Objective: To investigate the expression of bcl-2 and bax genes in the liver cancer cell line HepG2 after apoptosis induced by essential oils from Rosmarinus officinalis.
Methods: Essential oils from Rosmarinus officinalis were collected by steam distillation, then its chemical composition was determined by GC-MS. Expression of bcl-2 and bax genes were detected by immunohistochemical method.
Results: The liver cancer cell line HepG2 was treated with essential oils from Rosmarinus officinalis at various concentrations for different duration. Expression of bcl-2 gene reduced and expression of bax gene increased in a dose and time dependent manner.
Conclusion: Essential oils from Rosmarinus officinalis can affect the pattern of bcl-2 and bax genes expressions, and this may increase the apoptosis of liver cancer cell line HepG2.