1Chhatrapati Sahu Ji Maharaj University, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, 208024, India
2Krishna Institute of Pharmacy and Sciences, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, 209217, India
Corresponding Author: Ajay Kumar Gupta
Background: Oxidative stress is a critical mediator of pancreatic β-cell dysfunction and hepatic cellular injury in diabetes and related metabolic disorders. Pancreatic β-cells are particularly susceptible to oxidative damage due to limited intrinsic antioxidant capacity, while hepatic cells are central to metabolic regulation and redox homeostasis. Natural phytochemicals rich in polyphenols have gained attention for their antioxidant and cytoprotective potential. Syzygium cumini seeds, traditionally used in glycemic management, contain bioactive compounds with established free radical scavenging properties. The present study evaluated the in vitro cytoprotective activity of Syzygium cumini seed extract (SCSE) in pancreatic and hepatic cell models subjected to oxidative stress.
Methods: Ethanolic extract of Syzygium cumini seeds was prepared and subjected to qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analysis. RIN-5F pancreatic β-cell lines and HUH-7 hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines were cultured under standard conditions. Oxidative stress was induced using hydrogen peroxide. Cytoprotective effects were assessed using MTT assay. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde levels), and antioxidant defense markers including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and reduced glutathione (GSH) were evaluated. Statistical significance was determined using one-way ANOVA.
Results: Hydrogen peroxide exposure significantly reduced cell viability and increased oxidative stress markers in both cell lines. Pretreatment with SCSE produced a dose-dependent restoration of viability and significantly reduced ROS generation and lipid peroxidation. Antioxidant enzyme activities and GSH levels were markedly improved following extract treatment. The protective effect was more pronounced in RIN-5F β-cells compared to HUH-7 cells, indicating differential cellular responsiveness.
Conclusion: Syzygium cumini seed extract demonstrates significant cytoprotective and antioxidant activity in pancreatic and hepatic cellular models. These findings provide mechanistic support for its therapeutic potential in oxidative stress–associated metabolic disorders and warrant further in vivo and translational investigations.
Keywords: Syzygium cumini, Cytoprotection, Oxidative stress, Pancreatic β-cells, Hepatocellular carcinoma, Antioxidant activity.
How to cite this article: Prajapati A, Prajapati P, Gupta AK. In Vitro Assessment of the Cytoprotective Activity of Syzygium cumini Seed Extract on RIN-5F Pancreatic β-Cell Lines and HUH-7 Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cell Lines. Int J Drug Deliv Technol. 2026;16(9s): 85-97; DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.16.9s.9
Source of support: None
Conflict of interest: None