Evaluation of cytotoxic, anti-oxidant, and apoptotic effects of Dysphania botrys extract on B16F10 and MCF-7 cell lines

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Neuroscience Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran

2 Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran

3 Department of Biology, Yazd University, Yazd, Iran

4 Medical Toxicology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran

5 Department of Traditional Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran

6 Targeted Drug Delivery Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran

10.22038/ijbms.2025.87553.18912

Abstract

Objective(s): Dysphania botrys (L.) Mosyakin & Clemants (Basionym: Chenopodium botrys L.), belonging to the Amaranthaceae family, has been used for the treatment of inflammation, bacterial and viral infections, and diabetes. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the potential cytotoxic, anti-oxidant, and apoptotic activities of methanol (MeOH) extract and petroleum ether (PE) and dichloromethane (DCM) fractions of D. botrys against B16F10 and MCF-7 cell lines. 
Materials and Methods: The anti-oxidant activities of fractions were measured using FRAP, DPPH, and β-carotene assays. The cytotoxicity of extracts and the intracellular ROS content were assessed using resazurin and DCFH-DA assays, respectively. A flow cytometry assay using PI staining was performed to measure the apoptotic activity of the fractions. Total phenolic and flavonoid content was determined using spectrophotometric methods. 
Results: The DCM fraction of D. botrys exhibited the highest anti-oxidant activity in FRAP, DPPH, and β-carotene assays, which also showed the highest amount of phenolic and flavonoid content compared to the MeOH extract and PE fraction. Cell viability and intracellular ROS content were significantly decreased following the treatment of B16F10 and MCF-7 cells with 100 and 200 µg/ml DCM and PE fractions. Treatment with 200 µg/ml DCM and PE fractions increased apoptosis in B16F10 cells. 
Conclusion: DCM fraction of D. botrys had significant anti-oxidant effects that may be associated with its phenolic and flavonoid compounds. It seems that terpenoid compounds are responsible for cytotoxic effects. Hence, complementary studies are needed to assess other bioactive compounds of D. botrys and their protective mechanisms.

Graphical Abstract

Evaluation of cytotoxic, anti-oxidant, and apoptotic effects of Dysphania botrys extract on B16F10 and MCF-7 cell lines

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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Iranian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences
Volume 29, Issue 1
January 2026
Pages 74-80

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