Cacao’s flair against colorectal despair: Elemental analysis, in vitro antioxidant and anticancer property of UF-18, Theobroma cacao powder against human colorectal cancer cells (HCT-116 Cells)

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Research Paper 03/10/2024
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Cacao’s flair against colorectal despair: Elemental analysis, in vitro antioxidant and anticancer property of UF-18, Theobroma cacao powder against human colorectal cancer cells (HCT-116 Cells)

Ronel T. Pacubat
J. Bio. Env. Sci.25( 4), 40-46, October 2024.
Certificate: JBES 2024 [Generate Certificate]

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the safety, in vitro antioxidant and anti-cancer properties of UF-18 Theobroma cacao powder. The safety of cocoa powder was assessed by the elemental content through X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy. The antioxidant activity of the cocoa powder was evaluated using DPPH radical scavenging assay. The anticancer activity of cocoa powder was evaluated using the MTT assay against human colon cancer cells (HCT-116). Investigations showed that there was very low or trace amount of hеavy mеtal Cadmium (0.48 %) in grams. On thе othеr hand, potassium (K) has thе largеst contеnt (40.83%). Cacao powder also contained 33.1096 % of Calcium (Ca), 10.46% of Iron (Fe), 6.16% of Phosphorous (P), 4.55% Silicon (Si). Other metallic elements present in minute quantities include 0.002 % Nickel (Ni), 0.2 % Manganese (Mn) and 0.2 % Titanium (Ti). The DPPH radical scavenging assay showed that cacao powder exhibits strong antioxidant activity, with an IC50 value of 17.60 μg/mL. The MTT assay showed that cacao powder has moderately strong anticancer activity against HCT-116 cells, with an IC50 value of 15.81 µg/mL. Cacao powder is a safe and effective anti-cancer agent as investigated in vitro. Potential health benefits merit further investigation, particularly in vivo and human clinical trials of the UF-18 cacao powder as anticancer alternative.

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