Dose-Dependent Bimodal Effect of Pomegranate Peel Extracts on MCF-7 Cells: The Role of Solvent Polarity
Abstract
This study evaluates the modulatory effects of extracts obtained from Punica granatum (pomegranate) peel using solvents of different polarities on the MCF-7 breast cancer cell line. Cell viability was measured using the CCK-8 method after 24 hours of incubation with extracts at concentrations of 1 and 2μl/ml. The positive control (H₂O₂) validated the experiment by reducing viability to 6.67% (p<0.001). While no significant effect was observed at the lower concentration (1 μl/ml), the methanolic extract at the 2 μl/ml dose increased viability to 103.24%, significantly promoting proliferation compared to both the control group and its lower dose (p<0.05). This dose-dependent bimodal effect exhibited by the methanolic extract (mild inhibition at low doses and proliferation at higher doses) highlights how the biological activity of P. granatum peel is highly sensitive to the solvent and concentration used. These results suggest that the role of natural products in cancer research should be evaluated beyond simple cytotoxicity, considering their potential to modulate complex cellular responses.
Keywords
References
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Details
Primary Language
English
Subjects
Veterinary Pharmacology
Journal Section
Research Article
Authors
Çiğdem Dikel
*
0000-0002-5533-8899
Türkiye
Hasan Basri İla
0000-0002-3221-8587
Türkiye
Onur Demirkol
0000-0002-0720-2735
Türkiye
İbrahim Demirkale
0000-0002-0074-2309
Türkiye
Rumeysa Meşe
0000-0002-2788-1923
Türkiye
Publication Date
September 24, 2026
Submission Date
November 5, 2025
Acceptance Date
July 8, 2026
Published in Issue
Year 2026 Number: 2