Propolis and the Treatment of Head and Neck Cancers

Evaluating Antioxidant Capacity of Different Propolis Samples from Konya, Turkey and Their Inhibitory Effect on Head and Neck Cancer Cells

Propolis is a resinous mixture collected and used by the honey bees to construct and repair their hives. The component of propolis varies depend on the type of the plants collected. Propolis and its constituents have been subjected to many studies and are known for their antioxidant, antimicrobial and anticarcinogenic properties. In our study, antioxidant and antitumor capacity of propolis from Konya Sakyatan and Kiziloren regions were investigated. According to our result, Kızıloren propolis sample possesses higher antioxidant component and antioxidant capacity than Sakyatan sample. Accordingly, Kiziloren sample showed antiproliferative effect at much lower doses compared to the Sakyatan sample. Both samples effectively inhibited the migration of cancer cells at their determined IC50 dosages. Obtained data indicates that constituents of propolis can greatly vary from one sample to another even in the same region and propolis selections for cancer prevention and treatment studies should be carefully considered.