Hot water leaves extracts of Zizyphus jujube exert antioxidative effects in vitro and cytotoxicity in human cancer cell lines

Hot water (JLW) and 70% ethanol (JLE) extracts of jujube leaves were investigated for their antioxidant effect, cytotoxicity, and anticancer effects. The measured content of total polyphenolics in JLW and JLE was 200.4 mg center dot g(-1) and 234.6 mg center dot g(-1), respectively. Extracts showed 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity of 91.8% (JLW) and 93.8% (JLE) at 1,000 mu g center dot mL(-1). A radical scavenging activity of JLW and JLE was higher than that of Vitamin C (89.3%) (at 1,000 mu g center dot mL(-1)). Results from the analysis of Super oxide dismutase (SOD)-like activity showed 33.9% for JLW and 34.8% for JLE (at 1,000 mu g center dot mL(-1)). Extracts showed no cytotoxicity in a normal human cell line, HEK293. In human cancer cells JLW extract showed higher antiproliferative activity than JLE extract. Inhibitory effect of JLW for human breast cancer cells (MCF-7), human stomach cancer cells (AGS), human lung cancer cells (A549) and human liver cancer cells (HepG2) growth was 16.9%, 61.3%, 57.7%, and 20.1% respectively, at 1,000 mu g(-1)mL(-1). The results of our study suggest the potential use of Zizyphus jujube leaves extracts for use as an excellent antioxidant and antiproliferative substance.