Authors : M.S. Alexandra Okihiro, M.S. Sahar Rizvi and Elliott J. Blumenthal
Abstract: Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer and is gradually increasing globally amongst the elderly population. Current treatments for melanoma are invasive have adverse effects on important immunological cells and may cause immunosuppression of the patient. This study demonstrates that extracts separated from elderberry from the European black elder (Sambucus nigra) significantly decrease proliferation of a murine melanoma (B16-F10) and human neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y) cell line. Extracts separated from the European black elder (Sambucus nigra) significantly decrease proliferation of a murine melanoma (B16-F10) and human neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y) cell line. A transformed, non-cancerous cell line (CHO-K1) was not significantly inhibited. Elderberry fractions were investigated for their effects on murine spleen cells. Elderberry fractions were less toxic to elderly mouse spleen cells compared to young mouse spleen cells. The same elderberry fractions that killed melanoma cells did not affect spleen cell proliferation responses to the same extent. Elderberry extracts are capable of suppressing melanoma tumor growth without inhibiting important immunological factors such asIL-2 secretion. Elderberry may have use in diet-based strategies that combat incidence of cancer and other diseases that become more prevalent with aging.
M.S. Alexandra Okihiro, M.S. Sahar Rizvi and Elliott J. Blumenthal, 2015. Elderberry Extracts Suppress Melanoma Growth In vitro. Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 14: 197-204.