Antiproliferative Activity of Lemongrass and Rosemary Essential Oils Against Colorectal and Gastric Cancer Cell Lines an in vitro Study

Abstract

Introduction: Essential oils from medicinal plants, such as lemongrass and rosemary, contain a variety of bioactive compounds. Their potential to target cancer cells makes them promising candidates for adjunctive therapy in gastrointestinal cancers. To evaluate the antiproliferative effects of lemongrass and rosemary oils, and their combined essential oils, on gastrointestinal cancer cell lines (CaCo-2 and AGS) compared to normal human dermal fibroblasts (HdFn).

Materials and Methods: HdFn, CaCo-2, and AGS cells were subjected to escalating concentrations (12.5–400 μg/ml) of single or combined essential oils for 24 hours. The MTT assay was used to assess cell viability, and the results were analyzed to determine concentration-dependent effects and patterns of selectivity.

Results: Both essential oils reduced cancer cell viability in a dose-dependent manner, with CaCo-2 and AGS cells showing significantly greater sensitivity than HdFn fibroblasts. At a concentration of 400 μg/ml, cancer cell viability decreased to approximately 40–50%, compared to about 70% in HdFn cells. Lower concentrations-maintained fibroblast viability for over 90% of the time. The oils performed better together in inhibiting cell growth, particularly in CaCo-2 cells, suggesting they may work more effectively together.

Conclusion: lemongrass and rosemary essential oils exhibit selective antiproliferative effects against gastrointestinal cancer cells, while preserving the viability and integrity of normal fibroblasts. Their combined increased efficacy suggests their potential development as complementary natural anticancer agents. Further studies into the biological and biochemical mechanisms are warranted.