Anticancer activity of Origanum vulgare on lung cancer: Antiproliferative, morphological, and apoptotic effects

Abstract

The study was designed to determine the antiproliferation and apoptosis induction activities of Origanum vulgare hexane extract (OVHE) on lung cancer cells A549. For this purpose, the viability and proliferation of A549 cells were determined in lung cells after treatment of OVHE. The morphological changes of A549 cells were observed by a phase inverter microscope. Then, the percentage of apoptotic cells was scanned by FACS staining AnnexinV/Propodium iodide. Additionally, proapoptotic Bax and antiapoptotic Bcl-2 mRNA levels were determined by Real-time PCR. It was observed that the viability and proliferation of A549 cells decreased after the treatment of different concentrations of OVHE. Significant changes at the low concentration were observed in Bax and Bcl-2 mRNA levels. After the application of high concentrations of OVHE, it was determined that A549 cells died by necrotic pathway instead of apoptosis. In conclusion, this is thought to be the first report showing the antiproliferation and apoptotic effects of OVHE on lung cancer cells.