LAUSR

Abstract Cherry laurel produces edible dark colored fruits that are anticipated to have strongly antioxidative properties. Various studies dealt with the phenolic composition of cherry laurel fruits or concentrated juice to analyze the antioxidative potential. Here, in addition to polyphenol analysis, anti-proliferative activities of cherry laurel components have been investigated. Using an RP-HPLC method, phenolic content of the fruits were analyzed and 14 different polyphenolic compounds were determined in three varieties (55K06, 61K04 and 61K05), some of which were detected for the first time in cherry laurel fruits. Chlorogenic acid was found to be the major phenolic compound. In cell culture studies, polyphenolic extracts demonstrated anti-carcinogenic activity against HCT-116 colon carcinoma cells, potentially due to apoptotic activity of the extracts as demonstrated by flow cytometry. The composition and concentration of phenolic compounds largely determined the extent of cellular viability and apoptotic potential.