Exploring the Protective Potential of Apple (Malus domestica) and Kiwi (Actinidia deliciosa) Against Breast Cancer: An In Vitro Study

Despite the frequent and successful use of conventional cancer therapies, the importance of natural sources has grown significantly. Malus domestica and Actinidia deliciosa were produced and analyzed using HPLC, GC-MS, and FTIR to describe the various amino acids and antioxidants present. Their anticancer efficacy and cytotoxicity were tested on Triple-negative Breast Cancer (MDA-MB231) and breast carcinoma (MCF-7) cell lines, as well as the Wi-38 normal cell line. Flow cytometric analysis for apoptosis and combination index (CI) analysis was performed for both individual and mixed extracts. On the molecular level, the expression of breast cancer-related genes (BAX, CDKN1, E2F4, RB1, TP53, TERT, KRAS1, and KRAS2) was examined. The results indicated that both extracts are rich in antioxidants. The combined extract of Actinidia deliciosa (3 parts) and Malus domestica (1 part) exhibited the highest anticancer activity, with safe dosages estimated at 2.520 ± 0.125 mg/ml for Actinidia deliciosa extract and 0.763 ± 0.176 mg/ml for Malus domestica extract. The study's final results suggest that extracts of Malus domestica and Actinidia deliciosa, either alone or in a 3:1 volume ratio, could be beneficial in treating breast cancer.