Chemical Characterization of Honey and Its Effect (Alone as well as with Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles) on Microbial Pathogens’ and Human Cancer Cell Lines’ Growth

Abstract

The antibacterial, anticancer, and wound-healing effects of honey can vary according to the type, geographical region, honey bee species, and source of the flowers. Nanotechnology is an innovative and emerging field of science with an enormous potential role in medical, cosmetics, and industrial usages globally. Metal nanoparticles that derived from silver and range between 1 nm and 100 nm in size are called silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). Much advanced research AgNPs has been conducted due to their potential antibacterial and anticancer activity, chemical stability, and ease of synthesis. The purpose of the present study was to explore the physicochemical properties of honey and the potential to use forest honey to synthesize AgNPs as well as to appraise the nanoparticles’ antimicrobial and anticancer effects. Here, we used three different percentages of forest honey (20%, 40%, and 80%) as biogenic mediators to synthesize AgNPs at room temperature. The development of AgNPs was confirmed by color change (to the naked eye) and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy studies, respectively. The absorbance peak obtained between 464 to 4720 nm validated both the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) band and the formation of AgNPs. Regarding the sugar profile, the contents of maltose and glucose were lower than the content of fructose. In addition, the results showed that the SPR band of AgNPs increased as the percentage of forest honey increased due to the elevation of the concentration of the bio-reducing agent. A bacterial growth kinetic assay indicated the strong antibacterial efficacy of honey with silver nanoparticles against each tested bacterial strain. Honey with nanotherapy was the most effective against hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) and colon cancer (HCT 116) cells, with IC50s of 23.9 and 27.4 µg/mL, respectively, while being less effective against breast adenocarcinoma cells (MCF-7), with an IC50 of 32.5 µg/mL.

The Influence of Diet and Its Components on the Development and Prevention of Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC)

“…Valued for its broad health-promoting properties, honey has also been studied for its protective influence on liver cells. As a substance produced by bees, it contains secretions from these insects, as well as flower pollen, making it a unique product with an unparalleled chemical composition [ 95 ]. The main immune-stimulating components in honey include proteins, enzymes, and polyphenols [ 95 ].…”

“…As a substance produced by bees, it contains secretions from these insects, as well as flower pollen, making it a unique product with an unparalleled chemical composition [ 95 ]. The main immune-stimulating components in honey include proteins, enzymes, and polyphenols [ 95 ]. In a study by Hamed A Ghramh et al, the impact of honey and silver-nanoparticle-infused honey on HCC cell growth was beneficial, suggesting that the substance slows down the tumor’s growth processes [ 95 ].…”

“…The main immune-stimulating components in honey include proteins, enzymes, and polyphenols [ 95 ]. In a study by Hamed A Ghramh et al, the impact of honey and silver-nanoparticle-infused honey on HCC cell growth was beneficial, suggesting that the substance slows down the tumor’s growth processes [ 95 ].…”

Honey-based therapeutics: a comprehensive review of anticancer, antioxidant, and prognostic impacts in breast cancer treatment

“…Furthermore, honey mediated green synthesis of nanoparticles expend horizons for new alternative therapeutics. 37,38 These findings exploring micro emulsion formulations and green synthesis of nanoparticles could give new insight to uncover new alternatives to treat breast cancer. The anticancer potency of honey could be either direct or indirect.…”

The quest for nanoparticle-powered vaccines in cancer immunotherapy

“…The primary mechanism of action for AgNPs involves their ability to generate increased anticancer activity, induce DNA damage, and cause oxidative stress [ 239 ]. A recent study showed that the combination of honey with AgNPs exhibited the highest efficacy against hepatocellular carcinoma and colon cancer cells [ 243 ]. Similarly, Reddy et al .…”