevent cancer development.