Polish propolis-Chemical composition and biological effects in tongue cancer cells and macrophages

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to compare the chemical composition and biological properties of Polish propolis. Ethanol, ethanolhexane, hexane and hexaneethanol extracts of propolis from three different regions of Poland were prepared. On the basis of the evaluation of their chemical composition as well as the extraction yield and free radical scavenging activity, the ethanol and hexaneethanol extractions were proposed as the most effective methods. Subsequently, the biological properties of the extracts were evaluated to investigate the selectivity of an anticancer effect on tongue cancer cells in comparison to normal gingival fibroblasts. The obtained products demonstrated anticancer activity against tongue cancer cells. Additionally, when the lowest extract concentration (100 μg/mL) was applied, they were not cytotoxic to gingival fibroblasts. Finally, a possible antiinflammatory potential of the prepared products was revealed, as reduced mitochondrial activity and proliferation of macrophages exposed to the extracts were observed. The results obtained indicate a potential of Polish propolis as a natural product with cancerselective toxicity and antiinflammatory effect. However, further studies are still needed to thoroughly explain the molecular mechanisms of its action and to obtain the promising health benefits of this versatile natural product.