Functional Characterization of Pulp, Seed, and Whole Fruit of Condalia mexicana Schltd. And their Cytotoxic Effects on Artemia salina and BreastCancer Cell Lines MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231

Background: Mexico boasts a significant biodiversity of endemic species containing bioactive compounds that benefit health. This study focused on the Condalia mexicana Schltd. fruit. Extracts from leaves and stems of selected Condalia species have been studied, revealing insecticidal, antimicrobial, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, and antinociceptive properties. However, there are no reports in the scientific literature about the properties of Condalia fruits. Therefore, the relevance of this work is focused on being the first to investigate the presence of bioactive compounds in this fruit, as well as being the first to explore the bioactive properties of this fruit in cancer cell lines. Objective: This study aimed to perform proximal chemical analyses of Condalia mexicana Schltd. fruit and evaluate its phenolic compounds, flavonoids, anthocyanins, antioxidant activity, and cytotoxic effect. Methods: The proximate chemical analysis quantification of protein, lipid, fiber, and ash content followed the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC) standards. The presence of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and anthocyanins in the pulp, seeds, and whole fruit was quantified by UV-Vis spectrophotometry, and their antioxidant activity by ABTS and DPPH methods. Subsequently, aqueous extracts were prepared from the pulp and their cytotoxic capacity was evaluated by the Artemia salina assay and in cancer cell lines MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 by the trypan blue colorimetric assay. Results: The results revealed an enrichment of fiber and protein in the whole fruit compared to the pulp, suggesting possible technological applications. Nevertheless, the pulp exhibited the highest content of bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity, recommending its prioritization for further bioactivity studies. Cytotoxicity tests on Artemia salina indicated the safety of the hydro and hydroacetonitrilic extracts. In addition, both extracts demonstrated significant antiproliferative activity against MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell lines, with the hydroacetonitrilic extract showing superior efficacy. Conclusion: These findings indicated that Condalia mexicana Schltd. fruits are a good source of dietary fiber, protein, antioxidant compounds, and antiproliferative activity in cancer cells. These results generate the need for further studies of its active compounds, explore their mechanisms of action, and, in the future, be proposed as potential medical treatments.