Abstract
Purpose: Development of pharmaceutical dosage forms of natural products has gained great interest recently. Propolis is a natural product with various active compounds and multiple pharmacological activities. Its resinous nature and low bioavailability were obstacles in the optimum use of this magnificent natural product. Aim: This study evaluates the effect of using liposomes as a drug delivery system on the enhancement of the cytotoxic effect of propolis on squamous cell carcinoma cell lines (Hep-2) of head and neck. Methods: An optimized liposomal formulation of propolis was prepared using the conventional thin film hydration method 1, 2. The prepared (Hep-2) cell line was treated with different concentrations of propolis and optimized propolis liposomes for 24 h. The effect of both propolis and propolis liposomes on cell line was investigated using MTT assay, cytological examination, and nuclear morphometric analysis. The effect of the drugs on the cell apoptosis was evaluated using Annexin V. Results: The findings revealed that both propolis and propolis liposomes have a cytotoxic effect on Hep-2 cell line through induction of apoptosis. The effect was dose dependent. However, a statistically significant enhancement in propolis-mediated apoptosis on Hep-2 cells was elucidated due to encapsulation within the prepared liposomes. Conclusion: Liposome is a powerful tool for enhancing the cytotoxicity of propolis against Hep-2 cell line.
Highlights
The results show that the molar concentration of lipid (MCL) significantly affects the EE% of propolis
IC50 of propolis and propolisencapsulated liposomes were calculated as 1.9 mg/mL and 0.32 mg/mL, respectively. These results revealed that liposomal propolis had a more cytotoxic effect after incubation for 24 h
The results show the increased EE% with increasing MCL, which may be attributed to the increased size of the lipid bilayer, which allows the entrapment of more lipophilic drugs [33,35,36]
Summary
Head and neck cancer (HNC) is a term used to define malignant neoplasms that originate from the oral cavity, nasal cavity, larynx, pharynx, and paranasal sinuses [1]. HNC can affect and impair the quality of life of patients through the interruption of important daily functions including: breathing, speaking, and swallowing. They cause physical and emotional downsides for the patient [2].
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