The extraction of bioactive compounds from by-products of the agri-food industry allows the obtaining of active biomolecules, low-cost raw materials that, after reuse, provide an economic yield as well as ecological and pharmacological benefits. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antitumoral potential of natural sweet cherry extracts, based on their functional composition. Three non-commercial sweet cherries (Lapins, Van, Ambrunes; Prunus avium L.) cultivars from Jerte Valley (Spain) were used as raw material for the elaboration of the different cherry extracts. These extracts were obtained by a hydro-alcoholic solution with citric acid (80:19:1 v/v/p) in agitation for 15 min at room temperature (avoiding light). Total phenolics content, total anthocyanins content, as well as total antioxidant activity were determined. Likewise, in vitro anticancer activity was assayed in triple negative breast cancer cell line (MDA-MB-231). All the extracts assayed possess high total phenolics and anthocyanins content, as well as elevated total antioxidant activity. Moreover, a remarkable cytotoxic effect was reported in all the three cherry extracts assayed. Sweet cherry extracts, derived from non-commercial cherry fruit, could be therefore considered as natural anticancer agents.

This work was supported by Junta de Extremadura and Universidad de Extremadura grants (ref. GR18040 and AV-4, respectively). J.E. and M.G. hold post-doctoral fellowships (ref. TA18002 and TA18029, respectively) from Junta de Extremadura. J.R.-P. thanks to Junta de Extremadura for the predoctoral formation contract (ref. PD18018).