Science and Education Publishing Journal of Food and Nutrition Research 2333-1240 2 5 2014 05 20 Anti-proliferation and Insulin Resistance Alleviation of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells HepG2 in Vitro by Chinese Propolis 228 235 EN Yazhou Zhao Wenli Tian Wenjun Peng Institute of Apiculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China JFNR2014254 10.12691/jfnr-2-5-4 2014 03 09 2014 05 04 2014 05 20 Previous studies suggest affirmative effects of propolis on cancers and diabetes, due to its abundant flavonids. But information is rarely available with regard to its effects on hepatocellular carcinoma cells (HCC), particularly on cell proliferation and insulin resistance (IR). We measured the flavonids of ethanol extract from Chinese propolis (EEP) by HPLC. IR model of HepG2 cells were established, which were treated with different kinds and doses of propolis. The anti-proliferation and IR alleviation of HepG2 cells were studied. As result, EEP contained many flavonoids. Compared with other two solvents (PEG and DMSO), olive oil (dosage: 200 μg/mL) could significantly inhibit cell proliferation and alleviate IR of HepG2 cells. EEP dissolved in DMSO (mass ratio: 2:1; dosage: 300 ̦g/mL) exhibited anti-proliferative effect on HepG2 cells. When EEP was dissolved in olive oil (mass ratio: 2:1; dosage: 300 ̦g/mL), IR of HepG2 cells was greatly alleviated. As a conclusion, olive oil may be more suitable as auxiliary solvent of propolis as to improve its biological activities. High-dose propolis could effectively inhibit the proliferation and alleviate the IR of HepG2 cells in vitro.