Anti-oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Activity, DNA Damage, and Apoptosis Induced by Nectaroscordum tripedale Essential Oil

Document Type : Original Articles

Authors

1 Razi Herbal Medicines Research Center, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran.

2 Student Research Committee, Razi Herbal Medicines Research Center, School of Dentistry, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran.

10.32598/ARI.81.1.3155

Abstract

Introduction: In recent years, advancements in cancer research have led to the identification of numerous bioactive compounds derived from natural sources, particularly plants, many of which exhibit promising antitumor properties. For centuries, plants have been the primary source for the discovery of various medicines. Among these, essential oils (EOs) and their constituents have attracted considerable scientific interest due to their potent anticancer effects. Much research is being conducted around the world to discover natural compounds that can inhibit or prevent the development of cancer. The current study explores the anticancer activity and underlying mechanisms of EO extracted from Nectaroscordum tripedale (N. tripedale EO) on oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) cell lines.
Materials & Methods: After extraction of the EO, its chemical profile was characterized using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), which identified Germacrene-D as the predominant component, accounting for 32.3% of the oil’s composition. The cytotoxicity of N. tripedale EO was assessed using the MTT assay on both human oral cancer cells (KB) and normal human gingival fibroblasts (HGF1). The half-maximal cytotoxic concentration (CC50) was determined through probit analysis.
Results: Further evaluation focused on the oil’s effect on apoptosis-related genes, revealing a marked upregulation of caspase-3 and Bax, alongside a downregulation of Bcl-2, in both HGF1-RT1 and KB cell lines following treatment with the oil at ½ CC50 and CC50 doses. Additionally, DNA synthesis was found to be inhibited in a dose-dependent manner across both cancerous and normal cells.
Conclusion: Collectively, these findings highlight the potential of N. tripedale EO as an effective anticancer agent, capable of inducing apoptosis, reducing the viability of malignant cells, and suppressing DNA replication.

Keywords

Archives of Razi Institute
Volume 81, Issue 1
January and February 2026
Pages 45-52

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