Effect of pistachio kernel extracts in MCF-7 breast cancer cells: Inhibition of cell proliferation, induction of ROS production, modulation of glycolysis and of mitochondrial respiration

[Display omitted] •Pistachio extracts were tested as a chemotherapeutic agent in MCF-7 cells.•Pistachio extracts decreased cell viability in a dose and time dependent manner.•48 h-treatments with the pistachio extracts increased cell ROS levels.•48 h-treatments with the pistachio extracts induced cell death.•Cell bioenergetics was altered by pistachio extract treatments. The effects of ground pistachio kernel extracts have been evaluated on cellular viability, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and cell death in MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Results showed a significant decrease in cell viability in a dose and time dependent manner. 48 h-treatments with different concentrations of the extracts induced intracellular ROS generation and showed that cell death was in an apoptosis-independent manner. It was also found that 48 h-treatments led to a dose dependent reduction in both extracellular acidification rate (ECAR) and oxygen consumption rate (OCR) with respect to untreated cells. Therefore, a considerable alteration of cell bioenergetics would occur as consequence of such treatments. Combination of oxidative stress and bioenergetic alterations could be responsible, at least in part, of the cell death observed in the present model. In conclusion, pistachio kernel extract showed promising beneficial effects that could be exploited as a “natural adjuvant” in combination with chemotherapy treatment.