Anti-Proliferative, Anti-Oxidant and Pro-apoptotic Effect of Alcoholic Extract of lavender in HepG2 cell lines

Background: Liver cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the world and is therefore a major public health challenge. In recent years, many of the drugs used in the treatment of many malignancies and cancers have been of plant origin. Lavender extract has been shown to have therapeutic effects in various cancers. Therefore, the biological effects of ethanolic extract of lavender on liver cancer cells were investigated Methods: In this experimental study, HepG2 cell line was selected for treatment with lavender extract (5, 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 mg/ml). Cell proliferation in the presence of different concentrations of lavender extract was studied by trypan blue staining. Also, the effects of lavender on apoptosis and necrosis were investigated using flow cytometry method. Finally, the antioxidant activity was evaluated using the DPPH method. Results: The results of cell proliferation studies showed that with increased time and concentration of the extract, the rate of cell proliferation decreases. Flow cytometry findings showed that lavender extract had an apoptotic effect on cancer cells. In addition, the DPPH test showed that increasing the concentration of lavender plant extract reduced free radical control and increased antioxidant activity. Conclusion: According to the results of this study, it can be stated that lavender extract can have significant inhibitory effects on the proliferation of HepG2 cancer cells. Hence, the use of safer therapies with less side effects, such as the use of lavender, is important in inhibiting cancer cells, particularly liver cancer