Antioxidant activity, antibacterial behavior, and anticancer impact of Egyptian propolis.

Abstract

Background: Propolis, a resinous substance produced by bees, exhibits significant phytochemical and biological properties, which have been explored for various therapeutic applications.

Aim: This study investigates the phytochemical composition, antioxidant activity, antibacterial efficacy, and anticancer potential of ethanolic extracts from three propolis samples (P1, P2, and P3).

Methods: Phytochemical screening was conducted to determine the presence of bioactive compounds, such as ascorbic acid, saponins, and tannins. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using the phosphomolybdate (PMA) and ferric reducing power (FRP) assays. The antibacterial efficacy against Salmonella Typhimurium and Staphylococcus aureus was assessed using the well diffusion method. Cytotoxicity and anticancer effects were investigated using the MTT assay on red blood cells (RBCs) and various carcinoma cell lines (HepG2, MDA, and A549). Gene expression analysis was performed using RT-qPCR to assess the upregulation of immune response genes (P53, Bcl2, Bax, Ca125, and C3).

Results: Phytochemical screening revealed considerable quantities of ascorbic acid, saponins, and tannins in the propolis samples. The P1 sample exhibited the most substantial antioxidant activity, with FRP values at 62.9 mg/g DM and PMA content at 20.7 mg/g DM. In antibacterial assays, P1 demonstrated the highest inhibitory zones at the maximum concentration (400 mg/ml), outperforming standard antibiotic treatments. In cytotoxicity and anticancer assays, P1 preserved the highest percentage of RBCs from hemolysis and showed marked anticancer activity, with the lowest cell viability observed at 3.9 µg/ml. Gene expression analysis revealed significant upregulation of immune response genes, particularly in MDA and HepG2 cell lines upon P1 treatment.

Conclusion: This study underscores the potent antioxidant, antibacterial, and anticancer properties of propolis, highlighting its potential as a natural therapeutic agent. The observed activities suggest promising applications for propolis in combating bacterial infections and various cancer types, warranting further exploration into its molecular mechanisms and potential clinical uses.