RESUMEN
INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to investigate and compare the radio-protective effect of green tea, grape seed, and coffee bean extracts in different oral consumption methods in mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this experimental-quantitative study 150 mice in 15 equally sized groups were used. For each extract, two groups received 200 mg/kg of herbal extracts' combination for 7 and 30 consecutive days before irradiation, and one group received 800 mg/kg of the extract 2 h before irradiation (3 Gy gamma-rays of Co-60). The similar groups were classified to receive a combination of the plant extracts (green tea, grape seed, and coffee bean). Irradiation without consuming plant extract (irradiated group), and a control group were also devised. Alkaline comet and micronucleus assays were used to investigate the radioprotective effect on mice blood and bone marrow cells, respectively. RESULTS: Consumption of all plant extracts significantly decreased the radiation damage to blood and bone marrow cells, compared to the irradiated group (p < 0.01), with grape seed extract showing higher protective effect. Continuous daily oral consumption (one week/month) showed a significant higher radioprotective effect compared to single consumption (p < 0.05). Continuous consumption of the combination of the extracts showed a higher radio-protection in comparison to each of the plant extracts (p < 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: The radioprotective effect of continuous consumption (for one week/month) of the plant extracts was greater than single dose. In continuous consumption protocols, we found the synergetic property and higher radioprotective effect of the plant extract combination compared to each one.