Pectins extracted from prunes ( <i>Prunus domestica</i> L.) inhibit the invasive capacity of melanoma cells

Fruit‑derived pectins exhibit notable biological effects, particularly against tumor cells. Consequently, natural products have become a major focus in the search for novel anticancer agents with fewer side‑effects. The present study evaluated the effects of a pectic fraction extracted from prunes (dried fruits of <em>Prunus domestica</em>), a species cultivated worldwide, on B16F10 cells. The prune pectic fraction obtained with hot water (PWH) reduced the viability of B16F10 murine melanoma cells, while leaving normal BALB/c 3T3 cells unaffected, indicating lower cytotoxicity than the chemotherapeutic drug, doxorubicin. At concentrations of 10 and 100 <em>&micro;</em>g/ml, PWH specifically inhibited B16F10 cell viability by 24 and 40%, respectively, reduced colony formation by 20 and 26%, respectively, and decreased cytoplasmic extensions by 30% at 100 <em>&micro;</em>g/ml. Furthermore, FAK gene expression increased by 57 and 200%, suggesting a compensatory response to mitigate the cell area loss. Collectively, these results underscore the potential of PWH for further cancer research.