Inhibitory Effect of Honey on 7,12-Dimethylbenz(a)anthracene- Initiated and Croton Oil-Promoted Skin Carcinogenesis

Abstract

Background: Honey as a natural product exhibits a variety of biological and pharmacological activities. Its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, and antihypertensive effects have already been proven. Objectives: In this study, the inhibitory effects of honey on the 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene-initiated and croton oil-promoted mice skin carcinogenesis were studied. Methods: Albino Swiss mice were pretreated with multiple topical applications of honey. After nine hours, the carcinogenesis was initiated by a single dose of DMBA. Topical croton oil, as for a promoting agent, was applied biweekly for a period of 30 weeks. Results: The tumor incidences were observed. Compared to the control group, the honey pre-treated mice showed a significant inhibition in tumor incidences. In addition, the enhanced uptake of [3H]-thymidine in mice skin DNA was inhibited in honey-pretreated animals as compared to the control group. Conclusions: Taken together, the results suggest that the antioxidants existed in honey have diminishing effects on croton oil-mediated murine skin tumor promotion. In conclusion, we suggest that honey as an effective natural preventive agent may provide protection against skin cancer.