Anti-Cancer Properties of Heterotrigona itama sp. Honey Via Induction of Apoptosis in Malignant Glioma Cells

@#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.

Cytotoxicity evaluation of vancomycin and its complex with beta-cyclodextrin on human glial cell line

The possible cytotoxic effects of vancomycin and its complex with beta-cyclodextrin [beta-CD] on human glial cell line [CRL 8621] were studied accordingly by means of MTS assay. The cultured cells were incubated with various concentrations of vancomycin, beta-CD as well as beta-CD/vancomycin complex ranging from 4.69 to 300 ug/ml. A linear dose-dependency cytotoxicity followed by hermetic-like biphasic dose-dependence was observed after incubation period of 72 hours. In general, significant increase [p<0.001] of cell proliferation was observed at lower concentrations: /= 150 micro g/ml. In particular, 50% inhibitory in vitro was achieved at the concentrations of 115.95 microg/ml [for beta-CD], 116.48 micro g/ml [for vancomycin] and 115.44 microg/ml [for beta-CD/vancomycin complex]