Crude extract of Origanum vulgare L. induced cell death and suppressed MAPK and PI3/Akt signaling pathways in SW13 and H295R cell lines

Oregano (Origanum vulgare L.) is a common aromatic plant used in Mediterranean and Asian Regions for treating respiratory diseases, painful menstruation, rheumatoid arthritis, etc. Recently its role as an anticancer plant has been suggested, although oregano has been never evaluated into adrenocortical tumour cell models. This study analysed for the first time the anticancer effects of a crude extract of wild mountain oregano (Origanum vulgare L.) in SW13 and H295R cell lines. The crude extract was characterised by GC/MS and the toxic effects of oregano were first analysed by brine shrimp lethality assay. Our findings demonstrated that oregano decreased cell viability, survival, modified cell cycle and induced cell death (through necrotic process) and that the effects can be attributed to a blockade of MAPK and PI3 K/Akt pathways. These results suggest that oregano extract exerts anticancer activities in adrenocortical tumour cell lines, providing evidence for further research in higher models.