The Potential Therapeutic Efficacy of Pomegranate (Punica granatum) Seeds on MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cell Line

Objectives The objective of this study was to illustrate the core mechanisms of pomegranate seed's anticancer effects beyond its antioxidant properties. Methods Using MCF-7 breast cancer cells, this study explores the impact of pomegranate seed on production of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), cell survival, DNA damage, mitochondrial membrane potential, and apoptotic gene expression. Results Our findings revealed that pomegranate inhibited cell growth via promoting apoptosis. We observed noticeable enhancement in production of intracellular ROS in pomegranate seed-treated cells, along with increased of DNA damage. Additionally, pomegranate seed treatment led to a dose-dependent decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential, indicative of malfunction of mitochondria, resulted in initiation of apoptosis. Furthermore, we found differential regulation of apoptotic gene expression, with significant reductions in caspase 3 and Bcl-2 genes expression across all concentrations of pomegranate seed tested, and reductions in Bax and caspase 7 gene expression observed only with higher concentrations. Conclusion These results highlight the multifaceted mechanisms through which pomegranate seed exerts its anticancer effects, including ROS-mediated, DNA damage, dysfunction of mitochondria, and modulation of apoptotic pathways. Thus, pomegranate seed holds promise as a novel treatment option for therapeutic management of breast cancer.