Phytochemical examination of Cistus laurifolius extract and its impact on cytotoxicity, apoptosis and oxidative stress in colorectal and breast cancer cell lines

Colon and breast cancer are the most common types of cancer worldwide. This study investigatesd the anticancer properties of Cistus laurifolius L. leaf extract on breast cancer (MCF-7) and human colon cancer (Caco-2) cell lines. The research involved meticulous collection, drying and processing of C. laurifolius leaves to extract bioactive compounds, subsequently analyzed for phenolic content using advanced LC-MS/MS technology. Cell viability of the extract on MCF-7 and Caco-2 cells was demonstrated by MTT test. Levels of critical apoptotic markers (Bad, Bax/Bcl-2, Bax/Bcl-xl, Caspase-9) and Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC) and Total Oxidant Capacity (TOC), which affect the antioxidant system, were evaluated by the ELISA method. Identification of phenolic compounds, including quercetin and rutin, through target prediction analysis enriches our understanding of bioactive molecules. The results of the study showed that C. laurifolius extract inhibited cell proliferation time and dose-dependent on Caco-2 and MCF-7 cells (P