Anti-proliferative Activity and Apoptosis Induction of Extracts and Fractions of Stachys lavandulifolia on Lung (H1299), Ovarian (A2780) and Breast (MCF-7) Human Cancer Cell Lines

Background: At present, regarding the optimal potential for prevention and treatment of cancer, medicinal plants have received more attention than before. Stachys lavandulifolia is one of the 34 Stachys species found in various regions such as Iran. Although effective secondary metabolites have been identified in several species of the Stachys genus, research on the anticancer effects of extracts of S. lavandulifolia is limited. Methods: In the present study, different extracts of S. lavandulifolia (n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, ethanol, hydroethanol, and water) were acquired, and three human cancer cell lines (H1299, MCF-7, and A2780) were used to analyze their anticancer effects. Results: The chloroform and ethyl acetate extracts provided the highest toxicity against A2780 and were fractioned into A-E and F-J, respectively. Fractions C and F resulted in reducing the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), while fractions C, E, F, and I led to an increase in the activity of the caspase-3 enzyme. Fractions B, C, and I increased the reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the A2780 cells. Conclusions: Considering the reduction in MMP and the increase in caspase-9 by fraction C, it can be said that apoptosis is induced by the intrinsic pathway.