ASSESSMENT OF THE ANTITUMOUR POTENTIAL OF MELISSA OFFICINALIS ETHANOLIC EXTRACT ON A375 MELANOMA CELLS: IN VITRO AND IN OVO APPROACHES

Melissa officinalis (MO), a medicinal plant rich in bioactive phytocompounds, has shown promising antitumour properties in various experimental models.The present study aimed to evaluate the cytotoxic and irritant potential of an ethanolic extract of MO leaves using in vitro and in ovo methods.The human melanoma cell line A375 was used to analyse cell viability, morphology, and signs of apoptosis after 24 hours of treatment with different extract concentrations.The results revealed a dose-dependent cytotoxic effect, with decreased cell viability, morphological changes, and an increased apoptotic index, especially at high doses (250 -500 g/mL).Nuclear condensation and chromatin fragmentation confirmed the pro -apoptotic effect.The HET-CAM assay demonstrated the absence of vascular irritation at all concentrations tested.The extract also showed moderate antioxidant activity and a relevant total phenolic content.The data suggest that the ethanolic extract of MO has selective cytotoxic effects on tumour cells without vascular toxicity, making it a promising candidate for future dermatological or oncological applications. RezumatMelissa officinalis (MO), o plant medicinal bogat n fitocompui bioactivi, a demonstrat proprieti antitumorale promitoare n diferite modele experimentale.Studiul de fa a urmrit s evalueze potenialul citotoxic i iritant al unui extract etanolic din frunze de MO utiliznd metode in vitro i in ovo.Linia celular de melanom uman A375 a fost utilizat pentru a analiza viabilitatea celular, morfologia i semnele de apoptoz dup 24 de ore de tratament cu diferite concentraii de extract.Rezultatele au evideniat un efect citotoxic dependent de doz, cu scderea viabilitii celulare, modificri morfologice i un indice apoptotic crescut, n special la doze mari (250 -500 g/mL).Condensarea nuclear i fragmentarea cromatinei au confirmat efectul pro-apoptotic.Testul HET-CAM a demonstrat absena iritaiei vasculare la toate concentraiile testate.Extractul a prezentat, de asemenea, o activitate antioxidant moderat i un coninut fenolic total relevant.mpreun, datele sugereaz c extractul etanolic de MO are efecte citotoxice selective asupra celulelor tumorale, fr toxicitate vascular, ceea ce l face un candidat promitor pentru viitoare aplicaii dermatologice sau oncologice.