Laurocerasus officinalis Roem. fruit extract induces cell death through caspase mediated apoptosis in gastric cancer cell lines

Objectives: Laurocerasus officinalis Roem. fruits are traditionally used for several health problems. Although there are some studies about its antiproliferative effects on different cancer cells, no study was reported about its potential therapeutic efficacy against gastric cancers which is the most malignant disease in the digestive system with high morbidity and mortality. Methods: This study was aimed to evaluate L. officinalis fruit extract phytochemical contents as well as to compare anticancer effects on gastric cancer cells. The antioxidant activities were determined by ABTS and DPPH assays. Anticancer effects were measured by cell viability assays, then apoptotic proteins were analyzed by western blotting and flow cytometry. Results: Laurocerasus officinalis fruit methanol extract showed moderate antioxidant activity by ABTS(center dot) and DPPH center dot assays. Significant cytotoxic activities and caspase mediated apoptosis were detected in the extract treated MKN-45 and AGS gastric cancer cells respectively while sparing healthy cells. Conclusion: Our results showed that the L. officinalis Roem. extract has significant anticancer efficacy on gastric cancer cell lines; therefore, it can be further studied to determine its potential therapeutic components.