Background:
Zamzam water is naturally alkaline and rich in a variety of minerals
which may represent a powerful tool for cancer therapy. In this research, the cytotoxic effects of
Zamzam water were investigated in human lung cancer (A549) cell line and compared with human
skin fibroblasts (HSF).
Methods:
Two different preparations of Zamzam water were used: Z1, with pH adjusted
to 7.2 and Z2, with no pH adjustment. The effects of both treatments on the morphology of the
A549 and HSF cell lines were investigated. The cell viability of HSF and A549 cells was identified
by the MTT assay and trypan blue exclusion. Detection of apoptotic cells and cell cycle analyses
were determined using flow cytometry. Moreover, reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured
for both cell lines.
Results:
Both Zamzam water treatments, Z1 and Z2 showed reductions in the cell
viability of A549 cells. Cell death occurred via necrosis among cells treated with Z2. Cell cycle
arrest occurred in the G0/G1 phases for cells treated with Z2. Cellular and mitochondrial ROS
productions were not affected by either treatment.
Conclusion:
Our findings indicate that Zamzam water might have potential therapeutic
efficacy for lung cancer.