Can Propolis Help Fight Stomach Cancer? New Research Shows Promise
Propolis—a natural resin collected by bees—has long been valued for its soothing and protective properties. New laboratory research now suggests certain propolis extracts may significantly reduce the growth of gastric (stomach) cancer cells in controlled lab settings.
What the Study Tested
Scientists examined an ethanolic extract of propolis (EEP) (commonly known as propolis tincture) on human gastric cancer cells (AGS) over 24, 48, and 72 hours. They measured how many cells survived and observed any visible changes under a microscope.
Key Findings in Plain English
- Stronger dose, stronger effect: Higher concentrations of EEP led to larger drops in cancer cell survival.
- Time matters: The longer the cells were exposed (24 → 48 → 72 hours), the greater the reduction in viability.
- High inhibition at top doses: At the highest test levels, cell growth fell by roughly 68–81% at 24 hours, about 93–100% at 48 hours, and approached ~100% by 72 hours.
- IC50 dropped over time: The concentration needed to halve cell survival was ~60 μg/ml at 24h, ~30 μg/ml at 48h, and ~15 μg/ml at 72h, showing stronger effects with longer exposure.
Why Propolis Might Work
Propolis contains 300+ natural compounds, including flavonoids and phenolic acids. These are known for antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cell-protective actions. In cancer research, propolis compounds have been associated with:
- Triggering apoptosis (programmed cell death in abnormal cells)
- Slowing cell division and disrupting tumor growth cycles
- Modulating survival pathways used by cancer cells
How This Fits With Other Research
Similar anti-proliferative effects have been reported for propolis from different regions (e.g., Brazil, China, Europe, Chile) on a variety of cancer cell lines. This new work adds to that growing body of lab evidence.
What This Means (and Doesn’t Mean)
Promising—yet preliminary. These findings come from in-vitro (test-tube) studies, not human clinical trials. While the results are exciting, more work is needed to identify the most active compounds, confirm safety and efficacy in animals and humans, and establish clinical guidance.
Bottom Line
In lab conditions, ethanolic propolis extract (Propolis tincture) reduced gastric cancer cell growth in a clear dose- and time-dependent manner. Propolis remains an intriguing, natural source for future adjunct therapies or drug discovery—pending rigorous clinical research.
Further Reading
Disclaimer: This article summarizes laboratory research and is for educational purposes only. It is not medical advice and does not claim treatment or cure. Always consult a qualified health professional about diagnosis or treatment options.
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