Phytochemical examination of Cistus laurifolius extract and its impact on cytotoxicity, apoptosis and oxidative stress in colorectal and breast cancer cell lines

Abstract

Introduction

Colon and breast cancer are the most common types of cancer worldwide. This study investigatesd the anticancer properties of Cistus laurifolius L. leaf extract on breast cancer (MCF-7) and human colon cancer (Caco-2) cell lines.

Methods

The research involved meticulous collection, drying and processing of C. laurifolius leaves to extract bioactive compounds, subsequently analyzed for phenolic content using advanced LC-MS/MS technology. Cell viability of the extract on MCF-7 and Caco-2 cells was demonstrated by MTT test. Levels of critical apoptotic markers (Bad, Bax/Bcl-2, Bax/Bcl-xl, Caspase-9) and Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC) and Total Oxidant Capacity (TOC), which affect the antioxidant system, were evaluated by the ELISA method. Identification of phenolic compounds, including quercetin and rutin, through target prediction analysis enriches our understanding of bioactive molecules.

Results

The results of the study showed that C. laurifolius extract inhibited cell proliferation time and dose-dependent on Caco-2 and MCF-7 cells (P<0.05). TAC, Bax/Bcl-2 and Bax/Bcl-xl ratios in MCF-7 and Caco-2 cells increased in a dose-dependent manner compared to the control group. In MCF-7 cells, TAC (p<0.05; p<0.01), Bax/Bcl-2 (p<0.001; p<0.0001) and Bax-Bcl-xl (p<0.01) ratios increased at 24 h compared to the control group. In Caco-2 cells, TAC (p<0.001), Bax/Bcl-2 ratios increased at 48 h (p<0.05), while Bax-Bcl-xl ratios decreased (p<0.01; p<0.001) compared to the control group.

Conclusion

C. laurifolius leaf extracts emerge as a promising anticancer candidate, hindering cell proliferation and inducing apoptosis in colon and breast cancer cells. The classification of bioactive molecules may facilitate further clinical therapeutic interventions targeting colon and breast cancer.