*2.3. Cellular Uptake and DOX Retention*

No significant changes in DOX uptake were observed following treatment with extracts (Table 3). However, the effects of extract treatment on DOX retention were more pronounced. Cells treated with extracts after DOX treatment retained considerably more DOX (up to 22% more) than cells treated with DOX and medium only (Table 3).

**Table 3.** Effects of *M. aquifolium* water and ethanol extracts on the uptake and retention of doxorubicin in A549 cells.


The results are presented as the mean ± standard deviation (SD) from three independent experiments.
