Effect of Iron and Hydrogen Peroxide Supplementation on the Total Phenols Content and Cytoxicity of Honey for MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cells
Lai Yung Wong *
School of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, Cromore Rd, Coleraine, BT52 1SA, UK
Poonam Singh Nigam
School of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, Cromore Rd, Coleraine, BT52 1SA, UK
Richard Owusu-Apenten
School of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, Cromore Rd, Coleraine, BT52 1SA, UK and Department of Clinical Sciences and Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Life Sciences, University of Chester, Parkgate Road, Chester, CH1 4BJ, UK
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aims: To evaluate the effect of supplementation with iron (II/III) salts and/ or hydrogen peroxide on Manuka honey total phenols content (TPC) and the cytoxicity toward MCF-7 breast cancer cells.
Study Design: The study had an In Vitro design.
Place and Duration of Study: Ulster University, School of Biomedical Sciences, between September 2017 and May 2018.
Methodology: Manuka honey rated Unique Manuka Factor (UMF) 18+ was supplemented with 0.45 mM or 4.5 mM of iron (II/III) salts and/ or 1.2 mM hydrogen peroxide. Changes of TPC were monitored by the Folin-Ciocalteu method. Cytotoxicity was investigated using MCF-7 breast cancer cells and Sulforhodamine B (SRB) staining.
Results: Addition of low amounts of iron to honey and ageing for 120 hours led to significant losses of TPC (20.49 ± 1.24%) whilst adding 4.5 mM iron(II) / hydrogen peroxide produced a rise (218.9 ± 2.6%) of TPC consistent with phenol hydroxylation. Manuka honey toxicity towards MCF-7 cells was increased after supplemented with iron salts and ageing by 120 hours compared to freshly prepared Manuka honey / iron (III) sample. The changes are discussed in relation to a Fenton reaction model.
Conclusion: Manuka honey supplemented with iron and hydrogen peroxide showed decreases of TPC and increased cytotoxic effects towards MCF-7 breast cancer cells.
Keywords: Manuka honey, iron, supplementation, MCF-7 breast cancer cell, total antioxidant capacity, anticancer activity, additives, fenton reaction, hydrogen peroxide