Effects of Persimmon Tannin-Aloe Vera Composite on Cytotoxic Activities, and Radioprotection Against X-rays Irradiated in HepG2 and L02 Cells

We investigated a persimmon tannin-Aloe vera composite powder (PT-A) for its capacity to protect against ionizing radiation. L02 cells and HepG2 cells were pretreated with PT-A (the mass ratio of persimmon tannin and Aloe vera is 2:1) or the single compounds at various concentrations, radiated with X-rays, and cell viability, apoptosis, and ROS production were analyzed by CCK-8, DCFH-DA staining, and Hoechst 33258 staining/flow cytometry, respectively. The optimal radiation dose and post-radiation incubation period were determined to be 8 Gy and 12 h, respectively. The PT-A composite provided the best protection against ionizing radiation in both cell types. The apoptotic rate was the lowest at a PT-A concentration of 200 mg/mL in L02 cells (4.32%, P < 0.05), and at 100 mg/mL in HepG2 cells (9.8%, P < 0.05). The activity of CCK-8 showed that the optimal radiation dose of L02 was 8 Gy, and the cell activity was 71.72% (IC50=412.1 mg/mL). For HepG2, the optimal radiation dose was 8 Gy, and the irradiation was 12 h. The post cell activity was 62.372% (IC50=213.0 mg/mL). ROS production induced by radiation was the most effectively suppressed by 200 mg/mL PT-A in L02 cells, and by 100 mg/mL in HepG2 cells.