Cytotoxic Effect of Propolis Nanoparticles on Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma Bearing Mice

Background and objective Previous studies have demonstrated the anti-cancer effects of propolis. However, its use is limited because of its poor bioavailability. In the present study, the major objective was to improve propolis bioavailability using a nanosuspension formulation. The cytotoxic effect of propolis nanosuspension (PRO-NS) on the Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) in female Swiss albino mice was investigated in comparison to the free propolis. Materials and methods A propolis-loaded nanosuspension was formulated by applying solvent-antisolvent nano-precipitation technique. The prepared PRO-NS was characterized for average particle size, polydispersity index (PDI) and zeta potential. Also, the morphology of the nanosuspension particles was investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Moreover, PRO-NS cytotoxicity was tested using EAC bearing mice. The anticancer activity of Pro-NS was assessed by studying tumor volume, life span, viable and non-viable cell count, antioxidant, biochemical estimations and proliferation of EAC cells. Results The results revealed that propolis nanoparticles were relatively spherical in shape with rough surface. The tumor bearing mice treated with PRO-NS showed increased life span and inhibited tumor growth and the proliferation of EAC cells in comparison to the free propolis (p < 0.01). Moreover, Pro-NS ameliorated the increase in serum aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT) activities, IgM and the level of creatinine and urea after implantation of EAC cells. In addition, PRO-NS improved the SOD activity and glutathione content of liver and EAC cells. Furthermore, PRO-NS inhibited the formation of lipid peroxidation products (MDA) and total IgG in EAC tumor bearing mice. Conclusions Our results indicate that PRO-NS has a strong inhibitory activity against growth of tumors in comparison to free propolis. The anti-tumor mechanism may be mediated by preventing oxidative damage, immune-stimulation and induction of apoptosis.