Abstract
Geopropolis is a resin mixed with mud, produced only by stingless bees. Despite being popularly known for its medicinal properties, few scientific studies have proven its biological activities. In this context, the objective of this study was to determine the chemical composition and antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimutagenic and antimicrobial activities of the Melipona orbignyi geopropolis. The hydroalcoholic extract of geopropolis (HEGP) was prepared and its chemical composition determined by high performance liquid chromatography coupled to diode array detector and mass spectrometry (HPLC-DAD-MS). The antioxidant activity was determined by the capture of free radicals and inhibition of lipid peroxidation in human erythrocytes. The anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated by the inhibition of the hyaluronidase enzyme and the antimutagenic action was investigated in Saccharomyces cerevisiae colonies. The antimicrobial activities were determined against bacteria and yeasts, isolated from reference strains and hospital origin. The chemical composition of HEGP included flavonoids, derivatives of glycosylated phenolic acids and terpenoids. HEGP showed high antioxidant activity, it inhibited the activity of the inflammatory enzyme hyaluronidase and reduced the mutagenic effects in S. cerevisiae. In relation to the antimicrobial activity, it promoted the death of all microorganisms evaluated. In conclusion, this study reveals for the first time the chemical composition of the HEGP of M. orbignyi and demonstrates its pharmacological properties.
Highlights
Geopropolis is an apicultural product used in popular medicine for the treatment of digestive, respiratory, visual, female fertility, and dermatosis problems, in addition to being antiseptic and immunostimulatory [1,2]
The objective of this study was to investigate the chemical composition and antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimutagenic and antimicrobial properties of the geopropolis produced by M. orbignyi
The content of phenolic compounds present in the M. orbignyi geopropolis extract was 121 ± 0.6 mg expressed in mg of gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g of hydroalcoholic extract of geopropolis (HEGP), and the total flavonoid content was 19.9 ± 1.1 mg expressed in mg of quercetin equivalent (QE)/g HEGP
Summary
Geopropolis is an apicultural product used in popular medicine for the treatment of digestive, respiratory, visual, female fertility, and dermatosis problems, in addition to being antiseptic and immunostimulatory [1,2]. In Brazil, it is used by indigenous communities in the Amazon region [3] and in the northeast of the country [4] This material is exclusively produced by stingless bees (Hymenoptera, Apidae, and Meliponinae) [5,6,7] found in the Neotropical region [8]. Bees add their mandibular secretions and waxes to the exudates collected from plant materials and mix mud into the result, conferring unique characteristics to this product [7]. This material is used in the beehive to seal cracks, provide mechanical protection and prevent excessive entry of air [9]. Some scientific reports have described the therapeutic properties of the geopropolis produced by different species of stingless bees, such as antimicrobial [5], anticancer [2], antioxidant [7,10], anti-inflammatory [6,11], gastroprotective [12] and antiviral [13] activities
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
