Anti-inflammatory and Anticancer Activity of Tamarillo (Cyphomandra betacea) an Underexploited Fruit of Nilgiris District, Tamil Nadu, India

Cervical cancer of the uterus is a vital global health concern affecting women over the age of 25 years. The focus of the research was to assess the anticancer and anti-inflammatory properties of Tamarillo (Cyphomandra betacea).

Tamarillo fruit was ultrasonicated and the biologically active synthesis comprises of whole phenolic content, complete total flavonoids, total glycosides and combined carotenoids were quantified by UV-Spectrophotometer. Protease inhibition and protein denaturation inhibition were used to test the anti-inflammatory efficacy. MTT assay was employed to compare the anticancer effects of tamarillo, additionally flow cytometer was performed to find out the percentage of cell population, cell death and ROS.

Tamarillo exhibited the highest inhibition at a concentration of 40–50 μl. The whole phenolic content was 95 mg/100 g, total flavonoids was 21 mg/g DW, glycosides were 10.6 mg Q/g DW and carotenoids were 96 mg βCE/g. The percent inhibition of protease and protein denaturation assay of tamarillo extracts of 10–50 μg/ml ranged from (15-64.7%) and (18.5-77%) respectively. The anticancer activity of tamarillo fruit was evaluated for human cervical cancer cell line (HeLa) which revealed IC50 of 39.04, 31.52 and 29.29, with corresponding cytotoxicity values of 56.11, 70.23 and 70.71 at 24, 48 and 72 hours. Flow cytometry revealed about 90% of cells in the G1-Mitotic phase, which indicate cell cycle inhibition and apoptosis effects. Elevated ROS levels in treated cells highlighted increasing oxidative stress, inhibiting cell proliferation. In conclusion, tamarillo fruit extracts show varying anti-inflammatory effects and anticancer activity due to differences in bioactive compounds.