Potential Breast Cancer Treatment with Pouteria lucuma Fruit Extract

Abstract: Breast cancer continues to be a major health challenge globally, necessitating the exploration of new therapeutic agents. Natural compounds are increasingly recognized for their potential in cancer treatment, offering a reservoir of novel bioactive substances. In this context, Pouteria lucuma, a fruit indigenous to South America, emerges as a potential candidate, yet its impact on breast cancer remains largely unexplored. This study aimed to investigate the cytotoxic and anti-cancer effects of Pouteria lucuma extract on the MCF-7 breast cancer cell line. Initial phytochemical analysis of the lucuma extract revealed a rich presence of flavonoids and phenolic compounds, known for their anti-cancer properties. We then assessed the cytotoxic effect of the extract on MCF-7 cells using the MTT assay, which showed a dose-dependent decrease in cell viability. Further, the extract's ability to induce apoptosis was examined using Annexin V/PI staining, and its effect on the cell cycle was analyzed using propidium iodide staining. Both assays indicated a significant increase in apoptosis and G0/G1 phase cell cycle arrest in treated cells.These findings suggest that Pouteria lucuma extract possesses potent anti-cancer properties, evidenced by its ability to reduce cell viability, induce apoptosis, and cause cell cycle arrest in breast cancer cells. The study highlights the potential of lucuma extract as a source of natural compounds for breast cancer treatment and lays the groundwork for further in vivo research and clinical evaluation.