Lemongrass Extract and Anticancer Impact: mRNA Levels of Expressing Apoptosis and Mitochondrial Fission in MCF7 Cells
Lemongrass Extract and Anticancer Impact: mRNA Levels of Expressing Apoptosis and Mitochondrial Fission in MCF7 Cells
Mashael Alhumaidi Alotaibi*
ABSTRACT
This study investigated the potential inhibitory effects of lemongrass leaves extract on the proliferation of MCF7 breast cancer cells and its underlying mechanisms. MCF7 cells were exposed to increasing concentrations of lemongrass leaves extract (0, 50, 100, 200, and 300 μg/mL) for 24 h, and cell viability was assessed using the MTT assay. The results demonstrated a concentration-dependent reduction in the survival of MCF7 cells when treated with lemongrass leaves extract, indicating its selective cytotoxicity towards cancer cells. The calculated IC50 for lemongrass leaves extract was approximately 200 μg/mL. Furthermore, the study explored the impact of lemongrass leaves extract on mitochondrial morphology in MCF7 cells. It was observed that mitochondrial fragmentation increased with higher concentrations of the extract, accompanied by changes in nuclear morphology and DNA fragmentation. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying these effects, the study examined the mRNA expression levels of apoptotic genes in MCF7 cells treated with lemongrass extract. The results revealed that lemongrass extract significantly upregulated the expression of CASPASE-7, p53, and DR4 genes in a concentration-dependent manner. Notably, a substantial decrease in Bcl2 mRNA levels was observed at higher concentrations of lemongrass extract. In summary, our findings suggest that lemongrass leaves extract possesses anti-proliferative properties against MCF7 breast cancer cells, likely mediated through the induction of apoptosis and modulation of apoptotic gene expression. These results contribute to a better understanding of the potential therapeutic benefits of lemongrass extract in cancer treatment.
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