Apple extracts from selected apple varieties were added to human liver cancer HepG2 cells to determine if the extracts could inhibit tumor cell proliferation. There was a large variation in the effects of the different apple varieties on the inhibition of cell proliferation, but all apple varieties inhibited liver cancer cell proliferation. Apples without skin were less potent in inhibiting HepG2 cell proliferation whereas apples with skins exerted greater inhibitions of cell proliferation. Our results show that the combination of phytochemicals in apples is critical to its potent antioxidant activity and antiproliferative activity. Apple with the skin displayed higher antioxidant and antiproliferative activities than apple without skin. The total phenolic and flavonoid content was positively related to antioxidant activity and inhibition of cell proliferation. Additionally, the minimal contribution of vitamin C to the antioxidant activity of apples further supports the proposal that other phytochemicals, such as phenolic acids and flavonoids, significantly contribute to the in vitro antioxidant activity of apples.

     This data provides direct supportive evidence for the Five-a-Day program, and suggests that apples are a good way for consumers to obtain their antioxidants for health improvement and disease prevention. ¹ Department of Food Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY ² Department of Food Science & Technology, Cornell University, Geneva, NY

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