1.Anti-Cancer Properties of Heterotrigona itama sp. Honey Via Induction of Apoptosis in Malignant Glioma Cells
Farizan Ahmad ; Priatharsine Seerangan ; Mohd Zulkifli Mustafa ; Zul Faizuddin Osman ; Jafri Malin Abdullah ; Zamzuri Idris
Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences 2019;26(2):30-39
Background: There has been increasing evidence showing that stingless bee honey
exhibits anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. Pharmacologically-active
components in honey such as flavonoids and phenolic constituents are known to contribute
to its medicinal benefits. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study on evaluating anticancer
effects of locally-produced Malaysian stingless bee honey from Heterotrigona itama sp. on
malignant glioma cells.
Methods: Proliferation and apoptosis studies of U-87 MG cells following stingless bee
honey treatment were carried out using MTS assay and acridine orange/propidium iodide dual
staining, respectively.
Results: Results demonstrated time and dose-dependent cytotoxicity using 0.625%, 1.25%
and 10% stingless bee honey (P < 0.05). IC50 values were calculated using cells treated with 10%
stingless bee honey. It was also observed that 10% stingless bee honey induced nuclear shrinkage,
chromatin condensation and nucleus fragmentation, indicating that cellular changes were
consistent with the apoptotic characteristics of the cells.
Conclusion: These data provide a good basis for further evaluation of the medicinal
properties of stingless bee honey from Heterotrigona itama sp. This source of honey may serve as
a potential therapy for malignant glioma.