Quality Assessment of Native Iranian Cedar and Citrus Honeys: Bioactive Components, Antioxidant Activity, and Estrogenic Properties in MCF-7 Cells

Abstract

This study investigates the antioxidant and estrogenic properties of native Iranian honeys, particularly in human breast cancer. Honey’s bioactive compounds are crucial in combating oxidative stress and preventing chronic diseases such as cancer, yet limited research has focused on these effects specific to Iranian honeys. Utilizing the E-screen method, the proliferative effects (PEs) of cedar and citrus honeys versus commercial varieties were analyzed. The findings revealed that cedar honey possessed the highest phenolic content (93.09 mg/100 g) followed by citrus honey of southern Iran (61.06 mg/100 g) and citrus honey of northern Iran (43.18 mg/100 g), significantly enhancing its antioxidant activity, as evidenced by a DPPH free radical inhibition of 47.1%. Estrogenic activity was also notable, with cedar honey promoting MCF-7 cell proliferation (PE = 1.21) more effectively than other samples. However, increased concentrations induced cytotoxic effects, inhibiting cell growth from 5 mg/mL onwards. Intriguingly, citrus honeys also elevated intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) at 0.1 mg/mL, suggesting a complex interplay between antioxidant and estrogenic actions. Also, cedar honey had a greater ability to inhibit MCF-7 cells with an apoptosis rate of 25.5% compared to the others. Overall, cedar and citrus honeys exhibit dose-dependent estrogenic activity and promote ROS production, underscoring their potential as functional foods in cancer prevention strategies.