Effect of Natural Bee Honey and 5-Fluorouracil on Hep-2 Carcinoma Cell Line: A comparative In-Vitro Study

Abstract

Cancer continues to be a major public health problem in both developed and developing countries, as millions of people are diagnosed with cancer every year. It is a leading cause of death globally and accounted for 8.8 million deaths (around 1 in 6 deaths is due to cancer) in 2015. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the most frequent malignant tumour of the head and neck region, and the sixth leading cancer by incidence worldwide. There are 500000 new cases a year worldwide. The standard treatment modalities against cancer are series of interventions and approaches, including surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and psychosocial support. The aim of the treatment is curing the disease or prolonging life considerably and improving the patient’s quality of life . Chemotherapy is delivering cytotoxic drugs systemically so that they can reach and kill the tumour cells. However, most of these drugs cause series side effects as they are toxic to other viable cells of the human body. And, thus, need to be given at suboptimal levels. Due to this resistance to anti-cancer agents, it was crucial to find new anticancer compounds in order to develop novel drugs that can circumvent the resistance mechanisms. Recently, honey has been under intense investigation for their use in cancer therapy. Phenolic compounds are considered among the main components contributing to the antioxidant and other useful properties of honey. The concept of dual therapy of anti-cancer drugs with natural products has become a very appealing strategy in novel drug discovery. Phytochemicals from natural sources existing in our daily diet are now being exploited for