Objective: The study investigates the apoptotic effects of ethanolic extracts of Apium graveolens (celery) on cell viability and the proteins involved in the apoptotic process (BCL-2, BCL-XL, BAX, and p53) as well as the BAX/BCL-2 ratio in prostate cancer LNCaP cells, depending on dose and time.

Material and Method: LNCaP cells were divided into 4 groups to which 0, 1500, 2000, 2500 μg/mL ethanolic extracts of Apium graveolens were applied separately for 24 and 48 hours. At the end of the application, BCL-2, BCL-XL, BAX and p53 protein levels were measured from the prepared cell lysate using ELISA method and BAX/BCL-2 ratio was also calculated.

Results: Apium graveolens extract treatments did not cause a statistically significant change in BCL-2 protein levels. However, the levels of BCL-XL, BAX, and p53 proteins, as well as the BAX/BCL-2 ratio, were found to be significantly increased compared to the control group, depending on the treatment dose and duration.

Conclusion: Apium graveolens demonstrates apoptotic and anti-cancer activity as a potential agent in the treatment of prostate cancer. Research on the potential anti-cancer effects of various phytochemical compounds found in celery against prostate cancer should be increased.