Potential therapeutic applications of Cistus laurifolius extract: Anti-proliferative, anti-cancer activity on MCF-7, and anti-microbial effects

• Published in: South African journal of botany 2024-06, Vol.169, p.499-505
• Main Authors: Yücel, Ersin, Ak, Ayşe, Şengün, İlkin Yücel, Genç, Hatice, Koparal, Tansu, Sivas, Hülya
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Antimicrobial; Apoptosis; Cistus laurifolius; Cytotoxicity; MCF-7 breast cancer cell line
• ISSN: 0254-6299; 1727-9321
• DOI: 10.1016/j.sajb.2024.04.048

•Higher doses and longer treatment durations of C. laurifolius extract on MCF-7 cells led to induced cell cytotoxicty and DNA synthesis, resulting in apoptotic cell.•Notable efficacy was observed against Gram-positive bacteria compared to Gram-negative bacteria.•The results suggest that C. laurifolius extract holds promise as an antiproliferative and antimicrobial agent.•The study contributes to advancing the understanding of C. laurifolius' therapeutic properties. Cistus laurifolius L. is commonly used in Turkish folk medicine for the treatment of ulcers and various types of pain. In this study, the cytotoxic and apoptotic activities of C. laurifolius extract on the MCF-7 breast cancer cell line, as well as its antimicrobial activity against eight microorganisms (Listeria monocytogenes, Enterococcus faecalis, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, S. typhimurium, and Pediococcus acidilactici) were investigated. Different concentrations (100 µg/mL, 250 µg/mL, 500 µg/mL, and 1000 µg/mL) of the plant extract were applied for 24, 48, and 72 h, and its effects were determined using MTT, BrdU, and in situ apoptosis detection assays on human breast cancer cell MCF-7. Prolonged high-dose application of C. laurifolius extract led to decreased cell viability, inhibition of DNA synthesis, and induction of apoptosis. Its potential to induce cell death, which is the most desirable pathway for cancer treatment, is noteworthy alongside its cytotoxic activity. The antimicrobial effect of C. laurifolius extract varied depending on the Gram reaction of the microorganisms, with the extract being more effective against Gram-positive bacteria than Gram-negative bacteria. In conclusion, the C. laurifolius extract exhibits cytotoxic, anticancer, and antimicrobial properties.