Fortified Chestnut Honey Triggers Apoptosis in Colon Cancer Cells

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Natural Products Chemistry
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Honey possesses anticancer properties and is explored as a complementary cancer therapy.
• Bee products like propolis and royal jelly have demonstrated apoptotic effects on hepatic cells.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the in vitro cytotoxic and apoptotic effects of thyme and chestnut honey fortified with bee products on colon cancer (Caco-2) and normal (CCD-18) cells.
• To determine if fortification enhances the anticancer properties observed in previous hepatic cell studies.

Main Methods:

• Cytotoxicity assessed via MTT assay.
• Apoptosis evaluated using cell cycle analysis, annexin V binding, and Western blotting for DR5, BAX, and caspases 8, 9, and 3.
• Tested thyme and chestnut honey fortified with varying concentrations of propolis and royal jelly.

Main Results:

• Chestnut honey mixtures selectively induced apoptosis in Caco-2 cells without affecting CCD-18 cells.
• The most significant effect was observed with chestnut honey fortified with 10% propolis and 10% royal jelly.
• Thyme honey's apoptotic properties were not enhanced by fortification, unlike its effects on hepatic cells, indicating differential cellular responses.
• Apoptosis in colon cancer cells was mediated through both intrinsic and extrinsic pathways.

Conclusions:

• Fortified chestnut honey demonstrates selective apoptosis induction in colon cancer cells, suggesting potential as a functional food for colon cancer management.
• The findings highlight the differential anticancer effects of fortified honeys depending on the cellular model.
• The synergistic action of phenolic acids and flavones in fortified chestnut honey may contribute to its selective anticancer properties.