Anticancer effects of purple carrot extract via induction of apoptotic genes on human breast cancer cells

This study investigated the anticancer effects of purple carrot extract (PCE) and its key bioactive substance, chlorogenic acid (CHA), on MDA-MB-231 cells and elucidated the mechanisms of apoptosis and anticancer activity. The effects of CHA treatment on the growth of HEK-293 and MDA-MB-231 cells were assessed, and CHA selectively inhibited the growth of MDA-MB-231, indicating specific inhibitory effect on breast cancer. When PCE and CHA were treated to MDA-MB-231 cells, an increase in in the expression of apoptosis-related genes and proteins, including Bcl-2-associated x (Bax), and caspase-9, while the expression of B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) decreased (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the study substantiates the potential of CHA, a key bioactive substance in PCE, as a potent anticancer agent, highlighting its superior efficacy in inhibiting breast cancer cell growth through the regulation of apoptosis-related genes and protein expression.