# Spelt Grass Juice: Phytochemicals and Antiproliferative Activity
## 3 Results and Discussion
### Antiproliferative Activity of Extracts
Additionally, HeLa cells exhibit a high expression of proliferation-associated receptors, potentially increasing their susceptibility to the proapoptotic effects of carotenoids and phenolics, with \(p\)-comamic and ferulic acid inducing S-phase arrest [30], further supporting the selective effect of the extract. Beyond their general cytotoxic effects, natural bioactive compounds can modulate key signaling pathways and epigenetic mechanisms in cervical cancer cells, potentially explaining the selectivity of spelt extracts. Carotenoids like fucoxanthin and polyphenols such as epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) have been shown to inhibit cervical cancer cell proliferation by downregulating oncogenic genes, promoting apoptosis, and inducing cell cycle arrest [33; 34]. The PI3K/Akt/mTOR, MAPK/ERK, and NF-kB pathways, critical for tumor survival and proliferation, are known targets of dietary phytochemicals in HeLa cells. EGCG, for instance, inhibits PI3K/Akt signaling by downregulating PIK3 CA and PIK3 CB while upregulating PTEN, suppresses MAPK-mediated proliferation, and reduces NF-kB-driven inflammation by lowering IL1A, IL2, and IL6 expression [34]. Given that epigenetic changes are reversible, targeting them with bioactive compounds represents a promising therapeutic approach. The selective antiproliferative effects of spelt extracts on HeLa cells may be linked to their ability to modulate these oncogenic pathways, warranting further studies to elucidate their molecular mechanisms and potential therapeutic applications. It is well-established that combining natural product extracts with antineoplastic drugs can enhance antitumor effects in cancer cell lines [13; 16]. In our study, all tested _Tritcium spelta_ extracts in co-treatment with doxorubicin enhanced antiproliferative effects on HeLa and A549 cancer cells, aligning with the previously reported findings. While polyphenols contribute to these effects through direct antiproliferative and pro-apoptotic mechanisms, photopigments, including chlorophyll and carotenoids, may also play a crucial role. Chlorophyll has been shown to enhance chemotherapy efficacy by modulating oxidative stress, inducing phase 2 detoxification enzymes, and increasing cellular oxygenation, which may sensitize tumor cells to treatment [7; 35]. Similarly, carotenoids exhibit antioxidant properties that can influence apoptotic pathways and enhance chemotherapy-induced cytotoxicity [32; 36]. The interaction between these bioactive compounds and doxorubicin may contribute to improved tumor suppression by influencing cell cycle regulation, apoptosis, and the oxidative stress balance. Additionally, in vivo studies suggest that combining phytochemicals with chemotherapeutic's can reduce angiogenesis, increase tumor necrosis, and lower blood vessel density, although further clinical validation is needed [16]. Our findings demonstrate that specific _Tritcium spelta_ extracts exert selective antiproliferative effects on cancer cell lines, suggesting their potential application in the formulation of functional foods or nutraceutical supplements with antitumor properties. Given that spelt is already a part of the human diet, its additional potential lies in the development of enriched food products that could provide protective effects against malignancies. Future studies aimed at elucidating the molecular mechanisms activated by _Triticum spelta_ extracts, as well as the characterization of their bioactive components, would enable their isolation and evaluation in clinical trials. By doing so, these findings could contribute to the development of dietary strategies for cancer risk reduction and establish a foundation for future therapeutic or preventive applications.