In vitro study of effects of hesperetin on human oral cancer using KB cell model

Objective: This study investigated the anticancer effects of native hesperetin on the oral carcinoma KB cell line based on in vitro tests. Methods: Oral carcinoma KB cells were cultured and the MTT assay was employed to assess cell viability. Variations in the mitochondrial membrane potential were examined and the comet assay was utilized to evaluate oxidative DNA damage. Results and conclusion: Native hesperetin had a potent cytotoxic effect on oral carcinoma KB cells, reducing cell viability in a dose-dependent manner. As the hesperetin concentration increased, the mitochondrial membrane potential was disrupted, leading to apoptosis. Fluorescence microscopy showed that hesperetin induced apoptotic and necrotic cell death, as well as significant oxidative DNA damage. These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of hesperetin in cancer treatment due to its ability to induce cell death through multiple mechanisms, thereby making it a promising candidate for further investigation in oral carcinoma therapy.