Basil and Dracocephalum kotschyi Alcoholic Extracts Affect BCL2 expression and HepG2 Cell Proliferation

Background: Liver cancer is the second most common reason for cancer-related death globally, and thus, a major public health challenge. Plant-based drugs are promising therapeutic agents against cancers. Basil and Dracocephalum kotschyi extracts also exhibit therapeutic impact on various cancers. To assess the effects of the extract of Basil and Dracocephalum kotschyi on cell proliferation and BCL2 expression in the HepG2 cell line. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, the HepG2 cell line was selected for treatment with the alcoholic extracts of Basil and Dracocephalum kotschyi. Cell proliferation was examined in the presence of various concentrations of the Basil and Dracocephalum kotschyi extracts by MTT assay. Moreover, the effect of the alcoholic extracts of Basil and Dracocephalum kotschyi on BCL2 expression was evaluated using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Results: Cell proliferation analyses showed anticancer characteristics of the alcoholic extracts of Basil and Dracocephalum kotschyi. In addition, treatment with the extracts of Basil and Dracocephalum kotschyi led to the decreased expression of BCL2 in HepG2 cell line. Conclusion: These findings indicated that Basil and Dracocephalum kotschyi are promising candidates for future anticancer research.