Mechanistic Insights Into the Anticancer Effects of Lavandula Stoechas L. Via Apoptosis and Autophagy Regulation

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the chemical composition and antioxidant, genotoxic, antigenotoxic, and anticancer properties of the methanolic extract of Lavandula stoechas L. (LSME). Total flavonoid content was determined spectrophotometrically, and total phenolic content was measured using Folin–Ciocalteu reagent. The phenolic compounds were identified and quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The antioxidant activity was assessed using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging, metal chelation, and plasma lipid peroxidation assays. Genotoxicity/antigenotoxicity was evaluated using the comet assay, and cytotoxicity was determined using the MTT assay in MCF-7, SK-BR-3, and MCF-12A cell lines. Gene expression related to apoptosis, autophagy, and the AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway was analyzed using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Phytochemical analysis revealed that LSME is rich in phenolics (294.6 mg/g) and flavonoids (7.50 mg/g). HPLC profiling identified 23 phenolic constituents, with rosmarinic acid, chlorogenic acid, and luteolin as the predominant compounds. LSME exhibited strong antioxidant activity in all assays. Genotoxicity assays showed no significant DNA damage, while antigenotoxicity assays demonstrated a protective effect against H₂O₂-induced DNA damage in human lymphocytes. In vitro cytotoxicity assays revealed dose-dependent antiproliferative effects in MCF-7 and SK-BR-3 cells, without cytotoxicity toward normal breast epithelial cells (MCF-12A). Molecular analyses indicated activation of intrinsic apoptotic and autophagic pathways and modulation of the AMPK/mTOR signaling axis. Molecular docking supported interactions between major phenolic compounds and key target proteins. These findings demonstrating that LSME exerts selective anticancer effects in HER2+ and HER2- breast cancer cells and highlighting its potential as a plant-based therapeutic candidate. © 2026 SAAB