Yazhou Zhao¹, Wenli Tian¹, Wenjun Peng^1,

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 μg/mL) exhibited anti-proliferative effect on HepG2 cells. When EEP was dissolved in olive oil (mass ratio: 2:1; dosage: 300 μg/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.

cell proliferation, flavonoids, HepG2 cells, insulin resistance, propolis