Chemical composition and anti-cancer properties of Juniperus oxycedrus L. essential oils on estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer cells

Fruits from Juniperus oxycedrus L. (Cupressaceae) are generally used in gastronomy and in folk medicine to treat cancer. In this study, the anti-cancer efficacy of essential oils (EOs) of fruits and leaves from Moroccan J. oxycedrus L., was investigated in ER+ breast cancer cells. Both EOs presented anti-proliferative effects but, curiously, only fruits EOs impaired cancer cell growth and induced apoptosis. To characterize the chemical composition of these EOs, a suitable HS-SPME/GC–MS method was developed. Among the SPME fibers used, the PDMS and PA were the most effective for characterization of volatile compounds. Moreover, these EOs are rich in α-pinene and β-myrcene, which also presented anti-cancer properties. For the first time, the anti-cancer properties of EOs and of new potential bioactive molecules of J. oxycedrus L. in ER+ breast cancer cells were highlighted, suggesting their potential adjuvant therapeutic role in breast cancer.