engleski

In vitro assessment of strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo L.) honey

Strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo L.) honey (STH), a typical product of Mediterranean region, is a reach source of bioactive compounds that possess strong antioxidant activity. This study examined the phenolic profile, total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity of STH from the town of Vrgorac (southern Croatia) and evaluated the protective role of STH and its main bioactive compound homogentisic acid (HGA) against cytogenetic damage induced by the anticancer drug irinotecan in human lymphocytes. Isolated human peripheral blood lymphocytes were exposed for 2 h to three different concentrations of STH and HGA (corresponding to average daily portion of 70 g of honey, as well as five- and ten- fold higher concentration). The outcomes of the treatments were evaluated using the cytokinesis-block micronucleus (CBMN) cytome assay. TPC was 1525 mg gallic acid equivalents per kg of honey. Antioxidant capacity, estimated by 1, 1- diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity was 2.96 mmol Trolox equivalents per kg of honey. Twenty-two phenolics were quantified using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatograph (UHPLC) coupled to a hybrid mass spectrometer (LTQ Orbitrap MS). Both tested substances effectively ameliorated cytogenetic damage in irinotecan-treated lymphocytes and affected lymphocyte proliferation in vitro. STH offered slightly better cyto-/genoprotective effects than HGA, possibly due to its complex phytochemical profile. Convincing results obtained in vitro speak in favour of future investigations of STH, and further development of STH-based nutraceuticals, potentially useful even in cancer patients. Acknowledgements: This study was financially supported by the Foundation of the Croatian Academy for Science and Arts.

strawberry tree honey ; homogentisic acid ; phenolic profile ; micronucleus assay

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