Cytotoxic, Genotoxic, and Oxidative Effects of a Pyrethrin-rich Fraction Isolated from Tanacetum parthenium Petals on Chinese Hamster Ovary Cells

Abstract Background: Pyrethrins are natural insecticidal compounds from Tanacetum species and are widely used because of their high insecticidal efficacy and favorable environmental profile. However, information regarding the cytotoxic, oxidative, and genotoxic effects of pyrethrin-rich fractions in mammalian cells remain limited. Therefore, this study evaluated the toxicological effects of a pyrethrin-rich fraction isolated from Tanacetum parthenium petals in CHO-K1 cells. Methods: The fraction was obtained via supercritical CO2 extraction followed by HPLC purification and analyzed by analytical HPLC. CHO-K1 cells were treated with 1–800 μg/mL for 24 h. Cytotoxicity was assessed using the MTT assay, intracellular ROS levels using DCFH-DA fluorescence, and DNA damage using the alkaline comet assay. Results: The pyrethrin-rich fraction showed concentration-dependent cytotoxicity with an IC50 value of 312.32 μg/mL. Cell viability remained >90% at ≤50 μg/mL but decreased significantly at ≥200 μg/mL. ROS production increased significantly from 200 μg/mL, reaching up to 5.1-fold at the highest concentration. Comet assay results revealed marked DNA strand breaks at ≥200 μg/mL, with significant increases in tail parameters. ROS elevation strongly correlated with DNA damage and reduced viability. Conclusion: The pyrethrin-rich fraction induces concentration-dependent cytotoxicity, oxidative stress, and DNA damage in CHO-K1 cells, suggesting oxidative stress as a key mechanism of toxicity.