Mentha longifolia L. Inhibits Colorectal Cancer Cell Proliferation and Induces Apoptosis via Caspase Regulation

Naturopathy or herbal medicine has been widely used as an alternative treatment for several illnesses, such as cancer, as they are generally acknowledged as a treatment with lesser side effects. This research evaluated the bioactive compounds profiling, antioxidant, and anticancer potential in Mentha longifolia L. (essential oil and extract), using different solvent polarities (hexane, methanol, and diethyl ether). Meanwhile, the caspase 3 gene expression and cell cycle status of methanolic extract were determined in colorectal cancer cells (Caco-2 and SW48). The overall findings showed that methanolic extraction exhibited the highest total phenolic and flavonoid with respective values of 59.25 mg GAE (Gallic acid) eq./g DW (dry weight) and 20.02 mg RE (Rutin) eq./g DW, respectively, compared to hexane and diethyl ether. Furthermore, piperitenone oxid and piperitonone were found to be the dominant volatile compounds in methanolic extracts and essential oils. Additionally, the methanolic extract possesses higher antioxidant and anticancer activities. The molecular analysis indicated that methanolic extract up-regulated the expression of caspase 3 and increased the SubG1 (method to detecting cell death) peaks in treated Caco-2 and SW48 cell lines. To conclude, M. longifolia L. could serve as an effective therapeutic agent and a remedy for several illnesses, such as cancer caused by oxidative stress.