CYTOTOXIC EFFECT OF MENTHA CRISPA L. AGAINST HUMAN GASTRIC CANCER CELL LINES

Abstract

Gastric cancer is presently ranked as the most prevalent type of cancer and stands among the top causes of cancer-related mortality globally. In this study, the cytotoxic activity of Mentha crispa extract against gastric cancer cells was investigated using an in vitro model. The extract was obtained through maceration with 98% ethanol. The cytotoxic ability of the extract was investigated using the MTT assay. The expression levels of intracellular signaling molecules were assessed using qRT-PCR. The result showed that Mentha crispa extract can decrease BGC-823 gastric cancer cell proliferation with an IC₅₀ value of 130.5 ± 7.2µg/ml. Additionally, the inhibitory activity on the migration of gastric cancer cells in vitro by Mentha crispa extract was also determined at a concentration of 65µg/ml. Notably, cells treated with Mentha crispa extract at a concentration of 130µg/ml showed increased expression levels of apoptosis-related signaling molecules such as Caspase-3, -8, -9, and Bax. These results suggest that Mentha crispa extract has the potential to suppress gastric cancer cell proliferation through the activation of the apoptosis pathway, thereby inhibiting and eliminating the cells.