Quantitative analysis of biochemical characteristics and anti-cancer properties in MCF-7 breast cancer cell line: a comparative study between Ziziphus jujube honey and commercial honey.

BACKGROUND: There is increasing evidence that honey has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-cancer effects. This study aims to assess and contrast the cytotoxic, anti-metastatic, and apoptotic effects of Ziziphus jujube honey and commercial honey on MCF7 cells. METHODS AND RESULTS: Two honey samples, Ziziphus jujube (JH) and commercial honey (CH), were categorized into high and low groups based on their phenolic content, antioxidant capacity, and diastase activity (PAD score). The viability and migration ability of MCF-7 cells treated with JH and CH were evaluated. Also, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Q-PCR) was performed to assess the effect of the two honey samples on the expression of Bax, p53, p21 and Bcl-2 genes. JH had a total phenolic content of 606.4 ± 0.1 µg gallic acid equivalent/mg, while CH had a value of 112.1 ± 0.09 µg gallic acid equivalent/mg. The total antioxidant capacity of the two samples was compared. It was 203.5 ± 10.5µM/l in JH and 4.6 ± 10.5 µM/l in CH. In addition, JH had a diastatic activity of 524.1 ± 0.25 U/l, while CH had a value of 209.7 ± 0.56 U/l. According to the results, JH had a high PAD value, while CH had a low PAD value. Cell viability was measured using the results of the MTT assay. The results showed that JH inhibited the growth of MCF-7 cells more strongly (IC50 of 170 ± 4.2 µg/ml) than CH (IC50 of 385.3 ± 4.5 µg/l). The scratch assay showed that treatment with JH decreased the migration rate of MCF-7 cells in a dose-dependent manner compared to the CH and control groups. In addition, the results of q-PCR analysis showed significant upregulation of Bax, p53 and p21 genes and downregulation of Bcl-2 gene in the JH-treated group compared to the CH and control groups. CONCLUSION: These results showed that honey with an increased content of phenolic compounds, antioxidant capacity, and diastatic activity has anticancer properties by effectively suppressing tumor development. This suppression occurs via several mechanisms, including suppression of proliferation and metastasis, and promotion of apoptosis.

Curcuminoid-Piperine Combination Improves Radical Scavenging Activity in Women with Premenstrual Syndrome and Dysmenorrhea: A Post-hoc Analysis of a Randomized Clinical Study.

Oxidative stress maybe involved in the patho-etiology of menstrual-associated complications. Curcuminoids, are polyphenolic natural compounds that have potentially important functional activities. This triple-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial was performed to investigate the effects of a curcuminoids on oxidative stress and antioxidant capacity in girls with premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and dysmenorrhea. Eighty young girls with both PMS and dysmenorrhea were randomly given either curcuminoids (500 mg+5 mg piperine) or a placebo daily, for a period from 7 days pre- until 3 days post- initiation of menstrual bleeding for 3 successive menstrual cycles. The total antioxidant capacity and free radical scavenging activity of serum and urine were quantified via ferric reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP) and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) methods, respectively. There were no significant differences between the placebo and curcumin groups, with respect to the age, dietary intake and biochemical/anthropometric indices (p>0.05). The curcumin treatment significantly increased the free-radical scavenging activity of serum compared to the treatment with placebo (p=0.031). Although, no significant changes were found in serum and urinary levels of FRAP, DPPH and MDA between the groups (p>0.05). Curcumin treatment did increase free-radical scavenging activity and antioxidant potential in girls with PMS and dysmenorrhea. Investigations with higher doses and duration of curcumin are required to verify our findings.