OBJECTIVE: The incidence of liver cancer is still high in many countries, including Iran. Drug resistance and various side effects are the main obstacles to treating this cancer. Herbs, which are traditionally used, are now widely regarded as treatment options for cancer. Pogostone is a natural substance isolated from Indian mint (Pogostemon cablin) and has various medicinal activities. This study aimed to determine the effect of Pogostone on liver cancer cell line (viability, membrane integrity, and apoptosis).

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The liver cancer cell line was prepared from Pasteur Institute of Iran and treated with appropriate concentrations of Pogostone. Cytotoxicity was determined by MTT, trypan blue, and lactate dehydrogenase assay. Apoptosis induction was evaluated by diphenylamine assay, Annexin V-FITC staining and a Real-time PCR test. Data were analyzed by SPSS statistical software using Tukey’s test one-way analysis of variance.

RESULTS: After all three time periods, a significant decrease in viability was observed (p <0.05) in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. The cytotoxicity of Pogostone to liver cancer cells was in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. Pogostone significantly induced apoptosis compared to control cells (p<0.05). Treatment of liver cancer cells with Pogostone significantly reduced Bcl-2 gene expression (p<0.05). On the other hand, expression of all three Bax, p53, and caspase 3 genes showed a significant increase after treatment (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: Pogostone had a concentration- and time-dependent toxic effect on liver cancer cells. It induced apoptosis by increasing the Bax to Bcl-2 ratio.