Evaluation of the Antioxidant and Osteoinductive Potential of the Leaf Extract from Dysphania ambrosioides L.

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze the antioxidant activity of an alcoholic extract from the leaves of Dysphania ambrosioides L. and investigate its influence on in vitro differentiation of MC3T3-E1 pre-osteoblastic cells. Material and Methods: The content of the extract’s flavonoids, tannins, and polyphenols was determined by spectrophotometry. The antioxidant potential was evaluated through tests of total antioxidant capacity (TAC), reductive activity, sequestration of superoxide radicals, and copper chelation. Cell viability and proliferation were evaluated by reduction of tetrazolium (MTT). Osteoblastic differentiation was assessed by alkaline phosphatase activity, quantification, and matrix mineralization using von Kossa stain. Results: The phytochemical screening revealed that the extract has a high tannin content (43.27% catechin equivalents), with polyphenols and flavonoids accounting for 6.57% and 6.24%, respectively. The extract demonstrated antioxidant potential, particularly for the tests that evaluated TAC (I20mg ascorbic acid equivalents) and copper chelation (79.2% of chelation relative to EDTA). The extract (ISO µg/mL) increased the proliferation of MC3T3 cells by 251% in the first 24h. None of the osteoblastic differentiation tests demonstrated an influence on the treatments with the extract. Conclusion: The alcoholic extract of D. ambrosioides proved to be a potent antioxidant but did not exhibit osteoinductive potential.