The Cytotoxic Effect of Hyssop Extract on Breast Cancer Cell Line

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Given the rising prevalence of breast cancer in Iran over the past two decades and also high mortality rate of the patients, and on the other hand, according to oral administration, low cost, and easy public access to hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis), in this study, the effectiveness of this herbal product, was investigated on MCF-7 breast cancer cell line. Methods: In this experimental study, MCF-7 cells were cultured in RPMI 1640 medium containing 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS) and 5% CO2 at 37°C with concentrations of 10-1000µg/mL of the hyssop extract. To evaluate the cytotoxic effect of the extract on the cells, colorimetric method MTT, was used and the viability rate of the cells was determined. The results were analyzed by t-test. Results: In this study, using colorimetric method MTT, after 72 hours, the methanol extract of hyssop flower in the concentration of more than 500µg/mL, could reduce the chances of viability of MCF-7 cells from 100% to 60%, while the ethanol extract of hyssop leaves has little effect on death of MCF-7 cancer cells. Conclusion: According to the results of this study, it seems that methanol extract of hyssop flower has a significant cytotoxic effect on MCF-7 cell. Therefore, with further research on active substancesof this plant, it can be used in the treatment of cancer in the future.

Keywords

• breast neoplasms
• phytotherapy
• hyssopus officinalis