Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 22, 2026
06:50
Extraction and Analysis of Taiwanese Green Propolis
Published on: January 7, 2019
9.1K
Propolis Potentiates Methotrexate Anticancer Mechanism and Reduces its Toxic Effects
Maha M Salem1, Thoria Donia1, Rasha Abu-Khudir1,2
1Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry Division, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt.
Nutrition and Cancer
|July 19, 2019
Summary
Egyptian propolis extract, rich in antioxidants, demonstrated significant anticancer effects and reduced chemotherapy toxicity in a mouse model. This natural compound enhances the efficacy of methotrexate, offering a promising therapeutic approach.
Area of Science:
- Natural Products Chemistry
- Pharmacology
- Cancer Biology
Background:
- Propolis, a bee-derived resin, possesses antioxidant and potential therapeutic properties.
- Methotrexate (MTX) is a chemotherapy drug with known toxicities.
- Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) is a commonly used experimental model for cancer research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize Egyptian propolis ethanolic extract (PEE).
- To evaluate the in vitro anticancer activity of PEE.
- To investigate the protective effects of PEE against MTX-induced toxicity in an EAC mouse model.
Main Methods:
- Chemical characterization of PEE for phenolic and flavonoid content.
- In vitro cytotoxicity assays on cancer cell lines.
- In vivo studies using EAC-bearing mice treated with PEE and/or MTX.
- Assessment of tumor volume, cell viability, survival time, and biochemical parameters.
- Apoptosis-related gene expression analysis (Bax, Bcl2, caspase-3, cytochrome-C) and cell cycle analysis.
- DNA fragmentation, comet assay, and dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) level assessment.
Main Results:
- PEE exhibited high phenolic, flavonoid, and dihydroflavonol content.
- PEE demonstrated cytotoxic effects on cancer cell lines and antitumor effects in EAC mice, reducing tumor burden and increasing lifespan.
- PEE ameliorated MTX-induced hepatic and renal toxicity.
- PEE modulated apoptosis-related gene expression and induced cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase.
- Combination therapy of PEE and MTX enhanced apoptosis and DHFR inhibition.
Conclusions:
- Egyptian propolis extract possesses significant antioxidant and anticancer properties.
- PEE can optimize the antitumor efficacy of methotrexate while mitigating its adverse effects.
- This study highlights the therapeutic potential of Egyptian propolis as an adjuvant in cancer treatment.
Related Concept Videos
01:18Reducing Line Loss
370
In a three-phase circuit, line loss is an indicator of energy dissipated as heat due to the resistance of transmission lines. To address this, incorporating transformers into the system—a step-up transformer at the source and a step-down transformer at the load—is a strategic solution. Two three-phase transformers are introduced to improve this.
With a step-up transformer at the source, the voltage is increased, thereby reducing the current in the transmission lines since power loss in...
With a step-up transformer at the source, the voltage is increased, thereby reducing the current in the transmission lines since power loss in...
370
03:02Standard Electrode Potentials
50.0K
On comparing the reactivity of silver and lead, it is observed that the two ionic species, Ag+ (aq) and Pb2+ (aq), show a difference in their redox reactivity towards copper: the silver ion undergoes spontaneous reduction, while the lead ion does not. This relative redox activity can be easily quantified in electrochemical cells by a property called cell potential. This property is commonly known as cell voltage in electrochemistry, and it is a measure of the energy which accompanies the charge...
50.0K
01:22Methods of reducing fever
1.2K
The signs and symptoms of fever include hot and dry skin, flushed face, thirst, muscle aches, anorexia, headache, tachycardia, tachypnea, and fatigue. Elevated body temperature is reduced using two methods: pharmacological and nonpharmacological. Proper identification and treatment of the root cause of a fever is of utmost importance.
Pharmacological Methods of Reducing Fever:
Pharmacological Methods of Reducing Fever:
1.2K
00:52Potential Energy
42.3K
The energy stored by a structure and location of matter in space is called potential energy. For instance, raising a kettlebell changes its spatial location and increases its potential energy. Similarly, a stretched rubber band contains potential energy which, under certain conditions, can be converted into other forms of energy, such as kinetic energy.
Chemical bonds that form attractive forces between atoms also contain potential energy, called chemical energy. When a chemical reaction...
Chemical bonds that form attractive forces between atoms also contain potential energy, called chemical energy. When a chemical reaction...
42.3K
01:26Toxic Reactions: Overview
1.8K
When toxic substances penetrate the human body, they disseminate to various tissues, undergoing metabolic changes. This process yields reactive metabolites that may covalently bind with specific target molecules, resulting in toxicity.
Toxicity falls into two primary categories: local and systemic.
Local toxicity appears at the exposure site, such as protein denaturation caused by caustic substances.
In contrast, systemic toxicity requires the toxic agent's absorption and distribution,...
Toxicity falls into two primary categories: local and systemic.
Local toxicity appears at the exposure site, such as protein denaturation caused by caustic substances.
In contrast, systemic toxicity requires the toxic agent's absorption and distribution,...
1.8K
02:58Cell Potential and Free Energy
46.3K
Thermodynamics of a Redox Reaction
Thermodynamics is the branch of physics dealing with the relationship between heat and other forms of energy. In an electrochemical cell, chemical energy is converted into electrical energy.
Thus, a link can be predicted between cell potential, free energy change, and the equilibrium constant for the reaction. Cell potential can also be measured as the oxidant or the reducing strength, and similar acid-base strength measures are reflected in equilibrium...
Thermodynamics is the branch of physics dealing with the relationship between heat and other forms of energy. In an electrochemical cell, chemical energy is converted into electrical energy.
Thus, a link can be predicted between cell potential, free energy change, and the equilibrium constant for the reaction. Cell potential can also be measured as the oxidant or the reducing strength, and similar acid-base strength measures are reflected in equilibrium...
46.3K