Evaluation of the effect of methanolic extract of pomegranate peel on cytotoxicity induction and PDGF gene expression in cervical cancer (Hela cell line)

Extract of pomegranate peel is a potential bioactive substance to combat cancer due to its rich cytotoxic components including polyphenols. This study aimed to identify phytochemical ingredients of pomegranate peel extract and assessed the level of their cytotoxicity on a cervical cancer cell line. In addition, the effect of this extract on expression of a key gene in the process of angiogenesis was evaluated.

In the present study, pomegranate peel ingredients were extracted qualitatively using the Soxhlet apparatus and their phytochemical composition was identified. The level of cytotoxicity of different concentrations of the extract in different time intervals was assessed on the Hela cell line using the MTT assay. Then, the PDGF gene expression in the cells treated by the extract was evaluated quantitatively employing the Real-time PCR technique. Statistical analysis was based on Duncan's multiple range test using SPSS software package and linear regression model.

The phytochemical tests proved that methanolic extract of the pomegranate peel contained different ingredients such as polyphenols. MTT test results revealed that the extract possesses antitumor effect at different concentrations. Gene expression studies indicated that the extract decreases the expression of PDGF in Hela cancer cell line (P=0.004).

The pomegranate peel extract induces antitumor and cytotoxic effects and is able to inhibit the growth and spread of cervical cancer cells, thus   it might have the potential to be used effectively in the prevention of cancer cell proliferation.