Stingless-bee (Trigona itama) honey adversely impacts the growth of oral squamous cell carcinoma cell lines (HSC-2)

Abstract

IntroductionCurrently, a number of treatment strategies are available to treat oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), but unfortunately, they are less than adequate in significantly ameliorating the condition. Hence new therapeutic approaches are required to address this issue. Here, we describe the in-vitro effect of Malaysian stingless-bee (Trigona itama) honey on a cell line derived from OSCC (HSC-2) and its feasibility as a chemotherapeutic agent to alleviate the condition. MethodsHSC-2 cells were incubated with various concentrations of T. itama honey and appropriate controls, for 24, 48, and 72 h. Its cytotoxic effect was investigated using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, while the apoptotic effect was quantified using flow cytometric analysis. ResultsA dose dependent anti-proliferative response of T. itama honey on in-vitro HSC-2 cell growth was noted, with 50% growth inhibition (IC50) at 0.84% (v/v) concentration of honey, at 24 h. Cell shrinkage and apoptosis, as well as reduced proliferation of the HSC-2 cells were noted on light microscopic and flow cytometric evaluation. ConclusionThis preliminary data, reported here for the first time, imply that T. itama honey may be a useful chemotherapeutic adjunct as an anticancer agent in managing oral squamous cell carcinomas.