Phytochemical analysis and anticancer activities of the essential oil from Cedrus libani A. Rich. cones in A375 human melanoma cells

This study evaluated the anticancer potential of essential oils from Cedrus libani cones. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry identified 23 compounds, mainly α-pinene (51.29%), β-pinene (31.12%), and β-phellandrene (4.12%). The cone essential oil (CEO) showed strong cytotoxicity against human melanoma (A375) cells, with an IC50 value of 7.64 μg/mL in MTT assays. Annexin V-FITC/PI staining revealed a twofold increase in apoptosis, and qRT-PCR analysis confirmed an elevated Bax/Bcl-2 ratio. CEO also suppressed proliferation and migration: colony formation decreased by nearly 40%, and wound closure was 37.8% in treated cells versus 4% in controls. These findings suggest that C. libani cone oil exerts potent cytotoxic, pro-apoptotic, anti-proliferative, and anti-migratory effects, supporting its potential as a natural anticancer agent.