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

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: Thetumorincidences were observed. Comparedto the control group, the honey pre-treated miceshoweda significant inhibition in tumor incidences. In addition, the enhanced uptake of [3H]-thymidine in mice skinDNAwas 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 oilmediated murine skin tumor promotion. In conclusion, we suggest that honey as an effective natural preventive agent may provide protection against skin cancer.