Protective Effects of Arbutus unedo L. Honey in the Alleviation of Irinotecan-Induced Cytogenetic Damage in Human Lymphocytes—An In Vitro Study

Abstract

Strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo L.) honey (STH) has been used since ancient times as a folk medicine remedy, especially in certain Mediterranean countries. This honey, rich in phenolic content, is well recognized for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities, and is used for the treatment of skin lesions as well as gastrointestinal and respiratory disorders. This study investigated whether STH alleviates genome damage in human peripheral blood lymphocytes produced by the cytotoxic drug irinotecan. The phenolic profile of STH was previously estimated by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to a linear ion trap–Orbitrap hybrid mass spectrometer. The effects of STH were evaluated at three concentrations (1×, 5×, and 10×), based on the daily consumption of the honey by an adult person. After 2 h of in vitro exposure, standard lymphocyte cultures for the analysis of chromosome aberrations and the cytokinesis-block micronucleus cytome assay were established. Our results demonstrate that STH offered remarkable geno- and cytoprotection when administered with irinotecan. These findings are relevant for drawing preliminary conclusions regarding the in vitro safety of the tested honey. However, further studies are needed with the application of more complex experimental models.

The Contribution of Botanical Origin to the Physicochemical and Antioxidant Properties of Algerian Honeys

“…The reason is probably due to the low representation of the pollen grain in the pollen spectrum and the presence of others in a higher amount, which may hide the contribution of this plant to honey production. However, it is a very interesting honey type due to its attributed properties such as having anticancer activities [50]. The literature reported similar results in the physicochemical parameters for Arbutus and Eucalyptus honeys produced in Algeria [6] and Arbutus honeys produced in South Portugal [48].…”