Zataria multiflora methanolic extract has antitumor properties on U266 multiple myeloma cell line

Abstract Multiple myeloma is a hematological malignancy with an aggressive and incurable course that affects plasma cells. Clinical symptoms of multiple myeloma include anemia, renal failure, bone lesions and elevated calcium levels. There has been a lot of attention to herbal medicine and its application in the treatment of human maladies including cancers. Zataria multiflora or traditionally known as Avishan-e-Shirazi is a valuable plant and it has been conventionally used for various therapeutic purposes. Its anti-tumor effects on some cancer cell lines have been previously reported. This study aimed to investigate the anti-tumor properties of Zataria multiflora extract on multiple myeloma cell line. Throughout the study, Zataria multiflora methanolic extract was prepared. Then, the effect of Zataria multiflora extract was investigated on viability and metabolic activity of U266 cells using trypane blue dye exclusion test and MTT assay respectively. The effect of Zataria multiflora extract on the expression of p53, p21, c-myc, hTERT, and Bcl-xL was evaluated by qualitative real time-PCR. Cell viability and metabolic activity of U266 cells decreased following treatment with different concentrations of Zataria multiflora. Results of gene expression analysis showed up-regulation of p53 and down-regulation of c-MYC after treatment with Zataria multiflora methanolic extract but the expression of p21, hTERT, and Bcl-xL did not significantly change. The results of our investigations revealed that Zataria multiflora extract has anti-tumor properties on U266 cell line through up-regulation of p53 and down-regulation of c-MYC. However, further investigations can unveil other anti-tumor properties.