Marjoram plants have varied pharmacological properties because they contain antioxidants. In the present study, to evaluate the effect of Origanum majorana, gathered from Abha, Saudi Arabia, on the growth of human breast cancer cells using MCF7. Fresh aerial parts from Origanum majorana were extracted at a low temperature (0 ℃/6 hours). Human MCF7 breast cancer cells were then treated with 4 separate fluctuated concentrations of 0, 50, 150, 200 and 350 µg/mL for 24 and 48 hours. The findings showed that Origanum majorana aqueous extract contained absolute phenolic content (TPC) was 58.24 mg equivalent/g DW, and the complete flavonoid content (TFC) 35.31 mg GAE equivalent/g DW in the Origanum majorana aqueous extract. The endurance of MCF7 cells after incubation with aqueous extract diminished, indicating that Origanum majorana is tumour cell selective. Origanum majorana extract increased the mRNA Expression of Apoptotic Genes in MCF7. Majorana aqueous extract expanded the activity of Caspase-7 action specifically at higher concentrations, 150, 200, and 350 µg/ml. Our findings indicate that Origanum majorana could induce apoptosis of human breast cancer cells. This is the first study that provides a basis for the use of aqueous Origanum majorana extracted at low temperature (0 °C/6 hours) as more effective anticancer treatment.
Keywords: Apoptosis; Origanum majorana; aqueous extract at low temperature (0°C/6 hours); human breast cancer cells; mitochondrial fission.