In Vitro Antiproliferative Apoptosis Induction and Cell Cycle Arrest Potential of Saudi Sidr Honey against Colorectal Cancer

Abstract

A range of natural products have been extensively studied for their chemopreventive potential for cancer, including those that inhibit growth and induce apoptosis. Sidr honey derived from the Ziziphus or Lote tree (Ziziphus spina-christi, Ziziphus lotus, or Ziziphus jujuba) is used in a wide range of traditional medicine practices. In the current study, the Saudi Sidr honey was analyzed by means of a GC–MS chromatogram and investigated for its antiproliferative effects on colorectal cancer cells (HCT-116), breast cancer cells (MCF-7), and lung cancer cells (A-549), as well as its apoptosis induction and cell cycle arrest potentials against human colorectal cancer cells (HCT-116). The effects of Saudi Sidr honey on cells were determined using the MTT assay and the clonogenic assay. The induction of apoptosis was studied using Annexin V-FITC flow cytometry analysis. The propidium iodide staining method was used to detect cell cycle arrest via flow cytometry. By means of performing GS–MS and HR-LCMS analysis, 23 different chemical components were identified from Saudi Sidr honey. A dose–response analysis showed that Saudi Sidr honey was more effective against HCT-116 (IC50 = 61.89 ± 1.89 µg/mL) than against MCF-7 (IC50 = 78.79 ± 1.37 µg/mL) and A-549 (IC50 = 94.99 ± 1.44 µg/mL). The antiproliferation activity of Saudi Sidr honey has been found to be linked to the aggregation of cells during the G1 phase, an increase in early and late apoptosis, and necrotic cell death in HCT-116 cells. Considering these promising findings that highlight the potential use of Saudi Sidr honey as an antitumor agent, further research should be carried out with the aim of isolating, characterizing, and evaluating the bioactive compounds involved in Sidr honey’s antiproliferative activity to better understand the mechanism of their action.

Antibiofilm, Antimicrobial, Anti-Quorum Sensing, and Antioxidant Activities of Saudi Sidr Honey: In Vitro and Molecular Docking Studies

“…They also reported a strong antioxidant activity against DPPH (IC50 0.670 mg/mL), ABTS (IC50 3.554 mg/mL), and β-carotene (IC50 > 5 mg/mL) [ 104 ]. Sidr honey has shown a notable cytotoxic effect in a dose-dependent manner against three cancer cell lines including lung (A549), breast (MCF-7), and colon (HCT-116), with respective IC50 values of 5.203%, 6.02%, and 7.257% [ 105 ]. A study also reported the presence of bioactive compounds such as phenolic compounds, vitamin C, total phenolic contents (TPCs), radical scavenging activity (RSA), and sugars of five honey samples (Talh, Athel, Sidr, Spring flower, and Langnese) from the Hail region (Saudi Arabia) using HPLC-RID and DAD [ 106 ].…”

Polyphenol Contents, Antibacterial and Antioxidant Effects of Four Palestinian Honey Samples, and their Anticancer Effects on Human Breast Cancer Cells

“…Additionally, some in vivo studies have been performed on mice/rats, where tumors were either induced or transplanted. [16][17][18] Honey plays a role in various stages of cancer, including initiation, growth, and advancement. Its anticancer properties are typically linked to several mechanisms.…”

Yemeni Sidr Honey Inhibits Cell Proliferation and Promotes Apoptosis in Human Cancer and Mouse-Derived Cell Lines

“…Yemeni Sidr honey (YSH) is a particular example of a natural product with distinct anti-cancer effects [12,13], and it has similar properties to some other types of honey, including Tualang honey and Manuka honey [14][15][16]. Tualang honey is produced in Southeast Asia by the giant honey bee Apis dorsata from multiple flora, and Manuka honey is a monofloral honey produced by honeybees from the nectar of the Manuka honey bush (Leptospermum scoparium) throughout New Zealand and Australia [5,17].…”

“…A significant proportion of Yemeni honey is Sidr honey, produced by bees from the nectar of the Ziziphus spina-christi tree from the remote Dawan and Gerdan areas of Hadramout and Shabwa [9,11]. The result is one of the most prized and expensive monofloral honeys available [12,13]. In other locations, Sidr honey is harvested from bees that derive the nectars of the jujube tree (also known as Christ's Thorn Jujube) and is utilized for a variety of medicinal purposes [14].…”

“…Its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects have been deemed beneficial in preventing hepatic injury [12,16]. In addition, it has been used as an anti-microbial agent in traditional medicine practice [13]. YSH is also considered to be useful in resolving insomnia, allergy, arthritis, as well as anemia.…”