Antitumorigenic activity of Rubus sp. fruit extract in C6 rat and U87 human glioma cell lines.

OBJECTIVES

Glioblastoma is the most aggressive neoplasm that can affect the central nervous system, presenting therapeutic limitations due to resistance to common medications. Therefore, a search for therapeutic alternatives is necessary. This study focused on the therapeutic potential of methanolic blackberry extract (Rubus sp.) against rat C6 and human U87 glioma cell lines, given the antioxidant and antitumor capacity of this fruit extract already described against other neoplasms. Furthermore, the impact of blackberry extract on healthy cells, specifically primary astrocyte cultures, was assessed.

METHODS

Cells were exposed to blackberry extract at concentrations ranging from 125 to 2000 µg/mL for 4, 6, 24, 48, or 72 h, after which cell viability and proliferation, cell migration, colony formation, interleukin levels, and oxidative stress were evaluated.

RESULTS

Our results demonstrate the selective cytotoxic effect of blackberry extract at reducing viability and proliferation in both glioma cell lines without affecting the primary astrocyte cultures. The levels of reactive oxygen species were significantly reduced at all tested concentrations, and in parallel, an increase in the activity of antioxidant enzymes glutathione-s-transferase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase was observed. Furthermore, the treatment reduced the capacity for cell migration, tumor colony formation and growth, and interleukin-10 levels.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest that blackberry extract has antitumorigenic potential, supporting further research using in vivo glioma models.