Punicic Acid Inhibits Proliferation and Induces Apoptosis in Human MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cells

One of the main components of Pomegranate Seed Oil is punicic acid, an omega-5 fatty acid that is capable of inhibiting breast and prostate cancer cell proliferation, although the mechanisms of action are not yet known. In order to further understand its potential anti-cancer properties, we investigated the effect of punicic acid on proliferation and cytotoxicity of human MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Cells were treated with punicic acid for up to 72 hours, and cell proliferation, cytotoxicity, and apoptosis were measured. We found that 10 and 50 ug/ml punicic acid significantly reduced viable cell density by 72 hours as measured by MTS assay. Similarly, we found that both concentrations significantly increased cytotoxicity by this time point, as measured by an LDH assay. Cell death was confirmed to be, at least in part, due to apoptosis, as detected by Annexin V and propidium iodide fluorescence.