The Role of Propolis as a Natural Product with Potential Gastric Cancer Treatment Properties: A Systematic Review
Nelly Rivera-Yañez et.al.
Carrera de Médico Cirujano, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Tlalnepantla 54090, Mexico.
Foods 2023, 12(2), 415.
Key research conclusions:
● Gastric cancer is a common, aggressive, and invasive type of cancer that ranks fifth for incidence and fourth for prevalence worldwide.
● Propolis, a bee product, has antiproliferative and anticancer properties that have been assessed for use as a new complementary therapy to combat cancer.
● A systematic review was conducted on the effects of propolis against gastric cancer, and eight studies were selected.
● In vitro and in vivo assays showed that propolis inhibits proliferation, prevents the release of oxidizing agents, and promotes apoptosis.
● The principal mechanisms by which propolis displays its anticancer properties are cell cycle arrest and the induction of apoptosis.
● Phenolic compounds, mainly flavonoids, are strongly associated with various antitumor effects on cell lines and in in vivo models of gastric cancer.
● More research is required to understand with certainty how propolis can contribute to the treatment of gastric cancer.
● Future studies should describe the chemical composition of the propolis used to identify the responsible compounds and determine the precise doses required for adequate and safe consumption.
● This systematic review encourages further research on the administration of propolis as a therapeutic and prophylactic regimen to help patients before surgery.
