Propolis and Osteosarcoma Cells

Propolis: The Buzz About This Natural Cancer Fighter

Soraya Malik in Health & Wellness June 2025 • 3 min read.

"Uncover how Colombian propolis samples are showing promise in the fight against osteosarcoma cells, offering new hope for antitumor drug discovery."

Osteosarcoma (OSA), an aggressive bone cancer known for its metastatic progression, presents a significant challenge in oncology. Traditional treatments have seen limited advancements in recent decades, making the search for new therapeutic alternatives crucial. Natural products, with their lower toxicity and potential antitumor properties, have increasingly drawn the interest of researchers.

Among these natural remedies, propolis—a resinous material produced by bees—stands out due to its complex chemical composition and diverse biological activities. Its potential in developing new drugs has been indicated by numerous studies, sparking interest in exploring its specific effects on cancer cells.

A recent study focused on Colombian propolis samples, examining their chemical composition and the mechanisms through which they exert cytotoxic effects on OSA cells. This research offers a comparative assessment of different samples, aiming to identify the most promising candidates for antitumor drug development.

What Makes Colombian Propolis Special?

The study, published in Phytotherapy Research, meticulously analyzed nine propolis samples collected from various regions in Colombia. The chemical composition was assessed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), while the free radical scavenging activity was measured using the DPPH assay. Cluster and principal components analysis were employed to correlate the composition with the inhibitory concentration 50% (IC50).

Researchers also investigated cell viability using the MTT assay, apoptosis via flow cytometry, and mitochondrial membrane permeability and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels using specific fluorescent dyes. A transwell assay was conducted to evaluate the invasiveness of propolis-treated cells.

Cluster 1: Rich in diterpenes and benzophenones, exhibiting high antiradical activity.
Cluster 2: Characterized by triterpenes, fatty acids, and diterpenes.
Usm Sample: Contained unique diterpenes and triterpenes.
Sil Sample: Featured triterpenes and flavonoids.

The study highlighted that apoptosis, mitochondrial membrane alteration, and suppression of cell invasion were key mechanisms through which propolis inhibited OSA cells in vitro. These findings suggest that Colombian propolis holds significant potential for the discovery of new antitumor drugs.

A Promising Future for Propolis in Cancer Treatment

This research provides a foundation for further exploration of Colombian propolis as a source of novel antitumor compounds. While in vitro results are promising, future studies should focus on in vivo models to confirm these effects and elucidate the full potential of propolis in cancer treatment. With continued investigation, Colombian propolis may offer new hope in the fight against osteosarcoma and other cancers.

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This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1002/ptr.6246, Alternate LINK

Title: The Chemical Composition And Events Related To The Cytotoxic Effects Of Propolis On Osteosarcoma Cells: A Comparative Assessment Of Colombian Samples

Subject: Pharmacology

Journal: Phytotherapy Research

Publisher: Wiley

Authors: Dolly Patricia Pardo Mora, Karina Basso Santiago, Bruno José Conti, Eliza De Oliveira Cardoso, Fernanda Lopes Conte, Lucas Pires Garcia Oliveira, Marjorie De Assis Golim, Jaime Fabian Cruz Uribe, Rafael María Gutiérrez, Mauricio Rey Buitrago, Milena Popova, Boryana Trusheva, Vassya Bankova, Orlando Torres García, José Maurício Sforcin

Published: 2018-11-28

Everything You Need To Know

What makes Colombian propolis different from propolis found in other regions, particularly in the context of antitumor properties?

Colombian propolis is special due to its diverse chemical composition, which varies depending on the region where it's collected. The research identifies specific clusters based on their chemical makeup, such as Cluster 1 being rich in diterpenes and benzophenones, known for high antiradical activity, and Cluster 2, characterized by triterpenes, fatty acids, and diterpenes. Unique samples like Usm (containing unique diterpenes and triterpenes) and Sil (featuring triterpenes and flavonoids) further contribute to its uniqueness. This diversity makes it a promising source for antitumor drug discovery compared to propolis from other regions.

What specific scientific methods were employed to analyze the chemical properties and anti-cancer activities of the Colombian propolis samples?

The study utilized several methods to assess the properties of Colombian propolis. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used to identify the chemical composition of the propolis samples. The DPPH assay was used to measure the free radical scavenging activity. Cell viability was assessed using the MTT assay, while apoptosis was evaluated via flow cytometry. Mitochondrial membrane permeability and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were analyzed using specific fluorescent dyes, and a transwell assay was conducted to evaluate cell invasiveness. Cluster and principal components analysis helped correlate chemical composition with inhibitory concentration 50% (IC50).

What are the key mechanisms through which Colombian propolis inhibits osteosarcoma cells, and why are these mechanisms important?

The primary mechanisms by which Colombian propolis inhibits osteosarcoma cells include inducing apoptosis (programmed cell death), altering the mitochondrial membrane, and suppressing cell invasion. Apoptosis is crucial because it eliminates cancer cells without causing inflammation. Altering the mitochondrial membrane disrupts the energy production of cancer cells. Suppression of cell invasion prevents the cancer from spreading to other tissues. These mechanisms work synergistically to inhibit osteosarcoma cell growth and metastasis in vitro.

The research highlights promising in vitro results, what are the next critical steps in validating Colombian propolis as a potential cancer treatment?

While the in vitro results are promising, it's crucial to conduct in vivo studies to confirm these effects in living organisms. In vivo studies can reveal how propolis interacts with the body's systems, its bioavailability, potential toxicity, and its efficacy in reducing tumor growth and metastasis in a complex biological environment. Additionally, in vivo models can help determine the optimal dosage and delivery methods for propolis-based treatments, which are vital steps before considering human clinical trials.

Why is there a renewed interest in researching natural products like propolis for osteosarcoma treatment?

Osteosarcoma (OSA) is an aggressive bone cancer that is known for its metastatic progression. It has seen limited advancements in traditional treatments in recent decades, making the search for new therapeutic alternatives crucial. Propolis, with its complex chemical composition and diverse biological activities, is a natural remedy that is being explored for its potential in developing new drugs. The cytotoxic effects on OSA cells is sparking interest in exploring its specific effects on cancer cells.