Cytotoxicity of Betaine in 4T1 and L929 Cells: In Silico ADMET Profiling

Betaine, a naturally occurring zwitterion, was evaluated for its anticancer potential against murine 4T1 breast cancer cells and non-cancerous L929 fibroblast cells. Cells were treated with various concentrations for 48 hours, and viability was assessed using the MTT assay. Betaine showed weak, dose-dependent cytotoxicity with an IC50 value of 859.10 µg/mL. In silico ADME analysis showed high solubility, low lipophilicity (LogP: –2.18), and poor blood-brain barrier permeability. ProTox-II predicted low hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, and immunotoxicity, but possible neurotoxic and cardiotoxic effects. Betaine was non-carcinogenic and showed no significant interaction with major metabolic enzymes. These findings suggest that while betaine has limited direct cytotoxicity, its favorable safety and pharmacokinetic profile support its potential as an adjuvant in cancer therapy.