Özet:

Purpose: The aim of this research is to see how Melissa officinalis L. affects the death pathways of MCF-7 breast cancer cells in vitro. Materials and Methods: In order to determine the cytotoxic activity and IC50 value of the 70% methanolic extract prepared from the aerial parts of Melissa officinalis, on the MCF-7 breast cancer cell line; the extract was applied at different concentrations and times and MTT analysis was performed. Apoptotic effects of Melissa officinalis on breast cancer cells at the determined IC50 dose were revealed by TUNEL method, and autophagic effects were revealed using Beclin-1 and LC3 immunofluorescence staining method. Results: When the effects of Melissa officinalis on MCF-7 breast cancer cells were evaluated, it was observed that the cell viability of the MCF-7 breast cancer cell line was decreased in a dose- and time-dependent manner. In addition, it was observed that it induced apoptosis and increased the immunoreactivity of autophagy markers Beclin-1 and LC3. Conclusion: Findings from the study showed that Melissa officinalis has a cytotoxic effect on MCF-7 breast cancer cells through both apoptosis and autophagy cell death pathways. These data will lead to further in vitro studies necessary to elucidate the antitumor mechanism of action.