Cytotoxic Effects of Dysphania ambrosioides Extracts on Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Introduction: Dysphania ambrosioides, commonly known as "mastruz," is a medicinal plant traditionally used for its therapeutic properties, including antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects. Previous studies have also suggested its antitumor potential. However, its role in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) remains unexplored. This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro cytotoxic effects of D. ambrosioides extracts on SCC4 (OSCC) and HaCaT (human keratinocyte) cell lines.

Methods: Crude extracts were obtained using different methods, including hexanic, ethanolic, hydroethanolic (7:3), and aqueous extractions, all performed ultrasonic-assisted extraction. The extracts were tested at concentrations ranging from 7.81 μg/mL to 1000 μg/mL using 2-fold serial dilutions. Cell viability was assessed after 48 hours of treatment using the MTT assay, with DMSO as the control.

Results: The extracts exhibited concentration-dependent cytotoxic effects on both cell lines, with HaCaT cells showing greater sensitivity. However, the lack of selectivity toward tumor cells over normal cells suggests a broad-spectrum cytotoxic activity without tumor-specific therapeutic targeting.

Conclusion: These findings highlight the need for further fractionation of the extracts and identification of the bioactive compounds responsible for the observed effects. Although the extracts demonstrated significant cytotoxic activity, their therapeutic potential should not be limited to cytotoxicity alone. Future studies should explore additional biological activities, such as anti-inflammatory or immunomodulatory properties, to fully understand the therapeutic applications of D. ambrosioides.