In Vitro Cytotoxicity and Antioxidant Evaluation of Oak (Quercus sp.) and Hazelnut Shell (Corylus avellana L.) Pyrolized Wood Vinegar: MTT Assay and CUPRAC Results

Abstract

Wood vinegar, also known as pyroligneous acid, is an organic liquid byproduct of wood pyrolysis, rich in compounds such as acetic acid, phenols, and ketones. This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant and anticancer properties of wood vinegar derived from oak (Quercus sp.) residues (WVO) and hazelnut shells (Corylus avellana L.) (WVH) under in vitro conditions. Method: Wood vinegars obtained from oak trash and hazelnut shell waste were tested for biological activity. The antioxidant capacity was assessed using the copper(II) reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC) method. Cytotoxic effects were evaluated using the MTT assay on healthy human endothelial cells (HUVEC) and two cancer cell lines (HT29-colon adenocarcinoma and U2OS-osteosarcoma) at concentrations ranging from 1.25% to 20% (v/v) over 24, 48, and 72-hour exposure periods. The results revealed significant interactions between vinegar type, concentration, and exposure duration. Notably, the 10% and 20% (v/v) concentrations produced significantly different absorbance values compared to lower concentrations across all time points. A dose-dependent decrease in cell viability was observed, particularly in the cancer cell lines, while healthy cells exhibited relatively higher resistance. The study demonstrates that wood vinegar exhibits promising antioxidant and selective anticancer properties, with cytotoxic effects being more pronounced at higher concentrations. These findings suggest that wood vinegar may offer potential as a natural anticancer agent. Further research is warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and to explore their possible therapeutic applications.