Fennel Extract Inhibit Growth and Induce Apoptosis of Tongue Squamous Cell Carcinoma by Inhibiting Bcl-2

Aim: The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of fennel extract on tongue squamous cell carcinoma cell line and to assess the expression of the Bcl-2 gene in tongue squamous cell carcinoma cells treated with fennel extract. Materials and Methods: The HNO-97 cell line of tongue squamous cell carcinoma was acquired from the Cell Culture Department NAWAH-Scientific in Cairo, Egypt. Fennel seed extraction was performed at NAWAH-Scientific in Cairo, Egypt. Cells' cytotoxicity was measured using the MTT assay. The expression of the Bcl-2 gene was assessed by western blotting technique. Cell death mode was identified through microscopic examination as well as image morphometric analysis. The outcomes underwent statistical testing through analysis of variance (ANOVA) test and Post Hoc test (Bonferroni). Results: The MTT test indicated that the HNO-97 cells displayed sensitivity to fennel extract, showing an IC₅₀ of 2.80 mg/ml. Bcl-2 gene expression first decreased and then increased at post-IC₅₀ concentration, as determined by western blotting. The mean values of NAF decreased initially and then increased at post-IC₅₀ concentration, according to image morphometric analysis. The P-value was less than 0.05 so, the results were considered significant. Conclusion: IC₅₀ concentration of fennel extract has the best cytotoxic effect on the HNO-97 cell line of tongue squamous cell carcinoma.