Month/Year of Graduation

12-2025

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

Department

Biology

First Advisor

Dr. Kristen Johnson

Abstract

This study contrasted the effects of Peppermint Oil on two cell lines, HT29s (colorectal adenocarcinoma cells) and HFFs (Human Foreskin Fibroblasts). Cytotoxic as well as genomic effects were compared between the cell lines. Trypan Blue, Alamar Blue, and qPCR assays were used to study these effects. Both cell lines were treated with a range of Peppermint Oil concentrations, and it was determined that there is a dose-dependent factor associated with cytotoxicity. To confirm results, Alamar and Trypan Blue assays were repeated at 300 and 500 cells/mL respectively. Effects were confirmed, and results were averaged and plotted. Alamar Blue revealed that HT29 cells had an IC50 of 0.00102 mg/L, while HFF cells did not show decreased cell survivability. Trypan Blue revealed that membrane integrity did decrease as Peppermint Oil concentrations increased. To assess possible genomic effects of Peppermint Oil, a quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was designed to identify expression of several different genes involved with reactive oxygen species (ROS), oxidative stress, metabolism, inflammation, and other suggested health benefits.

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