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Updated: Mar 18, 2026
Extraction and Analysis of Taiwanese Green Propolis
Published on: January 7, 2019
Cytotoxic and Nitric Oxide Inhibition Activities of Propolis Extract along with Microencapsulation by Complex
Rabia Onbas1, Aslihan Kazan1, Ayse Nalbantsoy1
1Department of Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Ege University, 35100 Bornova-, Izmir, Turkey.
Abstract:
In this study, cytotoxicity of ethanol extract of propolis (EEP) originating from Sivas, Turkey was screened against several cancer cell lines, namely PC-3, U87MG, A-549, mPANC96, CaCo-2, MCF-7, HeLa, MDA-MB-231 and a non-tumor cell line HEK293 by MTT assay. The inhibition levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) were also determined by using RAW 264.7 macrophage cells following lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatment. EEP exhibited significant cytotoxic nitric oxide inhibition activities with an IC50 value of 0.1 ± 0.1 μg/ml indicating a high potential as an anti-inflammatory agent. In spite of these promising results and the fact that propolis is a highly nutritive substance, its low solubility and bitter taste limit the applications as a natural supplement. Encapsulation might serve as a good strategy in order to overcome these problems. Complex coacervation was applied where the main focus was on surfactant type, polymer ratio (alginate:gelatin), stirring rate and concentration of core material. The mean particle size of unloaded microparticles were 22.62 μm obtained with gelatin:alginate ratio of 1:1 at a stirring rate of 1400 rpm with 2 ml of 1 % (w/v) sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (Na-CMC), whereas addition of EEP at a concentration of 100 mg/ml increased the mean particle size to 36.44 μm and yielded an encapsulation efficiency of 98.77 %. The cytotoxicities of EEP loaded microparticles were also assessed both on MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 where similar results were achieved as free EEP which can enhance the possible use of propolis extract in the industry as a natural supplement.
Insights
Ethanol extract of propolis (EEP) shows potent anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic effects against cancer cells. Encapsulation via complex coacervation improved its properties, yielding high encapsulation efficiency and retaining bioactivity for potential use as a natural supplement.
Area of Science:
- Natural Products Chemistry
- Pharmacology
- Materials Science
Background:
- Ethanol extract of propolis (EEP) possesses notable cytotoxic and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Challenges such as low solubility and bitter taste limit the application of EEP as a natural supplement.
- Encapsulation is a promising strategy to enhance the delivery and applicability of EEP.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the cytotoxicity of EEP against various cancer cell lines and its nitric oxide inhibition.
- To develop an encapsulated form of EEP using complex coacervation to improve its physicochemical properties.
- To assess the bioactivity of the encapsulated EEP.
Main Methods:
- Cytotoxicity was assessed using the MTT assay on multiple cancer cell lines (PC-3, U87MG, A-549, mPANC96, CaCo-2, MCF-7, HeLa, MDA-MB-231) and a non-tumor cell line (HEK293).
- Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) inhibition was determined in RAW 264.7 macrophage cells post-lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatment.
- Complex coacervation was employed to encapsulate EEP, optimizing parameters like polymer ratio (alginate:gelatin), stirring rate, and core material concentration.
Main Results:
- EEP demonstrated significant cytotoxic and nitric oxide inhibitory activities, with an IC50 value of 0.1 ± 0.1 μg/ml, indicating anti-inflammatory potential.
- Microparticles achieved a high encapsulation efficiency of 98.77% for EEP, with a mean particle size of 36.44 μm.
- EEP-loaded microparticles retained similar cytotoxic effects on MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cancer cells as free EEP.
Conclusions:
- Encapsulated EEP effectively overcomes solubility and taste limitations, preserving its cytotoxic and anti-inflammatory bioactivity.
- The developed microencapsulation technique shows high efficiency and potential for enhancing the use of propolis extract.
- This study supports the industrial application of propolis extract as a functional ingredient in supplements and potentially therapeutics.
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