Interoduction: Cancer remains a major global health concern, and the continuous emergence of drug resistance necessitates exploration of novel therapeutic agents. Probiotics, live microorganisms with health benefits, have gained interest for their potential anticancer properties. This study investigated the anticancer activity of a cell-free culture derived from Lactobacillus plantarum isolated from Merkhoz goat feces. Methodology: L. plantarum was isolated and confirmed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Cell-free culture supernatant was obtained and evaluated for its cytotoxic effects on HeLa (human cervical cancer) and Vero (monkey kidney) cell lines using the MTT assay. Discussion and conclusion: The cell-free culture exhibited concentration-dependent cytotoxicity on both cell lines. Significant (p<0.05) lethality was observed at concentrations of 10 and 5 μl/ml on HeLa cells, and at all tested concentrations (2.5, 5, and 10 μl/ml) on Vero cells. This study demonstrates the promising in vitro anticancer activity of L. plantarum cell-free culture against HeLa and Vero cell lines. The results suggest potential roles for organic acids and exopolysaccharides in this effect. Future research focusing on in vivo models and identification of bioactive components is necessary to explore the potential of this probiotic strain as a therapeutic strategy for cancer.
