article · Molecules
Essential oils extracted from the leaves and berries of Juniperus phoenicea growing wild in northern Tunisia show notable biological activities. Chemical analysis indicates that alpha-pinene is the primary component in both oils, comprising 44.17 percent of leaf oil and 83.56 percent of berry oil. The leaf oil also contains notable concentrations of beta-phellandrene and camphene. In laboratory tests, the oils displayed cytotoxic effects across MCF-7 breast cancer cells, HT-29 colon cancer cells, and normal H9C2 cardiomyoblast cells. The leaf oil demonstrated strong inhibition against the colon cancer cell line, whereas the berry oil showed greater potency against the breast cancer cells. In addition, the berry oil showed an ability to suppress melanin production by inhibiting mono and diphenolase enzyme activities, alongside antioxidant potential.
Plant-derived compounds often provide starting points for developing new pharmaceuticals, skin treatments, or health products. By identifying the specific chemical makeup and biological effects of wild Juniperus phoenicea oils, this research reveals potential natural candidates capable of inhibiting cancer cell proliferation, controlling melanin production, and providing antioxidant action.
This research is at an early laboratory stage, focusing on in vitro chemical analysis and cell line assays. The findings suggest possible future value for developers of cancer therapeutics or cosmetic skin-lightening products seeking natural active ingredients. However, because the oils also showed cytotoxic effects on healthy cardiomyoblast cells, substantial preclinical evaluation and formulation work would be required before any commercial application.
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In this study, the anti-cancer, anti-tyrosinase, and antioxidant activities of essential oils (EOs) of berries and leaves of Juniperus phoenicea grown wild in North of Tunisia were investigated. The EO yields from leaves and berries were 1.69% and 0.45%, respectively. GC-MS analysis revealed that α-pinene is the predominant component in both EOs (44.17 and 83.56%, respectively). Leaves essential oil presented high levels of β-phellandrene (18%) and camphene (15%). The EOs displayed cytotoxic effects against MCF-7 breast cancer cell, HT-29 colon cancer, and the normal cells H9C2 cardiomyoblasts. Leaves oil strongly inhibited colon cell line proliferation (IC50 of 38 µg/mL), while berries essential oil was more potent against breast cancerous cells MCF-7 (IC50 of 60 µg/mL). Interestingly, berries essential oil exhibited high ability to inhibit melanin synthesis by inhibiting enzyme mono and diphenolase activities. Overall, the results suggested that the two oils are significant sources of healthy natural chemicals.
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DOI: 10.3390/molecules28227547
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