Triggering of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest by fennel and clove oils in Caco-2 cells: the role of combination

• Published in: Toxicology mechanisms and methods 2019-11, Vol.29 (9), p.710-722
• Main Authors: El-Garawani, Islam M., El-Nabi, Sobhy Hassab, Dawoud, Gouda T., Esmail, Shaimaa M., Abdel Moneim, Ahmed E.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: anticancer; Anticarcinogenic Agents - isolation & purification; Anticarcinogenic Agents - pharmacology; apoptosis; Apoptosis - drug effects; Caco-2 Cells; Cell Cycle Checkpoints - drug effects; clove; Clove Oil - isolation & purification; Clove Oil - pharmacology; Drug Synergism; essential oil; Fennel; Foeniculum - chemistry; Humans; Oils, Volatile - isolation & purification; Oils, Volatile - pharmacology; Syzygium - chemistry
• ISSN: 1537-6516; 1537-6524
• DOI: 10.1080/15376516.2019.1650149

Background: Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) and clove (Syzygium aromaticum) oils are known for their various biological effects, including anticancer properties. Objective: To investigate the anticancer effect of combined fennel and clove oil treatment on Caco-2 cells and normal human lymphocytes (NHL). Methods: GC-MS, in vitro cytotoxicity, morphological, apoptosis-related marker, and flow cytometric cell cycle distribution analyses were conducted. Results: Seventeen volatile compounds were identified in fennel oil, including trans-anethole (68.3%) and (+)-fenchone (8.1%). In clove oil, 22 compounds, including eugenol (71.4%) and caryophyllene (8.7%), were identified. IC 50 of the fennel, clove, and oil mixture were 300 ± 5.0, 150 ± 4.0, and 73 ± 2.5 µg/mL, respectively with combination index (CI)