Antiproliferative Effect of the Aqueous Extract of Prunus armeniaca (Apricot) Seeds on the A375 Melanoma Cell Line

Malignant melanoma is one of the most aggressive forms of skin cancer and is associated with high metastatic potential and resistance to conventional therapies. Natural products have attracted considerable attention as alternative sources of anticancer agents due to their bioactive phytochemicals. Prunus armeniaca (apricot) seeds contain several biologically active compounds, including amygdalin, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds, which have been reported to exhibit antioxidant and anticancer properties. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the antiproliferative effect of the aqueous extract of Prunus armeniaca seeds on the A375 melanoma cell line. This study aimed to investigate experimental plant-based therapeutic alternatives to replace drugs and chemical compounds currently applied to cancer patients. Skin cancer is the most aggressive cancer in humans. The A375 line was chosen to test the aqueous extract of Prunus armeniaca seeds. The aqueous extract was prepared after collecting and drying the seed pulp and then grinding it well. The results of the chemical analysis of the extract showed the presence of active compounds in good quantities, reaching (48.18) g./mg of flavonoids and phenols, respectively. The results of the antioxidant activity test showed a percentage of (73.8%) with an ROS level of (3.82 mmol/L), while the amount of amygdalin in the seeds reached (683.7 mg/100g) using the HPLC test. The cytotoxic activity of the extract was evaluated using the MTT assay on the A375 melanoma cell line at three exposure times (24, 48, and 72 hours) and five µg/ml concentrations (20, 40, 80, 160, and 320). The results showed a decrease in cell viability, with the 20 µg/ml concentration exhibiting the lowest inhibition rate (6.3%), while the highest concentration (320 µg/ml) showed the lowest cell viability (13.5%). Cell death reached 86.5% at 72 hours, depending on the concentration and exposure time. Microscopic examination of the cells revealed shrinkage, morphological changes, and cell death in cells exposed to the extract compared to the control. These results indicate antiproliferative activity in cancer cells, which may be attributed to the presence of active compounds in the extract and their ability to modulate oxidative stress on cells and induce apoptosis. Apricot kernel extract may represent a promising source of bioactive compounds for further investigation as potential anticancer agents.