The Protective Effect of Whole Honey and Phenolic Extract on Oxidative DNA Damage in Mice Lymphocytes Using Comet Assay

Biofunctional Textiles: Antioxidant and Antibacterial Finishings of Cotton with Propolis and Honey

The growing activity in the textile industry has been demanding the search for new and innovative technologies to meet consumers' needs regarding more sustainable and ecological processes, with functionality receiving more attention. Bee products are known for their wide spectra of properties, including antioxidant and antibacterial activities. Propolis and honey are the most popular and used since ancient times for the most diverse applications due to their health benefits. With the increasing need for safer and more sustainable practices, the use of natural products for the functional finishing process can be a suitable alternative due to their safety and eco-friendly nature. For that, a biosolution, composed of a mixture of propolis and honey in water, was used to perform the functional finishing of cotton knits, both in the presence and in the absence of potassium alum as a chemical mordant. The fastness strength was also evaluated after three washing cycles. The antioxidant potential of the biosolution, assessed with the in vitro ABTS scavenging assay, provided textiles with the capacity to reduce more than 90% of the ABTS radical, regardless of the mordant presence and even after three washing cycles. Furthermore, biofunctional textiles decreased the growth of Bacillus subtilis, Propionibacterium acnes, Escherichia coli, and, particularly, Staphylococcus aureus cultures after 24 h of incubation with an increase in antibacterial activity when potassium alum was used. These findings show that bee products are promising and effective alternatives to be used in the textile industry to confer antioxidant and antibacterial properties to cotton textiles, thereby enhancing human health.

Composition, functional properties and safety of honey: a review

Honey has been used not only as a food source but also for medicinal purposes. Recent studies have indicated that honey exhibits antioxidant, hepatoprotective, hypolipidemic, hypoglycemic and anti-obesity properties, as well as anticancer, anti-atherosclerotic, hypotensive, neuroprotective and immunomodulatory activities. These health benefits of honey could be attributed to its wide range of nutritional components, including polysaccharides and polyphenols, which have been proven to possess various beneficial properties. It is notable that the composition of honey can also be affected by nectar, season, geography and storage condition. Moreover, the safety of honey requires caution to avoid any potential safety incidents. Therefore, this review aims to provide recent research regarding the chemical composition, biological activities and safety of honey, which might be attributed to comprehensive utilization of honey. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Honey-Related Treatment Strategies in Dry Eye Disease

This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated whether honey-related treatment strategies improve the signs and symptoms of patients with dry eye disease (DED). In March 2023, the following databases were accessed for clinical trials investigating the efficacy of honey-related treatment strategies in DED: PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and EMBASE. The following data were extracted at baseline and at the last follow-up: Ocular Surface Disease Index, tear breakup time, Schirmer I test, and corneal staining. Data from 323 patients were retrieved (53.3% female, mean age 40.6 ± 18.1 years). The mean follow-up was 7.0 ± 4.2 weeks. All the endpoints of interest significantly improved from baseline to the last follow-up: tear breakup time (p = 0.01), Ocular Surface Disease Index (p < 0.0001), Schirmer I test (p = 0.0001), and corneal staining (p < 0.0001). No difference was found in tear breakup time (p = 0.3), Ocular Surface Disease Index (p = 0.4), Schirmer I test (p = 0.3), and corneal staining (p = 0.3) between the honey-related treatment strategies and the control groups. According to our main results, honey-related treatment strategies are effective and feasible to improve symptoms and signs of DED.

Therapeutic Potential of Honey and Propolis on Ocular Disease

Honey and propolis have recently become the key target of attention for treating certain diseases and promoting overall health and well-being. A high content of flavonoids and phenolic acids found in both honey and propolis contributes to the antioxidant properties to scavenge free radicals. Honey and propolis also exhibited antibacterial effects where they act in two ways, namely the production of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and gluconic acids following the enzymatic activities of glucose oxidase, which exerts oxidative damage on the bacteria. Additionally, the anti-inflammatory effects of honey and propolis are mainly by reducing proinflammatory factors such as interleukins and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α). Their effects on pain were discovered through modulation at a peripheral nociceptive neuron or binding to an opioid receptor in the higher center. The aforementioned properties of honey have been reported to possess potential therapeutic topical application on the exterior parts of the eyes, particularly in treating conjunctivitis, keratitis, blepharitis, and corneal injury. In contrast, most of the medicinal values of propolis are beneficial in the internal ocular area, such as the retina, optic nerve, and uvea. This review aims to update the current discoveries of honey and propolis in treating various ocular diseases, including their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and anti-nociceptive properties. In conclusion, research has shown that propolis and honey have considerable therapeutic promise for treating various eye illnesses, although the present study designs are primarily animal and in vitro studies. Therefore, there is an urgent need to translate this finding into a clinical setting.

A Review on Measures to Rejuvenate Immune System: Natural Mode of Protection Against Coronavirus Infection

SARS-CoV-2, a novel Corona virus strain, was first detected in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. As of December 16, 2021, almost 4,822,472 people had died and over 236,132,082 were infected with this lethal viral infection. It is believed that the human immune system is thought to play a critical role in the initial phase of infection when the viruses invade the host cells. Although some effective vaccines have already been on the market, researchers and many bio-pharmaceuticals are still working hard to develop a fully functional vaccine or more effective therapeutic agent against the COVID-19. Other efforts, in addition to functional vaccines, can help strengthen the immune system to defeat the corona virus infection. Herein, we have reviewed some of those proven measures, following which a more efficient immune system can be better prepared to fight viral infection. Among these, dietary supplements like- fresh vegetables and fruits offer a plentiful of vitamins and antioxidants, enabling to build of a healthy immune system. While the pharmacologically active components of medicinal plants directly aid in fighting against viral infection, supplementary supplements combined with a healthy diet will assist to regulate the immune system and will prevent viral infection. In addition, some personal habits, like- regular physical exercise, intermittent fasting, and adequate sleep, had also been proven to aid the immune system in becoming an efficient one. Maintaining each of these will strengthen the immune system, allowing innate immunity to become a more defensive and active antagonistic mechanism against corona-virus infection. However, because dietary treatments take longer to produce beneficial effects in adaptive maturation, personalized nutrition cannot be expected to have an immediate impact on the global outbreak.

Gamma-oryzanol protects human liver cell (L02) from hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative damage through regulation of the MAPK/Nrf2 signaling pathways

Gamma-oryzanol (Orz), a mixture of the ferulic acid ester of triterpene alcohols and phytosterols, was found abundantly in rice bran and rice bran oil which could be available and served as an antioxidant. The present study was to explore the potential protective effects of Orz on oxidative stress and cell apoptosis in human hepatic cells (L02 cells) induced by hydrogen peroxide (H₂ O₂ ). Flow cytometry detection and Hoechst 33258 staining showed that Orz significantly restored cell cycle and ameliorated apoptosis in H₂ O₂ -challenged L02 cells. Orz pretreatment inhibited H₂ O₂ -induced cell apoptosis by increasing the scavenging of hydroxyl radicals (OH·), and efficiently decreasing the production of nitric oxide (NO). Moreover, a loss of total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) were enhanced in H₂ O₂ -mediated L02 cells pretreated with Orz. Furthermore, preincubation with Orz reduced H₂ O₂ -mediated the proapoptotic protein of Bak expression and the phosphorylation of ASK1, p38, JNK, and ERK, and increased the anti-apoptotic protein of Bcl-xl expression and anti-oxidative stress proteins of Nrf2 and HO-1 expression. The findings suggested that Orz exerts the cytoprotective effects in H₂ O₂ -induced L02 cells apoptosis by ameliorating oxidative stress via inhibiting MAPK signaling pathway and activating Nrf2 signaling pathway. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Gamma-oryzanol (Orz), a mixture of the ferulic acid ester of triterpene alcohols and phytosterols, was found abundantly in rice bran and rice bran oil which could be availably served as an antioxidant. In this study, it was found that Orz exerts the cytoprotective effects in H₂ O₂ -induced L02 cell apoptosis by ameliorating oxidative stress via the inhibition of MAPK signaling pathway and the activation of Nrf2 signaling pathway, which provides a theoretical basis for dietary adding natural products to prevent or treat oxidative stress-related diseases.

Preliminary Phytochemical Analysis and Evaluation of the Biological Activity of Leonotis nepetifolia (L.) R. Br Transformed Roots Extracts Obtained through Rhizobium rhizogenes-Mediated Transformation

According to the present knowledge, this is the first report on establishing transformed root cultures of Leonotis nepetifolia after Rhizobium rhizogenes-mediated transformation. The preliminary phytochemical analysis showed differences in the content of phenols and flavonoids in transformed and nontransformed roots. The dominant compounds in the analyzed extracts were (+)-catechin (5464 and 6808 µg/g DW), p-coumaric acid (2549 and 4907 µg/g DW), m-coumaric acid (1508 and 2048 µg/g DW) and rosmarinic acid (1844 and 2643 µg/g DW) for nontransformed (LNNR) and transformed (LNTR4) roots, respectively. Initial biological studies carried out on LNNR, and LNTR4 extracts showed a cytotoxic effect on the A549 lung, HCC1937 breast and leukemia NALM-6 cell lines, antioxidants, as well as repair and protection against DNA damage induced by H₂O₂ in HUVEC cells. Due to the stronger effect of the LNTR4 root extract, which can be a relatively efficient and cheap source of bioactive secondary metabolites, further biological analyses are needed to discover in detail their potentially valuable biological properties.

Traditionally Used Natural Products in Preventing Ionizing Radiation-Induced Dermatitis: First Review on the Clinical Studies

In the treatment of cancer, the use of ionizing radiation is an important modality. However, on the downside, radiation, when used for curative purposes, causes acute dermatitis or radiodermatitis at the site of radiation in most individuals. From a clinical viewpoint, severe dermatitis causes a burning and itching sensation is very painful, and severely affects the quality of life of the individual undergoing treatment. In worse situations, acute radiation dermatitis can cause gaps or breaks in the planned treatment and this can adversely affect the treatment objective and outcome.

BACKGROUND

In various traditional and folk systems of medicine, plants and plant products have been used since time immemorial for treating various skin ailments. Further, many cosmeceutical creams formulated based on knowledge from ethnomedicinal use are marketed and used to treat various ailments. In the current review, an attempt is made at summarizing the beneficial effects of some plants and plant products in mitigating acute radiation dermatitis in humans undergoing curative radiotherapy. Additionally, the emphasis is also placed on the mechanism/s responsible for the beneficial effects.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this review is to summarize the clinical observations on the prevention of radiodermatitis by plant products. In this review, the protective effects of Adlay (Coix lachryma-jobi L.) bran extract, Aloe vera, Calendula officinalis, Cucumis sativus, green tea constituent the epigallocatechin-3-gallate, honey, Achillea millefolium, Matricaria chamomilla, olive oil and some polyherbal creams are addressed by also addressing on the mechanism of action for the beneficial effects.

METHODS

Two authors' data mined for information in Google Scholar, PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library for publications in the field from 1901 up to July 2020. The focus was on acute radiation dermatitis, ionizing radiation, curative radiotherapy, human cancer. The articles were collected and analyzed.

RESULTS

For the first time, this review addresses the usefulness of natural products like adlay bran, Aloe vera, Calendula officinalis, Cucumis sativus, green tea constituent the epigallocatechin-3-gallate, honey, Achillea millefolium, Matricaria chamomilla, olive oil and some experimentally constituted and commercially available polyherbal creams as skincare agents against the deleterious effects of ionizing radiation on the skin. The protective effects are possibly due to the free radical scavenging, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, wound healing and skin protective effects.

CONCLUSION

The authors suggest that these plants have been used since antiquity as medicinal agents and require in-depth investigation with both clinical and preclinical validated models of study. The results of these studies will be extremely useful to cancer patients requiring curative radiotherapy, the dermatology fraternity, agro-based and pharmaceutical sectors at large.

The stingless bee honey protects against hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative damage and lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation in vitro

Oxidative stress, DNA damage, and unresolved inflammation are the predisposing factors of many chronic and degenerative diseases, including cancer. Stingless bee honey (SBH) is recognized to have high medicinal value by traditional medicine practitioners and has been used to treat various illnesses traditionally. This study aimed to determine the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and genoprotective effects of SBH by using in vitro cell culture models. The sugar content, total phenolic content, radical scavenging activity, and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) of SBH were determined in this study. Then, the protective effect of SBH against hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)-induced cell death and DNA damage was studied by using WIL2-NS human lymphoblastoid cell line, while the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW 264.7 murine macrophages cell line was used to study the anti-inflammatory effects of SBH. Results from this present study showed that the major sugar contents of SBH were fructose (19.39 + 0.01%) and glucose (14.03 ± 0.03%). Besides, the total phenolic content, the radical scavenging activity, and the FRAP value of SBH were 15.38 ± 0.02 mg GAE/100 g of honey, 34.04 ± 0.21%, and 206.77 + 1.76 μM AAE/100 g honey respectively. Pretreatment with SBH protected WIL2-NS cells from H₂O₂-induced cell death and DNA damage (p < 0.001). Moreover, SBH was also able to attenuate the production of nitric oxide by inhibiting the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells (p < 0.001). In conclusion, SBH is rich in total phenolic content and possesses strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and genoprotective properties. Our current findings suggest that SBH might be useful in the prevention and treatment of many diseases caused by oxidative stress and inflammation assuming the observed effects are also achievable in vivo.

Usefulness of Honey as an Adjunct in the Radiation Treatment for Head and Neck Cancer: Emphasis on Pharmacological and Mechanism/s of Actions

BACKGROUND

In the treatment of head and neck cancer (HNC), ionizing radiation is an important modality in achieving curative objectives. However, the effective use of radiation is compromised by the side effects resulting from the damage to the adjacent normal tissue. Preclinical studies carried out in the recent past have shown that the age old dietary agent honey, which also possess myriad medicinal use is beneficial in mitigating diverse radiation-induced side effects like mucositis, xerostomia, fatigue, weight loss and to promote healing of refractory wounds.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this memoir is to review the beneficial effects of honey in mitigating radiation-induced side effects in HNC and to emphasize on the underlying mechanism of action for the beneficial effects Methods: Two authors searched Google Scholar, PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library for publications up to December 2019 to assess the ability of honey in reducing the severity of radiation-induced ill effects in the treatment of HNC. Subsequently, the adjunct pharmacological effects and mechanism/s responsible were also searched for and appropriately used to substantiate the underlying mechanism/s of action for the beneficial effects.

RESULTS

The existing data is suggestive that honey is beneficial in mitigating the radiation-induced mucositis, xerostomia, healing of recalcitrant wounds in radiation exposed regions and multiple pathways mediate the beneficial effects especially, free radical scavenging, antioxidant, wound healing, anticancer, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anabolic, anti-fatigue and anti-anaemic effects that add additional value to the use of honey as an adjunct in cancer therapy.

CONCLUSION

For the first time this review addresses the underlying pharmacological effects related to the beneficial effects of honey in radiation-induced damage, and attempts at emphasizes the lacunae that need further studies for optimizing the use of honey as an adjunct in radiotherapy of HNC. The authors suggest that future studies should be directed at understanding the detail molecular mechanisms responsible for the beneficial effects using validated cell culture and animal models of study. Large multi centric clinical trials with standardised honey is also needed to understand the clinical use of honey.

Polyphenol profile of buckwheat honey, nectar and pollen

A focus of research in recent years is the comparison of honey as the final product of bees with pollen and nectar of the plant from which the honey originates, as the main food source for bees. Buckwheat honey is recognized as a nutritionally valuable product, which provides a scientifically proven health benefit and is confirmed as a functional food. The quality of this type of honey is attributed to high levels of phytochemicals in buckwheat. The purpose of this study was the examination of similarity between buckwheat honey and buckwheat nectar and pollen, as well as simultaneous investigation of their chemical profiles and the origin of the honey. The phenolic profile of buckwheat pollen showed a lower number of flavonoids and phenolic acids than those of nectar and honey samples, but confirmed the presence of the most characteristic polyphenols derived from the buckwheat plant. The notable difference was found to be the presence of (epi)catechin units, its galloylated derivatives and procyanidin dimers, which were not present in honey. Honey polyphenols displayed a pronounced correlation with those of nectar, but not with those of pollen. Finally, by comparing the polyphenolic profiles of honey, nectar and pollen sharing the same geographical origin, new data could be provided for a potential assessment of the botanical origin of buckwheat honey.

Prospects of honey in fighting against COVID-19: pharmacological insights and therapeutic promises

Honey and its compounds are drawing attention as an effective natural therapy because of its ability to attenuate acute inflammation through enhancing immune response. Several studies have proved its potential healing capability against numerous chronic diseases/conditions, including pulmonary disorders, cardiac disorders, diabetes, hypertension, autophagy dysfunction, bacterial, and fungal infections. More importantly, honey has proved its virucidal effect on several enveloped viruses such as HIV, influenza virus, herpes simplex, and varicella-zoster virus. Honey may be beneficial for patients with COVID-19 which is caused by an enveloped virus SARS-CoV-2 by boosting the host immune system, improving comorbid conditions, and antiviral activities. Moreover, a clinical trial of honey on COVID-19 patients is currently undergoing. In this review, we have tried to summarize the potential benefits of honey and its ingredients in the context of antimicrobial activities, some chronic diseases, and the host immune system. Thus, we have attempted to establish a relationship with honey for the treatment of COVID-19. This review will be helpful to reconsider the insights into the possible potential therapeutic effects of honey in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the effects of honey on SARS-CoV-2 replication and/or host immune system need to be further investigated by in vitro and in vivo studies.

Honey Extracts Exhibit Cytoprotective Properties against UVB-Induced Photodamage in Human Experimental Skin Models

In the present study, we aimed to examine the antioxidant, antiaging and photoprotective properties of Greek honey samples of various botanical and geographical origin. Ethyl-acetate extracts were used and the and the total phenolic/flavonoid content and antioxidant capacity were evaluated. Honey extracts were then studied for their cytoprotective properties against UVB-induced photodamage using human immortalized keratinocytes (HaCaT) and/or reconstituted human skin tissue models. Specifically, the cytotoxicity, oxidative status, DNA damage and gene expression levels of specific matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) were examined. Overall, the treatment of HaCaT cells with honey extracts resulted in lower levels of DNA strand breaks and attenuated the decrease in cell viability following UVB exposure. Additionally, honey extracts significantly decreased the total protein carbonyl content of the irradiated cells, however, they had no significant effect on their total antioxidant status. Finally, the extracts alleviated the UVB-induced up-regulation of MMPs-3, -7 and -9 in a model of reconstituted skin tissue. In conclusion, honey extracts exhibited significant photoprotective and antiaging properties under UVB exposure conditions and thus could be further exploited as promising agents for developing novel and naturally-based, antiaging cosmeceutical products.

Quercus pyrenaica Honeydew Honey With High Phenolic Contents Cause DNA Damage, Apoptosis, and Cell Death Through Generation of Reactive Oxygen Species in Gastric Adenocarcinoma Cells

Many studies have shown that honey with high phenolic contents prevents cancer formation. Furthermore, recent studies have demonstrated that honey can be used for the treatment of cancer as well as cancer prevention. Antineoplastic effects of honey are often associated with their antioxidant phenolic contents. However, very few studies have dealt with the association of phenolic contents of honeys in terms of antiproliferative effects. The aim of this study was, therefore, to elucidate the cytotoxic, genotoxic, apoptotic, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generating effects of honey samples on the basis of their phenolic and flavonoid contents. Fourteen different honey varieties were collected from various parts of Turkey, and their characteristics regarding total phenols, flavonoids, and antioxidant contents were determined to test their effects on gastric cancer cells (AGS). For convenience, 2 honey varieties were selected, namely, Ida Mountains Quercus pyrenaica honeydew honey (QPHH-IM) having the highest phenolic and antioxidant content and Canakkale multifloral honey (MFH-C) with the lowest phenolic and antioxidant content. Levels of 11 different phenolic compounds in QPHH-IM and MFH-C samples were determined by LC-MS/MS. AGS cells were incubated with different concentrations of QPHH-IM and MFH-C for 24 hours, then the cell viability, DNA damage, apoptosis, and generation of ROS were determined. We found that QPHH-IM had more cytotoxic, genotoxic, and apoptotic effects than that of MFH-C. We think that these effects are probably related to pro-oxidant activities due to the high phenolic contents present. Therefore, further research on high-phenolic honey may contribute to the future development of cancer therapeutics.

Preparation of Chitosan/Alginate-ellagic Acid Sustained-release Microspheres and their Inhibition of Preadipocyte Adipogenic Differentiation

OBJECTIVE

In this study, chitosan/alginate-ellagic acid sustained-release microspheres were prepared, and the effect of sustained-release microspheres on preadipocyte adipogenic differentiation was analyzed.

METHODS

Chitosan/alginate-ellagic acid microspheres were prepared and identified by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and infrared spectroscopy (IR). The drug release rates were measured at pH 6.8, 7.0, 7.2, 7.4 to determine sustained release of ellagic acid from microspheres. The effects of 0.1, 1, 10 mg/L chitosan/alginate-ellagic acid microsphere on 3T3-F442A preadipocyte proliferation were determined by Methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium assay (MTT), and cell morphology was checked by hematoxylin/ eosin staining (HE staining). The effect of chitosan/alginate-ellagic acid microspheres on preadipocyte adipogenic differentiation was also determined by Oil red O staining, and lipogenesis was measured by isopropanol extraction. The molecular mechanism was investigated by detecting the mRNA expression of CCAAT/enhancer binding protein alpha (C/EBPα) and peroxisome proliferatorsactivated receptor gamma (PPARγ).

RESULTS

Chitosan/alginate-ellagic acid sustained-release microspheres were successfully prepared, and the inhibition of proliferation and adipogenic differentiation of preadipocytes was found to be dosedependent. The mechanism of differentiation inhibition was found to be closely related to the expression of transcription factor C/EBPα and PPARγ.

CONCLUSION

Chitosan/alginate can be used as a good material to prepare ellagic acid sustained-release microspheres, and these microspheres can be used for treating the obesity.

Kaempferol derivatives isolated from Lens culinaris Medik. reduce DNA damage induced by etoposide in peripheral blood mononuclear cells

Bioactive compounds isolated from plants are considered to be attractive candidates for cancer therapy. In this study, we examined the effect of kaempferol, its derivatives, the polyphenol fraction (PF) and an extract (EX) isolated from the aerial parts of Lens culinaris Medik. on DNA damage induced by etoposide in human cells. We also studied the effect of these compounds and their combinations on cell viability. The studies were conducted on HL-60 cells and human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). We used the comet assay in the alkaline version to evaluate DNA damage. To examine cell viability we applied the trypan blue exclusion assay. We demonstrated that kaempferol glycoside derivatives isolated from the aerial parts of Lens culinaris Medik. reduce DNA damage induced by etoposide in PBMCs, but do not have an impact on DNA damage in HL-60 cells. We also showed that kaempferol induces DNA damage in HL-60 cells and leads to an increase of DNA damage provoked by etoposide. Our data suggest that kaempferol derivatives can be further explored as a potential agent protecting normal cells against DNA damage induced by etoposide. Moreover, kaempferol's ability to induce DNA damage in cancer cells and to increase DNA damage caused by etoposide may be useful in designing and improving anticancer therapies.

In vitro genotoxic and antigenotoxic effects of cynarin

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Cynarin is an artichoke phytochemical that possesses a variety of pharmacological features including free-radical scavenging and antioxidant activity. The origin of artichoke species appears to be Mediterranean region. Two of these species, globe artichoke (Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus L.) and cardoon (Cynara cardunculus var. altilis DC), are widely cultivated and consumed. This vegetable, as the basis of the mediterranean diet, has been used as herbal medicine for its therapeutic effects since ancient times. Therefore, this study was performed to determine genotoxic and antigenotoxic effects of cynarin against MMC (mitomycin C) and H₂O₂ (hydrogen peroxide) induced genomic instability using chromosome aberrations (CAs), sister chromatid exchanges (SCEs), micronucleus (MN), and comet assays in human lymphocytes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Lymphocytes obtained from two healthy volunteers (1 male and 1 female) were exposed to different concentrations of cynarin (12-194 μM) alone and the combination of cynarin and MMC (0.60 μM) or cynarin and H₂O₂ (100 μM, only for comet assay).

RESULTS

Cynarin alone did not induce significant genotoxic effect in the CA, SCE (except 194 μM), MN, and comet assays. The combination of some concentrations of cynarin and MMC decreased the frequency of CAs, SCEs and MN induced by MMC. Furthermore, the combination of cynarin and H₂O₂ reduced all comet parameters at all the concentrations compared to H₂O₂ alone. While the highest concentrations of cynarin significantly decreased mitotic index (MI), the combination of cynarin and MMC increased the reduction of MI induced by MMC alone.

CONCLUSION

All the results obtained in this study demonstrated that cynarin exhibited antigenotoxic effects rather than genotoxic effects. It is believed that cynarin can act as a potential chemo-preventive against genotoxic agents.

Preparation of β-CD-Ellagic Acid Microspheres and Their Effects on HepG2 Cell Proliferation

OBJECTIVE

In this study, β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) was chosen as the coating for ellagic acid to prepare ellagic acid microspheres, and the effect of microspheres on the growth of HepG2 cells was observed.

METHODS

Scanning electron microscopy, infrared spectroscopy, and release rate analysis were used to identify the formation of ellagic acid microspheres. Methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay was used to detect the effect of different concentrations of ellagic acid microspheres on tumor cell proliferation at 6, 12, 24 and 36 h, and cell morphology and quantity were observed using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Single-cell gel electrophoresis was used to observe the effect of ellagic acid microspheres on the DNA damage of HepG2 cells, and the Olive tail moment and the mRNA expression of tumor suppressor protein gene p53 was measured.

RESULTS

β-CD could be used as wrapping material of ellagic acid to prepare ellagic acid microspheres. HepG2 cell proliferation could be inhibited by 0.1, 0.3 and 0.5 g/L of ellagic acid microspheres in a dose- and time-dependent manner, and the mechanism of proliferation inhibition was related to DNA damage and cell apoptosis.

CONCLUSION

Preparing ellagic acid microspheres with β-CD is feasible, and ellagic acid microspheres have potential therapeutic value (anticancer).