ANTICANCER ACTIVITY OF CRUDE EXTRACT AND CAROTENOID PIGMENTS FROM FRUITS

Ancilla Senoretta B. and *Dr. V. Judia Harriet Sumathy

ABSTRACT

The human diet contains important micronutrients namely vitamins C and E, carotenoids and flavonoids which are essential for maintenance of human health. Multiple dietary sources of these compounds are present virtually in all plant material. The nutritional importance of foods is due to the presence of these functional food ingredients and antioxidant nutraceuticals or phytochemicals. Phytochemicals are present in edible fruits and vegetables and when eaten potentially modulate human metabolism in a favourable manner, thereby prevent chronic and degenerative diseases. Increase in fruits and vegetables consumption protects our body against degenerative pathologies such as cancer and therosclerosis. An epidemiological surveys has shown an inverse relationship between dietary flavonoid intake from citrus and cardiovascular diseases. Citrus fruits are the main source of important phytochemical nutrients and for long have been valued for their wholesome nutritious and antioxidant properties. Moreover, it is now appreciated that other biologically active, non-nutrient compounds found in citrus fruits such as phytochemical antioxidants, soluble and insoluble dietary fibres are known to be helpful in reducing the risk for cancers, many chronic diseases like arthritis, obesity and coronary heart diseases. The present study is aimed at studying the Anticancer activity Crude Extract and Carotenoid pigments of certain selected fruits.

Keywords: Human Diet, Micronutrients, Phytochemicals, Fruits and Anticancer activity.