Mexican Oregano Infusion and Carvacrol Modify Cytokine Concentration, Induce Apoptosis, and Regulate Antioxidant Enzyme Expression and Function in Breast Cancer Cell Lines: Implications for Bioactive Molecule-Based Therapeutics

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Breast cancer (BC), particularly aggressive subtypes such as triple-negative TNBC, remains a significant clinical challenge due to treatment resistance and therapeutic toxicity. This study evaluated the antitumor potential, antioxidant activity, and anti-inflammatory effect of Mexican Oregano (Lippia graveolens) infusion (MoI) and its bioactive constituent, carvacrol (Cv), in diverse BC cell lines (MCF-7, HCC-1954, and MDA-MB-231). Methods: Cellular responses were assessed by quantifying apoptosis, profiling cytokines (IL-4, IL-6, IL-10), and analyzing the gene expression of antioxidant enzymes (CAT, SOD2, GPX1) and their enzymatic activities. Results: Cv exhibited potent, subtype-independent pro-apoptotic activity, while MoI demonstrated significant efficacy with attenuated cytotoxicity in non-tumoral HaCaT cells. Both treatments mediated complex modification of cytokine signaling, characterized by reduction in the extracellular concentration of tumor-promoting IL-4, IL-6, and IL-10, an effect most pronounced in the highly aggressive MDA-MB-231 cell line. Transcriptional and functional analyses further revealed that these agents alter the expression and activity of antioxidant enzymes, thereby promoting pro-oxidant environments conducive to cancer cell death. Conclusions: These findings indicate that MoI and Cv exert antitumor effects through coordinated pathways of apoptosis induction, extracellular cytokine levels and redox disruption. Consequently, MoI emerges as a promising candidate for complementary therapeutic strategies in BC management, particularly for aggressive subtypes, owing to its impact on inflammatory networks and redox vulnerabilities. At the same time, Cv serves as a compelling lead compound for targeted oncological research.