Background: Given the use of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) as a plasticizer in polyvinyl chloride products and its oxidative stress effects, the potential toxicity of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and, consequently, the development of osteoporosis due to impaired differentiation into osteoblasts is not unexpected. In this study, the effects of three plant-derived antioxidants in counteracting lipid peroxidation were examined. Methods and materials: BMSCs were extracted from Wistar rats at passage three and cultured in an osteogenic environment under various concentrations of antioxidants for 21 days. Given the absence of cytotoxic effects and the observed increase in cell proliferation, concentrations of 0.25 μM gallic acid (GA) and catechin (CH), as well as 0.1 μM curcumin (Cur), were used to counteract the effects of 100 μM di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP). Subsequently, matrix production in osteoblast cells and the induction of oxidative stress were evaluated. Results: Statistical analysis revealed that concentrations exceeding 0.25 μM and 0.1 μM of these antioxidants resulted in reduced cell viability. Additionally, it was observed that these concentrations compensated for the decline in viability of DEHP-treated cells compared to the control group, although Cur exhibited a lower protective effect in comparison to GA and CH. Furthermore, the toxic effects of DEHP on matrix production were fully mitigated by these antioxidants, as confirmed by Alizarin staining, calcium concentration measurement, and alkaline phosphatase activity analysis. Oxidative stress analysis demonstrated that GA and CH were capable of completely counteracting the effects of DEHP, whereas Cur exhibited a weaker protective effect due to its hydrophobic properties. Conclusion: Based on the present study, to counteract the oxidative effects of DEHP, it is recommended to consume water-soluble antioxidants such as GA and CH or antioxidant-rich food products like black tea and dried fruits in small daily amounts.
