investigating anti-cancer mechanism of phenolic compounds of water mint in cancer cells

mentha species are among the prevalent plants found worldwide. some evidence has shown its anti-cancer effects. however, the underlying molecular mechanism of such effects is vague. therefore, the current study aimed at evaluating the possible anticancer effects of phenoliccompounds of water mint (mentha aquatic) as the most common species in vitro. for this purpose, the phenolic compounds of mentha aquatica were prepared. hella and mcf-7 cells were incubated with rpmi culture medium containing 10% fetal bovine serum (fbs), 100 u/ml of penicillin, and 100 μg/ml of streptomycin. then, the cells were treated with different concentrations. after the incubation period, an mtt assay was utilized to determine cytotoxicity. also, the changes in cellular ros and glutathione levels were determined. according to our result, the ethanolic extract of mentha aquatica could significantly reduce cell viability after 48 h. in addition, the level of ros was substantially elevated while intracellular glutathione levels exhibited a downward trend. although further screening of active components of the extract responsible for these effects is required, the results of the current study propose that mentha aquatica may be beneficial as a possible anti-cancer agent.