DNA cleavage activity of two Malaysian tropical fruits for future nutraceutical development (Averrhoa carambola and Citrus maxima)

The constantly increasing demand for nutraceuticals is paralleled by a more pronounced request for natural resources and health-promoting foods. Therefore, the present study was conducted to determine DNA cleavage activity from natural resources extract that can help in nutraceutical development. A. carambola and C. maxima extract are well known tropical fruits of Malaysia. They are rich source of phytochemical as well as exhibited various pharmacological activities. The DNA cleavage activity was carried out against E.coli plasmid DNA by gel electrophoresis. Different concentrations of fruit extracts ranging from 5121 — 25111 were checked for the activity. The results showed that both ethanolic and aqueous extracts of C. maxima were better DNA cleaving agent as compared to A. carambola. This suggests C. maxima have greater potential for therapeutic applications due to its ability of maximum bacterial DNA cleavage up to the linear form. Therefore, further research is warranted in order to determine nutraceutical potential of both fruits.