Comparison of cytotoxic properties of essential oil and extract of Juniperus excelsa branches of Alborz region on lung cancer cell line A549

Lung cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in the world and Iran. Herbs are a source of a variety of antioxidant compounds that can be used to produce anti-cancer drugs. In the present study, the effect of cytotoxicity of essential oil and hydroalcoholic extract of Juniperus excelsa on A549 lung cancer cells was investigated. The branches of male rootstocks of Aras plant were collected from Chehel Cheshmeh in Firoozkooh and Sirachal in Karaj and the essential oil and extract were prepared by Clevenger and soaking methods, respectively. The degree of cytotoxicity, different concentrations of essential oil and extract of the two regions, on A549 cells in three times of 24, 48, and 72 hours Was evaluated using MTT method. Flow cytometry was used to evaluate cell death and cell cycle in cells treated for 72 hours with 10 µg/ml of essential oil and extract of two regions. The results of cytotoxicity showed that the lethal power of extracts was significantly higher than essential oils, but there was no significant difference between different regions (P <0.01). Also, a further decrease in the number of viable cells and an increase in cell entry into the Sub G1 phase, resulting in an increase in apoptosis treated with male root extract, was proven. Thus, the extract of the branches of this plant has anti-cancer properties by stopping the cell cycle in the G2 / M stage.