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Origanum vulgare induces apoptosis in human colon cancer caco2 cells

Isabella Savini1, Rosaria Arnone, Maria Valeria Catani

  • 1Department of Experimental Medicine and Biochemical Sciences, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome 00133, Italy.

Nutrition and Cancer
|April 18, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Oregano extract induces colon cancer cell death by activating apoptosis. This spice may offer protective effects against colon cancer, particularly at levels consumed in the Mediterranean diet.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Nutritional Science
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • The Mediterranean diet is linked to reduced colon cancer risk.
  • Oregano (Origanum vulgare) possesses known anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
  • Limited data exist on oregano's cancer-preventive mechanisms, especially its pro-apoptotic effects.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of Origanum vulgare ethanolic extracts on colon adenocarcinoma Caco2 cells.
  • To explore oregano's effects on cellular redox balance, proliferation, and cell death.
  • To elucidate the apoptotic pathways involved in oregano-induced cytotoxicity.

Main Methods:

  • Treatment of Caco2 cells with varying doses and times of Origanum vulgare ethanolic extracts.
  • Assessment of cell growth arrest and cell death.
  • Analysis of glutathione (GSH) and its oxidized form (GSSG) levels.
  • Evaluation of extrinsic and intrinsic apoptotic pathway activation.

Main Results:

  • Oregano extract demonstrated dose- and time-dependent growth arrest and cell death in Caco2 cells.
  • Alterations in glutathione redox balance, including increased GSSG, were observed.
  • Both extrinsic and intrinsic apoptotic signaling pathways were activated by the oregano extract.
  • The whole oregano extract, not a single component, was implicated in the cytotoxic effects.

Conclusions:

  • Origanum vulgare ethanolic extracts exhibit pro-apoptotic and cytotoxic effects on colon cancer cells.
  • The observed effects suggest a potential role for oregano in colon cancer prevention.
  • The findings support the hypothesis that dietary oregano, as consumed in the Mediterranean diet, may selectively induce apoptosis in cancer cells.

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