In vitro evaluation of anti-proliferative activity of protein from Litchi chinensis honey against human cervical cancer cell line (HeLa)

Honey, a natural food product available abundantly all over the world, has a wide range of pharmacological activities. The search for anti-proliferative agents that reduce cervical cancer is a task of great importance. The objective of this study was to observe the cytotoxic activity of honey from Litchi chinensis and purified honey protein (PHP) on HeLa cells. Initially, protein was isolated from honey using ethanol (60%, v/v) followed by purification using single-step Q-sepharose anion exchange chromatography. Honey (1-10%, v/v) and PHP (0-60 mg/mL) exposure significantly reduced the cancer cell viability, indicating apoptosis in a dose dependent manner. The MTT assay showed the IC(50 )of honey and PHP to be 3.5 mg/mL and 4.13 ng/mL, respectively. The MMP (delta psi m) and TUNEL assay showed more apoptosis under PHP intervention than in honey-treated cells. This in vitro evaluation of the cytotoxicity of honey and PHP against cancer cells provides scientific rationale for an effective anti-proliferative agent and endorses lychee honey and PHP as herbal medicines.