Evaluation of the Main Phytosterols and Antiproliferative Properties of Soxhlet Extracts from Prunus spinosa L.
Clinical research continually shows a considerable decrease in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL cholesterol) levels when phytosterols are consumed. This study aimed to show the phytosterols' presence in blackthorn extracts through various techniques. Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa L.) extracts from three regions of Bosnia and Herzegovina (Borije, Trnovo, and Vareš) obtained by Soxhlet extraction were evaluated using thin layer chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography. By comparing the Furrier Transformed Infrared spectra of the extract samples with the standards of β-sitosterol and stigmasterol the corresponding peaks were found. In accordance with the traditional use of blackthorn in the treatment of prostate diseases, the antiproliferative activity of two human prostate cancer cells, PC-3 and Du145, was established. The obtained results showed that the tested blackthorn extracts exhibit dose-dependent antiproliferative activity against the tested malignant cells in vitro. The dichloromethane extract from Trnovo showed the best cytotoxic activity against PC-3 cells, while the n-hexane extract from the same locality showed the best activity against Du145 cells. This study indicates the possibility of using blackthorn fruit extracts as a supplementary remedy as well as an addition to some pharmaceutical formulations in order to achieve a more efficient antiproliferative activity.