Spelt Grass Juice: Phytochemicals and Antiproliferative Activity

Spelt is gaining popularity due to its nutritional and ecological benefits, particularly in organic farming. Juice from young spelt grass is rich in potassium, phosphorus, manganese, and chromium, along with beneficial pigments and phenolic compounds, all of which support human health. This study examines the phytochemical composition (photopigments and phenolics) determined by visible spectrophotometry and liquid chromatography, as well as the antiproliferative effects of spelt grass juice extracts assessed by the MTT assay. It also explores their selectivity towards human malignant cells (lung A-549 and cervical HeLa) and their potential synergy with doxorubicin, an anticancer drug. Spelt grass juice extracts, particularly aqueous and methanol–water extracts, contained significant amounts of ferulic acid and its derivatives. The methanol–water extracts were similar to aqueous extracts in terms of total phenolics (3464–3601 µg/g DW), while the acetone–water extracts had a significantly lower content (around 2700 µg/g DW). The antiproliferative effect of spelt extracts was moderate, with the acetone–water extract showing the highest selectivity towards HeLa cells, likely due to its ability to extract both photopigments and phenolics. Co-treatment with doxorubicin enhanced the cytotoxic effects. These findings highlight the potential of Triticum spelta extracts to improve the efficacy of conventional chemotherapeutic agents.