The Effect of Ziziphora clinopodioides Extract on Prostate Cancer Cell Line DU-145 against Ionizing Radiation Compared to Normal Cell Line HEK-293

Background: Our study aims to assess how the combination of Ziziphora clinopodioides (Kakoti) extract and gamma radiation affects the survival of prostate cancer cells (DU-145) and normal kidney cells (HEK-293). In addition, the study seeks to investigate the potential protective effects of this extract against damage caused by radiation. Methods: A Ziziphora extract was prepared using standard extraction techniques. The extract's effective dose for both cell lines was determined using the MTT assay. Three grays (Gy) of gamma radiation was used to simulate radiotherapy conditions. The impact of the extract alone, radiation alone, and their combination on cell viability was assessed. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25 (IBM, USA), with significance set at P< 0.05. Results: The extract significantly protected HEK-293 cells from radiation-induced damage at lower concentrations ( P< 0.05), increasing cell viability by up to 20% compared to radiation alone. Conversely, it enhanced cytotoxicity in DU-145 cells, reducing viability by 30-50% at higher concentrations ( P< 0.05). However, at higher radiation doses, the protective effect on normal cells diminished, with viability decreasing by 10-15%. Conclusion: Ziziphora clinopodioides extract demonstrates dose-dependent potential as a protective agent for normal cells and a cytotoxic enhancer for prostate cancer cells under gamma radiation. These findings suggest that optimized dosing could be crucial for its clinical application in radiotherapy.