Effects of Nephelium lappaceum L. Peel Extracts on Cancerous Cells

Natural polyphenols have gained increasing attention as potential anticancer agents, although the selective effects of many plant-derived extracts on cervical cancer cells remain insufficiently characterized. Rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum) peel, an underutilized agro-industrial by-product enriched in ellagitannins and related polyphenols, represents a promising source of bioactive compounds for nutraceutical and cervical cancer research. The objective of this research was to investigate the effect of rambutan peel polyphenolic extract (RPPE) on cervical cancer cells (HeLa) and non-malignant cells. Cell viability, morphological alterations, and transcriptional responses associated with apoptosis, survival, and cell-cycle regulation were examined. RPPE selectively reduced the viability of HeLa cancer cells while exerting limited effects on human dermal fibroblasts (HDFa). Treated HeLa cells exhibited morphological and transcriptional changes consistent with apoptosis and growth inhibition. However, minimal responses were observed in HDF treated with RPPE. Overall, these findings provide evidence that RPPE differentially affects malignant and non-malignant cells, supporting further investigation of rambutan peel-derived polyphenols as sustainable bioactive compounds for cervical cancer research and future nutraceutical applications.