The Cytotoxicity and Anticancer Effects of Propolis against the Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: In Vitro Study

Abstract

Background and aim: A wide range of therapeutic properties, including anti-cancer properties, are attributed to propolis, a resinous product obtained from several plants that possess a variety of medicinal properties. A study on honeybee-produced propolis showed that in mice, it showed a significant reduction in the progression of squamous cell carcinoma in the head and neck, but in humans, its role in HNSCC remains unclear. Method and materials: Propolis was sampled from two types of Iranian. Extraction was done using ethanolic extracts of propolis. The cll viability was evaluated by MTT assay. Cancer cell lines were assessed for gene expression, such as  mmp-2, mmp-9, bax, and bcl-2. Results: Increased sample concentrations reduced cell viability but did not cause significant cytotoxicity. A RT-PCR indicated that the Khalkhal sample produced more effects among the two samples, and the level of bax mRNA gene expression in the Khalkhal sample was increased. With an increasing concentration of Khalkhal samples, the expression increased. Increasing Khalkhal sample concentration also reduced mRNA levels of bcl-2, mmp-2, and mmp-9. Conclusion: Khalkhal’s propolis can be considered a suitable sample for the study of antiapoptotic and proapoptotic gene expression. Additionally, it can be used as a potential candidate for inhibiting the proliferation and spread of oral cancer cells.