The protective effect of chestnut honey against oxidative stress and cyto/genotoxicity produced by UVB irradiation established in vitro

Abstract

Introduction

Ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation is a physical agent ubiquitously present in the environment that triggers inflammatory processes, oxidative stress, and DNA instability, potentially leading to various pathological conditions and diseases. In this study, we assessed whether Croatian certified organic chestnut honey (CH), with high polyphenol content, has protective properties against UVB-induced oxidative and cyto/genotoxic effects and, if it could therefore be considered as a functional food or functional ingredient in cosmetic formulations.

Methods

Whole human peripheral blood and isolated lymphocytes were treated with CH in an amount relevant for potential dietary use and 10-fold higher before (pre-treatment) and after (post-treatment) exposure to UVB radiation at 2 kJ/m². Oxidative stress markers [reactive oxygen species (ROS), glutathione (GSH), and lipid peroxidation] were measured in separated plasma. Cytotoxic effects in lymphocytes were studied using the fluorescent assay with acridine orange and ethidium bromide, including identification and quantification of apoptotic and necrotic cells. DNA damage in lymphocytes was evaluated using the alkaline comet assay.

Results

The tested CH showed a tendency to reduce oxidative stress in plasma induced by UVB radiation and reduced DNA damage in UVB-irradiated lymphocytes protecting them from cell death. Overall, these observed beneficial effects of CH were achieved at 1 mg/mL, which corresponds to the average daily intake both when applied as pre-treatment and post-treatment following UVB exposure.

Conclusion

The findings of this study provide preliminary evidence on the in vitro protective effects of the tested organic CH; however, further confirmatory research is needed.