Comparison of the Apoptosis Induction Effect of Pomegranate Peel Extract and Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells on Melanoma

Apoptosis defect plays an important role in the formation of tumors and its disruption causes resistance to treatment. The effects of pomegranate on the inhibition of apoptosis and cell proliferation of some cancer types have been demonstrated. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of black pomegranate peel extract on cell survival, morphology, and apoptosis of melanoma cells and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs).
The hydroalcoholic extract of black pomegranate pericarp was prepared. Toxicity of melanoma and HUVEC was evaluated through MTT assay (3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) in the experimental group at different concentrations of the extract (10, 100, 200, 300 μg/ml) and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) 0.1% in the control group. In addition, apoptosis was studied using Annexin-V test and flow cytometry. The morphology of the cells was examined under a microscope.
Findings: After 48 hours, melanoma cell survival significantly decreased in a concentration-dependent manner (P Pomegranate peel extract induces apoptosis, death, and morphological changes in melanoma cells. However, it has no effect on HUVECs. It seems that this extract can be a good candidate for apoptosis induction in melanoma cells as complementary therapy.