Anti-Metastatic Potential of Hydroalcoholic Extract of <i>Pistacia Khinjuk</i> Leaves and Its Mechanism: An <i>in Vitro</i> Study

Background & Objective: Metastasis represents the primary contributor to mortality associated with cancer.Traditionally, Pistacia khinjuk has been utilized for addressing various ailments.Considering the reported anticancer effects of Pistacia Khinjuk, this research seeks to explore the anti-metastatic properties of the hydroalcoholic extract derived from this indigenous Iranian herb on prostate and breast cancer cells.Materials & Methods: Hydroalcoholic extract was prepared, and its cytotoxicity was tested.The extract's impact on the migration, invasion, and adhesion capabilities was analyzed.Matrix metalloproteinases-2 and -9 secretions were evaluated.Also, metastatic-related gene expression levels were assessed.Results: After 24, 48, 72, and 96 hrs, the extract decreased the cancer cells viability in a concentration-and time-dependent manner.Notably, breast cancer cells demonstrated greater sensitivity to the extract's cytotoxic effects than prostate cancer cells.After 24 hrs of treatment with half-maximal inhibitory concentration, there was a significant reduction in the cell migration, invasion, and adhesion capabilities (p<0.05).Additionally, matrix metalloproteinases-2 and -9 levels were reduced.Also, the extract significantly decreased matrix metalloproteinases-2 and -9, urokinase, and urokinase receptorg genes expression (p<0.05).Conversely, tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase-1 and -2 gene expression levels significantly increased (p<0.05). Conclusion:Altogether, Pistacia khinjuk leaves hydroalcoholic extract had cytotoxic effects on breast and prostate cancer cells and reduced the metastasis potential.