Novel compounds of Taiwanese green propolis induce apoptosis of human glioblastoma cells by daylight photodynamic action

Daniel Tzu-Hsuan Chen; Shin-Yi Huang; Ta-Chun Liu; Yao-Kuan Chen

doi:10.1080/20565623.2025.2464491

Novel compounds of Taiwanese green propolis induce apoptosis of human glioblastoma cells by daylight photodynamic action

Future Sci OA. 2025 Dec;11(1):2464491. doi: 10.1080/20565623.2025.2464491. Epub 2025 Feb 10.

Authors

Daniel Tzu-Hsuan Chen¹, Shin-Yi Huang², Ta-Chun Liu³, Yao-Kuan Chen⁴

Affiliations

¹ Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Science, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
² Oxperial Biohealth Ltd, Oxford, UK.
³ Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
⁴ Dr. Oxford Biotech Factory Co., Ltd, Taichung, Taiwan.

Abstract

Background: Glioblastoma, an aggressive brain cancer, has limited treatment options and poor prognosis. Taiwanese green propolis, known for its tumor-inhibitory properties, shows promise when combined with photodynamic therapy (PDT), a targeted, low-toxicity treatment. This study investigated a novel Taiwanese green propolis-based compound for inducing apoptosis in glioblastoma cells and its synergistic potential with daylight PDT.

Methods: Ethanol extracts of green propolis, wheatgrass, and mulberry leaves were combined and analyzed using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Apoptosis induction in U87 glioblastoma cells was assessed via the MTT assay following treatment with the compound alone and in combination with daylight PDT at 570 nm.

Results: We identified Artepillin C as the main active component in the compound by HPLC, which significantly induced apoptosis in glioblastoma cells. Combined with daylight PDT, it demonstrated enhanced efficacy, with cell viability reduced from 95.2% at 0.25 µL to 11.3% at 8 µL of the compound extract. The EC₅₀ decreased, indicating greater apoptotic activity compared to the extract alone.

Conclusion: This study provides the first in vitro evidence of synergistic anti-tumor effects of a Taiwanese green propolis-based compound daylight PDT (GPDT), highlighting a promising novel therapeutic approach that warrants further clinical investigation.

Keywords: GPDT; Photodynamic therapy (PDT); Taiwanese green propolis; apoptosis; cancer; combination therapy; human glioblastoma.

Plain language summary

Glioblastoma is a fast-growing and deadly brain cancer. It is hard to treat, and most patients do not live long. In our study, we tested new compounds made from Taiwanese green propolis, wheatgrass, and mulberry leaves. These compounds are known to help fight cancer. We also used a method called daylight photodynamic therapy (PDT), which uses light to safely activate the treatment.Our results showed that the new compounds can destroy cancer cells. When combined with daylight PDT, they worked even better. This is the first study to show that green propolis-based compound and daylight PDT (GDPT) can work together to destroy cancer cells. While the results are new, more research is needed to make sure it is safe and can help patients.