Comparative Evaluation of the Cytotoxic Effect of Dysphania ambrosioides Extracts Against Human Breast and Cervical Cancer Cells.

Dysphania ambrosioides, a prominent medicinal plant, exhibits diverse biological properties with emerging potential in cancer research. Despite its therapeutic promise, the relationship between phytochemical composition and biological activities remains insufficiently explored, particularly regarding geographical variation. This study investigates the correlation between the phytochemical profiles of D. ambrosioides extracts from Colombia (DA-Col) and Brazil (DA-Bra) and their cytotoxic activity against HeLa, SiHa, and MCF-7 cancer cell lines. Qualitative chemical profiling revealed distinct presence-and-absence patterns of specific secondary metabolites between the two geographical sources. These geographically driven variations in the phytochemical profile directly influenced the observed biological activity, with the extracts exhibiting differential cytotoxicity profiles. Specifically, Colombian extract DA-Col-1 showed significant activity against HeLa cells (IC50 = 3.09  ± 0.32 µg/mL) and DA-Col-2 demonstrated potent effects on MCF-7 cells (IC50 = 2.08  ± 0.58 µg/mL). Brazilian extract DA-Bra-2 selectively inhibited MCF-7 proliferation (IC50 = 3.09  ± 0.12 µg/mL). Apoptosis assays indicated that these extracts might induce early apoptotic events, suggesting a potential mechanism of action that warrants further investigation. This study establishes a direct link between the chemical composition of geographically distinct D. ambrosioides samples and their selective anticancer potential, providing a foundation for natural product-based drug development targeting specific cancer types.