Investigation of chemical composition and in vitro anticancer properties of essential oil obtained from anatolia propolis

Propolis, a mixture produced by bees to protect their hives, has multiple uses due to its biological characteristics. Chemical composition of propolis completely varies according to the geographical features of the area is produced. In recent years, there are great interest for plant-derived essential oil and investigation of their biological activity. In this context, this study consist of the determination of chemical content and in vitro anticancer properties of essential oils derived from propolis samples supplied from different city of Anatolia (Ankara, Bingöl, Kastamonu, Kırklareli, Konya, Malatya, Muğla and Osmaniye). Maximally measured essential oil components of propolis were determined by using GC-MS as curcumene (24.90%) in Ankara, α-bisabolol (9.44%) in Bingol, δ-selinene (% 7.54) in Kastamonu, α-bisabolol (25.45%) in Kırklareli, ɣ-selinene (19.88%) in Konya, naphthalene-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-1,6 dimethyl-4- (1-methylethyl) (1.54%) in Malatya, β-pinene (16.11%) in Muğla and cembrene (0.59%) in Osmaniye, respectively. IC50 values range from 108.61 to 751.40 µg/ml and IC30 values range from 44.89 to 411.84 µg/mL of propolis essential oils were determined form MCF-7 breast cancer cells for anticancer properties. The lowest IC30 and IC50 values were calculated for essential oils of Konya propolis as 44.89 and 108.61µg/mL, respectively. According to these results, the highest anticancer activity was determined from essential oil of Konya propolis. In this activity, it is considered that ɣ-selinene (19.88%) only detected from essential oil of Konya propolis has an important contribution. As a result of, difference of the propolis content according to collecting area has led to differentiation of the types and proportions of essential oil. In addition, the anticancer activity of essential oils of the Anatolian propolis and content relationship has been revealed by this study.