Selective Cytotoxicity of Anthocyanins on Breast Cancer Cells

Abstract Background Anthocyanins, one of the subclasses of flavonoids, are water-soluble phytochemicals and essential pigments in vegetables or fruits, and there is significant interest due to their potential health benefits. Anthocyanins have demonstrated anticancer effects such as inhibition of cell proliferation, and stimulation of apoptosis. Here, we investigated that anthocyanins could selectively inhibit the proliferation of breast cancer cells. Methods Anthocyanins were extracted from four different vegetables (red cabbage, red onion, black bean, and eggplant), and five different fruits (pomegranate, raspberry, blueberry, blackberry, and red grape), and cytotoxicity of all anthocyanins were measured. Results Among nine anthocyanins, blueberry anthocyanins were the best candidate to be toxic to only breast cancer cell lines such as MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7, but not to be toxic to other type of cells such as THP-1 and Caco-2 cell lines. From transwell cell migration assay, blueberry anthocyanins reduced the migration of MDA-MB-231 by 31.7%. 3D-cultured spheroid experiment demonstrated that blueberry anthocyanins reduced the cell density of spheroids, and enhanced the cell toxicity of spheroids. Conclusions The results of this research enhanced the understanding of the selective anticancer effect of blueberry anthocyanins on MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 breast cancer cell lines.