Total Flavonoids Isolated from Diospyros kaki L. f. Leaves Induced Apoptosis and Oxidative Stress in Human Cancer Cells

Background/aim: Persimmon (Diospyros kaki L.) leaves are popular as a tea infusion in Asia and their main active ingredients are flavonoids. The present study aimed to explore the anticancer properties of flavonoids isolated from persimmon leaves (PLF).

Materials and methods: We investigated the in vitro anti-proliferative activity of PLF against several human cancer cell lines. Apoptosis and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced by PLF were accessed using high-content analysis with florescent staining. The ability of PLF to scavenge free radicals was evaluated by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay.

Results: PLF demonstrated significant inhibition of proliferation of liver, breast, and colorectal cancer cells in vitro. PLF induced apoptosis and increased intracellular ROS levels in HCT116 (colorectal cancer) and HepG2 (liver cancer) cells. In addition, PLF showed strong free radical scavenging ability.

Conclusion: The anti-proliferation activity of PLF against cancer cells was related to the induction of apoptosis and oxidative stress.

Keywords: Persimmon leaf flavonoids; anticancer; antioxidant; apoptosis; reactive oxygen species.