Anti-gastrointestinal cancer activity of cyclodextrin-encapsulated propolis

New Zealand propolis resin and tinctures are rich in compounds that have in vitro anti-gastrointestinal cancer activity. However, propolis tincture has restricted acceptability for human consumption due to pungency in taste and aroma. We have formulated New Zealand propolis into cyclodextrin complexes (CD) that resolve these acceptability issues, and carried out in vitro bioactivity testing of these complexes using human anti-gastrointestinal cancer, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant assays. Demonstration of encapsulation was performed by physical, enzymic and chemical measurements. The New Zealand propolis γCD, αCD, and βCD complexes inhibited the proliferation of 4 human gastro-intestinal cancer cell lines, with the extent of inhibition increasing with increasing exposure time. The complexes were also strongly anti-inflammatory in vitro with respect to the cytokine TNF-α, and showed strong lipid anti-oxidant activity. The bioassay results give a strong first indication of beneficial gastro-intestinal health potential of New Zealand propolis - cyclodextrin complexes.