Oregano demonstrates distinct tumour-suppressive effects in the breast carcinoma model
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 25, 2026
Using Mouse Mammary Tumor Cells to Teach Core Biology Concepts: A Simple Lab Module
Published on: June 18, 2015
Peter Kubatka1, Martin Kello2, Karol Kajo3
1Department of Medical Biology, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Malá Hora 4, 03601, Martin, Slovakia. kubatkap@gmail.com.
Purpose:
There has been a considerable interest in the identification of natural plant foods for developing effective agents against cancer. Thus, the anti-tumour effects of oregano in the in vivo and in vitro breast cancer model were evaluated.
Methods:
Lyophilized oregano (ORE) was administered at two concentrations of 0.3 and 3 % through diet. The experiment was terminated 14 weeks after carcinogen administration. At autopsy, mammary tumours were removed and prepared for histopathological and immunohistochemical analysis. Moreover, in vitro evaluation in MCF-7 cells was carried out.
Results:
Low-dose ORE suppressed tumour frequency by 55.5 %, tumour incidence by 44 %, and tumour volume by 44.5 % compared to control animals. Analysis of rat tumour cells showed Ki67, VEGFR-2, CD24, and EpCAM expression decrease and caspase-3 expression increase after low-dose ORE treatment. High-dose ORE lengthened tumour latency by 12.5 days; moreover, Bcl-2, VEGFR-2, CD24, and EpCAM expression decrease and caspase-3 expression increase in carcinoma cells were observed. Histopathological analysis revealed a decrease in the ratio of high-/low-grade carcinomas in both treated groups. In vitro studies showed that ORE decreased survival and proliferation of MCF-7 cells. In ORE-treated MCF-7 cells, an increase in cells expressing sub-G 0/G 1 DNA content and an increase in the percentage of annexin V/PI positive MCF-7 cells were observed. In vitro, both caspase-dependent and possible non-caspase-dependent apoptotic pathways were found. The deactivation of anti-apoptotic activity of Bcl-2, a decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential, and the activation of mitochondrial apoptosis pathway were observed in the ORE-treated MCF-7 cells.
Conclusions:
Our results demonstrate, for the first time, a distinct tumour-suppressive effect of oregano in the breast cancer model.
Insights
Oregano exhibits significant anti-tumour effects in breast cancer models. This natural plant food suppressed tumor growth, reduced cancer cell survival, and induced apoptosis, demonstrating its potential as a cancer-fighting agent.
Area of Science:
- Phytochemistry
- Oncology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Growing interest in natural plant-derived compounds for cancer treatment.
- Need for effective and safe anti-cancer agents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the anti-tumour effects of oregano (ORE) in an in vivo and in vitro breast cancer model.
- To investigate the impact of oregano on tumor growth, incidence, and molecular markers.
Main Methods:
- Administration of lyophilized oregano (ORE) at 0.3% and 3% concentrations in the diet of rats.
- Mammary tumors were analyzed for histopathological and immunohistochemical changes.
- In vitro evaluation using MCF-7 breast cancer cells.
Main Results:
- Low-dose ORE suppressed tumor frequency (55.5%), incidence (44%), and volume (44.5%).
- Both low and high doses of ORE decreased expression of Ki67, VEGFR-2, CD24, and EpCAM, while increasing caspase-3 expression.
- In vitro, ORE reduced MCF-7 cell survival and proliferation, inducing apoptosis through caspase-dependent and independent pathways.
Conclusions:
- Oregano demonstrates a distinct tumor-suppressive effect in a breast cancer model.
- Oregano possesses anti-cancer properties, highlighting its potential therapeutic value.
More Related Videos
08:48An In Vitro Dormancy Model of Estrogen-sensitive Breast Cancer in the Bone Marrow: A Tool for Molecular Mechanism Studies and Hypothesis Generation
Published on: June 30, 2015
11:13Author Spotlight: Exploring Salidroside's Molecular Mechanisms in Breast Cancer Treatment
Published on: June 9, 2023