Characterization of the nutritional and phytochemical content of 'Romina' strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) and evaluation of its cytotoxic effects on ovarian cancer cells

Ovarian cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer related mortality in women in developed areas and, unfortunately, the overall survival rate at 5 years is lower than 50%. Even though most women have successful initial therapy, the low rate of survival is due to eventual recurrence and succumbing to the disease. The treatment for ovarian cancer is still unsatisfactory, and new treatments for patients with recurrent ovarian cancer are needed. Several studies have demonstrated that dietary bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols, are associated with a reduced risk of several types of cancer. For these reasons, the potential application of these natural compounds in the development of therapeutic agents for cancer treatment and/or for their use as valuable additive or nutritional supplements to prevent cancer risk has gained increasing importance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the sensorial, nutritional and phytochemical content, as well as the total antioxidant capacity, of 'Romina' strawberry cultivar (Fragraria ananassa); in addition, the cytotoxic effects on ovarian cancer cell line (NIH:OVCAR-3) has been assessed by treating cells with a wide range of strawberry extract (0-10 mg mL-1) for 24, 48 and 72 h. Results showed a good value of soluble solids and firmness, as well as a low value of titratable acidity of the strawberry extract. 'Romina' fruits showed also a good total antioxidant capacity and a high content of total phenolics, total flavonoids and total anthocyanins, and a good levels of vitamins C and B9. Regarding the experiments with cells, we evaluated the inhibition of cell growth by 50% (IC50): After 24 h of treatment, the IC50 was 19.63 μg mL-1, after 48 h the IC50 was 10.22 μg mL-1 and after 72 h the IC50 was 8.26 μg mL-1. These promising results are encouraging to deeper the anticancer effects of strawberry extract.