The Hydroalcoholic Extract of Pistachio Kernel and Pericarp has an Inhibitory Effect Against Prostate Cancer Cells

Introduction: Pistachio contains compounds with antioxidant activity. Due to the high phenolic and antioxidant content of different parts of pistachio, including leaves, gum, pericarp, and seed, researchers have concentrated on this plant to research its anti-cancer activity. This paper aims to investigate the anti-proliferation effect of pericarps and kernels of P. vera var. akbari on the PC-3 prostate cancer cells. Materials and Methods: In this study, the effect of hydroalcoholic extract of pistachio pericarps and kernels on the proliferation of prostate cancer cells was measured by (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. For this purpose, culture media of prostate cancer cells were treated with final doses (0, 0.1, 0.5, 1, 2.5, 5, 10 mg/mL) of extract for 24, 48, and 72 h, and the IC50 values were measured. All experiments were performed in triplicate with three replications. Results: This research results indicated that both extracts reduced cell viability in cancerous cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner significantly. The IC50 values of the hydroalcoholic extract of pistachio pericarp against PC-3 prostate cancer cells after 48 h and 72h treatment were 8.73 and 4.24 mM, respectively. However, these values for pistachio kernel extract were 6.52, 4.72, and 4.41 mM, respectively. Data were analyzed by a one-way ANOVA, and a value of P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Conclusion: The results demonstrate the anti-cancer activity of pistachio seed and pericarp on human prostate cancer cells in in vitro. The anti-carcinogenesis effects of pistachio are probably related to the presence of a considerable number of biologically active components, including phenolic compounds with antioxidant properties.