Cytotoxic and Anti-Proliferative Effects of Geraniol and Pulegone on the MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cell Line

Abstract

Background: Breast cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. This study aimed to evaluate the cytotoxic and anti-proliferative effects of geraniol and pulegone on the human breast cancer cell line (MCF-7).

Methods: In this in-vitro experimental study conducted at the biotechnology labs of the Islamia University Bahawalpur and University of Lahore, Pakistan, MCF-7 cells were cultured in DMEM with fetal bovine serum and antibiotics. Cells were seeded in 96-well plates and treated with geraniol and pulegone (25–500 µg/ml) for 72 hours. Untreated cells served as controls. Experiments were performed in triplicate. Cell viability was assessed using the MTT assay, and IC₅₀ values were calculated. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA with Bonferroni post-hoc test (p < 0.05).

Results: Geraniol caused a significant, dose-dependent decrease in MCF-7 cell viability. At 25 µg/ml, viability was slightly reduced, while at 500 µg/ml, cell viability dropped to 45%, with a measurable IC₅₀ value indicating strong cytotoxic activity. Pulegone also decreased viability in a dose-dependent manner, with the highest concentration (500 µg/ml) reducing viability to 61%, although 50% inhibition was not achieved. Both compounds showed clear cytotoxic trends across concentrations, supporting their potential as anticancer agents. Graphs of percentage viability and IC₅₀ values confirmed the concentration-dependent response of MCF-7 cells to both compounds.

Conclusion: Geraniol and pulegone demonstrated in-vitro cytotoxicity against MCF-7 cells, with geraniol showing superior activity. Further mechanistic and in-vivo studies are needed to validate their therapeutic potential.