Cytotoxic effect of hydroalcoholic extract from Thymus daenesis Celak on MCF-7 cancer cells line

Background & Aim: Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in women after lung cancer. Given that the herbal ingredients are used for centuries to treat cancer, The aim of this study was to determine the cytotoxic effect of hydroalcoholic extract from Thymus daenesis Celak on MCF-7 cancer cells line. Experimental: Breast cancer cells MCF-7 and natural fibroblast cells were cultured in DMEM medium containing fetal bovine serum and antibiotics. The cells were exposed to different doses of hydroalcoholic extract of Thymus daenesis Celak (0.156, 0.312, 0.625, 1.25, 2.5mg/ml) and incubated for 24, 48 and 72 hours, respectively. After incubation, the modified MTT colorimetric test was used to determine cytotoxicity. Results: The results of MTT test showed that hydroalcoholic extract of Thymus daenesis Celak has dose- and time-dependent anti-cancer effect on MCF-7 cancer cells, so that by increasing the concentration and 72h incubation, the most cell death was observed (P<0.05). Plant extract did not show significant cytotoxicity on natural fibroblast cells. Then, it seems that its compounds can be used in treating cancer through more future research. Recommended applications/industries: With regard to the increasing use of herbal medicines to treat many diseases, hydroalcoholic extract of Thymus daenesis Celak can be used to treat cancer with drug therapy due to having antioxidant properties.