Exploring the anticancer properties of the gum of : impact on cytotoxicity, caspase 3/7 activity and apoptosis, and gene expression in SW-480 cells.

Boiss. is a well-known Iranian endemic plant that grows in the north and northeast regions of Iran. In Iranian traditional medicine, its gum is utilized to treat inflammation, pain, and infections of the gastrointestinal system. However, no studies have been conducted to investigate the anticancer potential of its gum against colorectal cancer cells. This study aimed to identify the chemical components of the gum of and investigate its effects on SW-480 cells. The experiments included MTT, clonogenic, micronucleus formation, acridine orange/ethidium bromide stain, DNA degradation, caspase 3/7 activity assay, and in vitro wound-healing experiment and investigating the expression of , , , and genes. Chemical analysis using GC/MS identified 102 compounds. The gum had a significant cytotoxic effect on SW-480 cells, with an IC value of 1.8 µg/ml for 48 hours. The gum induced apoptosis. Microscopic observations revealed a decrease in cell proliferation, as evidenced by nuclear condensation, increased micronucleus formation, and inhibition of colony formation. Additionally, the gum suppressed cell migration, induced the expression of and , and down-regulated and genes. These findings suggest that has strong cytotoxic properties and warrants further investigation.