Gelam (Melaleuca sp.) honey demonstrates antiproliferative effect on colon cancer cell lines (HCT116)

Colorectal cancer is among the highest prevalence cancer worldwide. As current treatments have many side effects, there is a need to find a better cure that is non-toxic and has no undesirable side effects. Honey is found to be a potential cure. Thus, antiproliferative effect of Gelam honey to colon (HCT116) cancer cell lines was studied. HCT116 was treated with Gelam honey and observed under inverted microscope. Then, total phenolic content (TPC), percentage cell death and half-maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50) of cells treated with the honey were observed. HCT116 shows great reduction in number of cells (IC50 = 2.0 v/v for 72 hours) with presence of high total phenolic content (0.12 mg GAE/100 g). In conclusion, the amount of cell death observed has a significant relationship with doses and time of treatment. Thus, Gelam honey can indeed be a potential new cure for colorectal cancer treatment.