Brazilian Red Propolis Extract Research Articles

Effects of simulated gastrointestinal digestion/epithelial transport on phenolics and bioactivities of particles of brewer’s spent yeasts loaded with Brazilian red propolis

Red propolis from northeast Brazil contains mainly isoflavonoids as bioactive compounds, and its consumption may counteract unregulated and exacerbated formation of reactive oxygen species and inflammatory cytokines/chemokines. Moreover, the production of particles using sustainable carriers have been studied to increase the use of propolis as a functional food ingredient. Hence, the objective of this work was to investigate the effects of simulated gastrointestinal digestion followed by a cell-based epithelial transport on phenolic profile, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of particles of brewer’s spent yeasts (BSY) loaded with ethanolic extract of Brazilian red propolis (EEP). As a result, the EEP phenolic diversity decreased throughout the simulated gastrointestinal system, and was modulated by the particle production, as detected by high-performance liquid chromatography – electrospray ionization – quadrupole-time-of-flight-mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS). Concomitantly, the antioxidant activity, as assessed by the ability to scavenge peroxyl and superoxide radicals, hydrogen peroxide, and hypochlorous acid, generally decreased at a higher extent for the particles of EEP with BSY (EEP-BSY) throughout the experiments. Nonetheless, after epithelial transport through the Caco-2 cell monolayer, the basolateral fraction of both EEP-BSY and EEP decreased the activation of pro-inflammatory transcription factor NF-κB by 83% and 65%, respectively, as well as the release of TNF-α (up to 51% and 38%, respectively), and CXCL2/MIP-2 (up to 33% and 25%, respectively). Therefore, BSY may be an interesting carrier for EEP bioencapsulation, since it preserves its anti-inflammatory activity. Further studies should be encouraged to investigate the feasibility of adding it in formulations of functional foods, considering its effect on sensory attributes.

Brazilian red propolis extract free and encapsulated into polymeric nanoparticles against ovarian cancer: formulation, characterisation and biological assays in 2D and 3D models.

The aims of this work were to develop polymeric nanoparticles with Brazilian red propolis extract and compare their action with the free extract against ovarian cancer cells. Box Behnken design was used and nanoparticles were characterised using the techniques dynamic light scattering, nanoparticle tracking analysis, transmission electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry and encapsulation efficiency. Activity against OVCAR-3 was also tested on 2D and 3D models. Nanoparticles' sizes were ~200 nm with monomodal size distribution, negative zeta potential, spherical shape and with extract molecularly dispersed. Encapsulation efficiency was above 97% for the biomarkers chosen. Nanoparticles had greater efficacy in comparison with free propolis in OVCAR-3. So far, the nanoparticles here described have the potential to be a chemotherapy treatment in the future.

Dynamic gastrointestinal digestion/intestinal permeability of encapsulated and nonencapsulated Brazilian red propolis: Active compounds stability and bioactivity

The objectives were to investigate the effect of dynamic gastrointestinal digestion/Caco-2 cell transport on active compounds stability and antioxidant/anti-inflammatory activities of the ethanolic extract of Brazilian red propolis (EEBRP), whether encapsulated or not; and the in vivo acute toxicity of the EEBRP after digestion. Eight isoflavonoids, one flavanone, and one chalcone were identified by HPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS, and quantified by HPLC-PDA. Bioaccessibility was higher for the encapsulated EEBRP (21.4%-57.6%) than for the nonencapsulated (19.3%-30.2%). Conversely, the Caco-2 cell transport was higher for the nonencapsulated EEBRP. Similarly, the nonencapsulated EEBRP showed higher ability to scavenge reactive oxygen species, which was especially attributed to calycosin, and to decrease NF-κB activation, and the levels of TNF-α and CXCL2/MIP-2 after Caco-2 cell transport. Hence, there is an indication that EEBRP is a promising alternative dietary source of bioavailable isoflavonoids. Further studies on encapsulation should be encouraged to improve bioactivity, and expand its food applications.

Evaluation of the release, stability and antioxidant activity of Brazilian red propolis extract encapsulated by spray-drying, spray-chilling and using the combination of both techniques

Red propolis, originary from Northeast Brazil, has a unique composition and a great commercial interest. However, due to the presence of ethanol and its remarkable sensory characteristic, its application in food products is challenging. Thus, the aim of this work was to microencapsulate the red propolis extract by spray-drying, spray-chilling, and combining both techniques. The particles loaded with propolis extracts were characterised and evaluated according to the stability of phenolic compounds, flavonoids and formononetin, during 60 days of storage. In addition, the formononetin release was also monitored during the oral, gastric, and intestinal phases in the in vitro digestion process. All produced particles presented matrix-type with size, distribution, shape, hygroscopicity, and dispersibility parameters that varied according to the carrier and encapsulation process applied. The techniques used to fabricate the particles efficiently obtained powdered propolis extract and protected the extract's bioactive compounds, total flavonoids and formononetin throughout the analysed period. The gastrointestinal release study presented distinctive releases in all phases (oral, gastric, and intestinal). The spray-dried particles, for example, released formononetin mainly in the oral stage. While the spray-chilled particles were primarily released in the intestinal phase, and coated particles were released gradually throughout the assay, reaching maximum relief in the intestinal phase. In conclusion, using microencapsulation techniques by spray-drying, spray-chilling, and their combination developed particles with different levels of protection during storage, releases and characteristics, which resulted in a range of possible applications in the food, feed, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries.

Genotoxicity and toxicological evaluations of Brazilian red propolis oral ingestion in a preclinical rodent model

Ethnopharmacological relevanceBrazilian red propolis is a natural product known due to its medicinal properties. The efficacy of this natural resin has been proved; however, few studies report the safety of its oral use. Some toxic effects of natural products may not be expressed in traditional use, and preclinical studies are necessary to guarantee their safety. Health regulatory agency currently requires these non-clinical studies to develop drugs and herbal medicines, including genotoxic and oral toxicity tests. Aim of the studyAccomplish the preclinical toxicity studies of Brazilian red propolis extract (BRP) in rodents, including genotoxicity, acute and sub-chronic toxicities. Material and methodsGenotoxicity assays followed the erythrocyte micronucleus test protocol in a range of 500–2000 mg/kg BRP oral treatment on male Swiss mice. After an up-and-down procedure, acute oral toxicity (single dose) was performed on female Wistar Hannover rats, reaching a 2000 mg/kg BRP oral gavage concentration. Animals were monitored periodically until 14 days and euthanized for a macroscopic necropsy analysis. The sub-chronic oral toxicity test (90 days) was achieved with 1000 mg/kg of BRP on Wistar Hannover rats (males/females). Animals were monitored to evaluated behavioral and biometrical changes, then were euthanized to perfomed hematological, biochemical, and histopathological analyses. ResultsNo genotoxic effect of the BRP was detected. The acute toxicity indicated no toxicity of a single oral dose of 2000 mg/kg of BRP. The long-term oral toxicity performed with 1000 mg/kg of BRP altered water and food intake and the biometrics, hematological and biochemical parameters. Biochemical alterations in hepatic and renal parameters were detected only in the males. Despite the detection of biochemical alterations, no histopathological changes were detected in the organs of any group. ConclusionsBRP, at a higher dose, showed no signs of immediate toxicity. However, the obtained results suggest that the chemical composition and the intake of higher doses deserve special attention regarding possible toxicity.

Brazilian Red Propolis Presents Promising Anti-H. pylori Activity in In Vitro and In Vivo Assays with the Ability to Modulate the Immune Response.

Helicobacter pylori is a Gram-negative, microaerophilic, curved-rod, flagellated bacterium commonly found in the stomach mucosa and associated with different gastrointestinal diseases. With high levels of prevalence worldwide, it has developed resistance to the antibiotics used in its therapy. Brazilian red propolis has been studied due to its biological properties, and in the literature, it has shown promising antibacterial activities. The aim of this study was to evaluate anti-H. pylori from the crude hydroalcoholic extract of Brazilian red propolis (CHEBRP). For this, in vitro determination of the minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentration (MIC/MBC) and synergistic activity and in vivo, microbiological, and histopathological analyses using Wistar rats were carried out using CHEBRP against H. pylori strains (ATCC 46523 and clinical isolate). CHEBRP presented MIC/MBC of 50 and 100 μg/mL against H. pylori strains (ATCC 43526 and clinical isolate, respectively) and tetracycline MIC/MBC of 0.74 µg/mL. The association of CHEBRP with tetracycline had an indifferent effect. In the stomach mucosa of rats, all treatments performed significantly decreased the number of H. pylori, and a concentration of 300 mg/kg was able to modulate the inflammatory response in the tissue. Therefore, CHEBRP showed promising anti-H. pylori in in vitro and in vivo assays.

In vitro Evaluation of Antimicrobial Activity of Brazilian Red Propolis Containing-dentifrice

Published on:August 2022Journal of Young Pharmacists, 2022; 14(3):333-336Original Article | doi:10.5530/jyp.2022.14.65Authors: Francineudo Oliveira Chagas1, João Hildo de Carvalho Furtado Júnior1, Hilana Valéria Dodou1, Marta Maria de França Fonteles1, Renato Daniel de Freitas2, Edilson Martins Rodrigues Neto1, Emmanuel Arraes de Alencar Júnior1, Juliana Araujo Sarmento3, Sarah Gabrielle Sousa de Oliveira Rodrigues4, Patricia Leal Dantas Lobo1, Ana Cristina de Mello Fiallos1, Mary Anne Medeiros Bandeira1 1Pharmacy, Dentistry and Nursing School, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, BRAZIL.2Dental School, Federal University of Ceará, Sobral, BRAZIL. 3Dental School, Sao Leopoldo Mandic, Campinas, BRAZIL.4Medical School, Assis Chateaubriand Maternity School- MEAC, Fortaleza, Ceará, BRAZIL. Abstract: Background: This study evaluated the antimicrobial activity of brazilian red propolis (BRP) dentifrice and compare in vitro. Materials and methods: Strains of S. mutans ATCC UA159 were used in the present study. This study compared the antibacterial effects of BRP extract, BRP containingdentifrice and one antimicrobial commercial dentifrice (Parodontax) against S. mutans. For the evaluation of the antimicrobial activity the microdilution method was used in culture broth. The strain was activated by incubation at 37°C overnight in Brain Heart Infusion (BHI) culture medium, in an anaerobic jar. To the wells of the microplates were added 100μL of BHI broth, 20μL of the substances tested (experimental groups), at concentrations ranging from 100 μL/mL to 0.0488 μL/mL, and 80 μL/mL of the standardized microbial suspension. The microplates were incubated for 24 hr in a bacteriological oven at 37°C. Visual inspection of the colour changes and reading in BioTek microplate reader at 570nm was performed to determine the Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC). Mean values and standard deviations were calculated. ANOVA followed by Dunnett’s test was performed; p-value of less than 0.05 was considered significant. Results: BRP extract and BRP containing-dentifrice showed antimicrobial activity against S. mutans up to the concentration of 0.3906 μg/mL. The BRP extract and dentifrice showed bactericidal effect at a concentration of 1.5625, but was able to reduce microbial viability at a concentration of up to 0.3906. Parodontax dentifrice showed antimicrobial activity at all dilutions (p< 0.05), presenting a bactericidal effect in the same concentration of the extract (1.5625). It was concluded that all the groups observed had antimicrobial activity against S. mutans. There was no difference between the propolis extract and the common dentifrice. Conclusion: BRP in pure form and processed in a toothpaste shows some antimicrobial activity against S. mutans but less than a commercial toothpaste containing herbal extracts and sodium bicarbonate.Keywords: Propolis, Streptococcus mutans, Dentifrice, Biofilm, Dental decay.

Hypolipidemic and Anti‐Obesity Effects of Hydroalcoholic Extract of Brazilian Red Propolis in a Rodent Model of Dyslipidemia

AbstractThe widespread use of Brazilian red propolis extract promotes an increased production rate in the Northeast region of Brazil, with an impressive economic turnover for the region. The rational use of the hydroalcoholic extract of red propolis (HERP) raises the question about its value against obesity. In this work, the aim is to evaluate the anti‐obesity effect of HERP in rats submitted to hyperlipid dietary (HLD) supplementation. HERP extraction yield is 17.46% (m/v). The major chemical components of HERP are found to be daidzein (4.16 ± 0.22 mg g−1), formononetin (9.21 ± 0.10 mg g−1), and biochanin A (7.08 ± 0.09 mg g−1). After 8 weeks, the animals under HLD supplementation show significantly greater body weight gain, while after the subsequent 4‐week treatment with HERP, HLD–HERP animal shows lower body weight gain than HLD‐vehicle animals. Oral administration of HERP also attenuates the pathological changes in the liver, kidney, and large intestine caused by HLD supplementation. This study demonstrates that HERP treatment has a hypolipidemic effect in a rodent model of dyslipidemia and that HERP minimizes the impact of a hyperlipidic diet on murine body weight parameters and abdominal fat accumulation.Practical Applications: Brazilian red propolis is being exploited for a range of biomedical applications. It is demonstrated that its extract has hypolipidemic effect in a rodent model of dyslipidemia and minimizes the impact of a hyperlipidic diet on murine body weight parameters and abdominal fat accumulation.

Long‐term Effects of Brazilian Red Propolis Ethanolic Extract on Biochemistry and Histopathological Parameters of Wistar Rats

Propolis is a natural product extensively used in the drug and food industry around the world due to its medicinal properties. Among the most prominent types of propolis in the world there is the red type, and one of its production centers is the Brazilian northeast. Several biological activities from Brazilian red propolis have been studied and its efficacy has been proved; however, there are few studies that report the safety of its use. This study assessed the biochemical and morphological long‐term effects of oral consume (90 days) of Brazilian red propolis extract in Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus, males and females). Animals were divided into three groups: vehicle (polyethylene glycol 15%), red propolis (1000 mg/kg body weight – limit test described by the OECD 408, 2018) (n=10 per group), and satellite (treated with propolis at the same dose) (n=5 per group). The satellite group had a recovery period of 30 days after daily oral gavage of 90 days, before euthanasia. During the treatment period, water and food consumption and animal weight analysis were monitored. After the experimental period, animals were euthanized and samples were collected for biochemical and histopathological analyses. Statistical analysis was performed using GraphPad Prism software version 6.0. The experimental protocol for the use of animals was approved by the Ethics Committee on Animal Use (N° 9701030418). Alterations in the weight of males treated with red propolis were observed (propolis and satellite), being the groups with lower body mass during the experiment. The red propolis group also presented an increased water intake, compared to the other groups. On the other side, the males of the satellite group presented lowest food consumption compared to the other groups. A greater relative mass of the liver in animals of red propolis groups of both sexes were noticed. However, biochemical alterations in hepatic and renal parameters were detected just in the males. Urea levels increased in the propolis and satellite groups, whereas creatinine decreased just on the propolis group. The alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels increased on the red propolis group, and the aspartate aminotransferase (AST) values increased on the satellite group. Total protein content decreased on animals of propolis and satellite groups of both sexes. Similarly, on the propolis and satellite males, the triglycerides levels decreased. Despite the detection of biochemical alterations, no histopathological changes were detected in the organs of any group. In conclusion, Brazilian red propolis extract in a higher dose, showed no signs of immediate toxicity. However, some alterations in the relative weight of the liver and on some renal and hepatic function indicators were observed. These results, suggests that the chemical composition ‐isoflavonoids, pterocarpans and polyprenylated benzophenones‐, and the higher dosage may be strongly related to the potential sub‐chronic toxic effects observed in this study and that its action may be sex‐dependent manner.

Cardioprotective effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Brazilian red propolis against isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction in rats

BackgroundThe pharmacological effects of propolis have mainly been investigated in various fields of medicine as an essential resource for the prevention and treatment of diseases. PurposeThis study examined the cardioprotective effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Brazilian red propolis (BRPHE) against isoproterenol (ISO)-induced myocardial infarction in rats. MethodsRats were pretreated with BRPHE (50, 75, and 150 mg/kg) for 30 days, with concurrent administration of ISO (85 mg/kg) during the last two days. The hemodynamic, biochemical, histological, and morphometric changes were monitored from control and experimental groups at the end of the experiment, i.e., on the 31st day. Phytochemical compounds were determinated by the UV–Vis spectrophotometric and UPLC-DAD-UV–Vis methods. ResultsISO-induced myocardial infarcted rats showed an increase in cardiac marker enzymes, i.e., in creatine kinase-NAC (CK-NAC) and CK-MB, tachycardia, myocardium necrosis, edema, hemorrhagic areas, infiltration of inflammatory cells like lymphocytes, and increased myocardial infarct size. However, pretreatment of ischemic rats with BRPHE significantly inhibited these effects of ISO. Thus, histopathological findings obtained for the myocardium further confirmed the biochemical findings. Flavonoids and phenols were identified in BRPHE. ConclusionOur results suggested that BRPHE pretreatment ameliorated myocardial injury in ISO-induced myocardial infarcted rats and exhibited cardioprotective activity.

Propolis in Oral Healthcare: Antibacterial Activity of a Composite Resin Enriched With Brazilian Red Propolis.

The aim of this study was to obtain a Brazilian red propolis (BRP) enriched composite resin and to perform the characterization of its antibacterial activity, mechanical, and physical-chemical properties. Brazilian red propolis ethyl acetate extract (EABRP) was characterized by LC-ESI-Orbitrap-FTMS, UPLC-DAD, antibacterial activity, total flavonoids content, and radical scavenging capacity. BRP was incorporated to a commercial composite resin (RC) to obtain BRP enriched composite at 0.1, 0.15 and 0.25% (RP10, RP15 and RP25, respectively). The antibacterial activity RPs was evaluated against Streptococcus mutans by contact direct test and expressed by antibacterial ratio. The RPs were characterized as its cytotoxicity against 3T3 fibroblasts, flexural strength (FS), Knoop microhardness (KHN), post-cure depth (CD), degree of conversion (DC%), water sorption (Wsp), water solubility (Wsl), average roughness (Ra), and thermal analysis. Were identified 50 chemical compounds from BRP extract by LC-ESI-Orbitrap-FTMS. EABRP was bacteriostatic and bactericide at 125 and 500 μg/ml, respectively. The RP25 exhibited antibacterial ratio of 90.76% after 1 h of direct contact with S. mutans (p < 0.0001) while RC no showed significative antibacterial activity (p = 0.1865), both compared with cell control group. RPs and RC no showed cytotoxicity. RPs exhibited CD from 2.74 to 4.48 mm, DC% from 80.70 to 83.96%, Wsp from 17.15 to 21.67 μg/mm3, Wsl from 3.66 to 4.20 μg/mm3, Ra from 14.48 to 20.76 nm. RPs showed thermal resistance between 448–455°C. The results support that propolis can be used on development of modified composite resins that show antibacterial activity and that have compatible mechanical and physical-chemical properties to the indicate for composite resins.

Preparation and characterization of chitosanates loaded with Brazilian red propolis extract

Preparation and characterization of chitosanates loaded with Brazilian red propolis extract

A validated HPLC-UV method for the analysis of phenolic compounds in Brazilian red propolis and Dalbergia ecastaphyllum

Propolis is a natural product produced from the interaction between bees and plants. Brazilian red propolis results from Apis mellifera collection of resins from two plant species, being Dalbergia ecastaphyllum(L.) Taub, Fabaceae, the primary botanical source, containing isoflavonoids and other characteristic phenolic compounds. Several biological activities of Brazilian red propolis and their isolated compounds have been described in the literature. However, to our knowledge, there are no validated analytical methods for the analysis and standardization of products derived from this type of propolis reported in the literature. We developed a reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography analytical method for the detection and quantification of nine red propolis chemical markers: liquiritigenin, calycosin, isoliquiritigenin,formononetin, vestitol, neovestitol, medicarpin, biochanin A, and 7-O-methylvestitol, present in Brazilian red propolis extracts and D. ecastaphyllum. The developed method was also applied to the analyses of D. ecastaphyllum samples and seasonal analysis of Brazilian red propolis. Good detection response, linearity, precision, and robustness were obtained by the method, being reliable for the quality control of Brazilian red propolis extracts, raw propolis, plant material, and their derived products. The red propolis chemical markers were present in D. ecastaphyllum stems at lower concentrations. The seasonal analysis of Brazilian red propolis extract showed higher phenolic compound concentration on periods of the rainy season with higher humidity and lower solar radiation.

Effect of the addition of brazilian red propolis extract in ground beef

Meat has important nutritional characteristics for the diet, being a source of high biological value animal protein, and containing important vitamins for the organism. Ground beef is one of the most consumed meat products, which has an increased surface area, and also a high potential for inadequate storing conditions, which reinforces the relevance of innovative technologies for its preservation, such as the use of propolis – a highly diversified product with antimicrobial and antioxidant activities, seen as a component capable of prolonging shelf life. This study evaluated the effects of the addition of Brazilian red propolis extract to ground beef as a natural antioxidant for 0, 7, 14 and 21 days of storage at a temperature of 7 ºC. The physicochemical parameters of water, protein, lipids and ash content remained stable until the 14th day of storage, while the microbiological ones presented peaks of contamination by Coliforms at 35 and 45 ºC in the same period, however, the absence of Salmonella sp/25g in the meat analyzed, made it suitable for human consumption, thus confirming the effectiveness of using red propolis extract in its conservation.

Active Antioxidant Phenolics from Brazilian Red Propolis: An Optimization Study for Their Recovery and Identification by LC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS.

Brazilian red propolis (BRP) is a natural product widely known for its phenolic composition and strong antioxidant properties. In this study, we used the Box–Behnken Design (BBD) with Surface Response Methodology to optimize the extraction conditions for total phenolic content (TPC) and Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity(TEAC) of bioactive phenolics from BRP. The extraction time, ethanol/water concentration and temperature, were tested. All variables had significant effects (p ≤ 0.05), with a desirability coefficient of 0.88. Under optimized conditions (90% ethanol at 80 °C for 30 min), the BRP extract showed a TPC of 129.00 ± 2.16 mg GAE/g and a TEAC of 3471.76 ± 53.86 µmol TE/g. Moreover, FRAP and ORAC assays revealed that the optimized BRP extract had 1472.86 ± 72.37 µmol Fe2+/g and 4339.61 ± 114.65 µmol TE/gof dry weight, respectively. Thirty-two phenolic compounds were tentatively identified by LC-QTOF-ESI-MS/MS, of which thirteen were found for the first time in BRP, including four flavones, one flavanol, two flavanones, two chalcones, and four isoflavonoids. Thus, our results highlight the importance of BRP as a source of a wide variety of phenolic compounds with significant antioxidant properties.

Polyphenols and Brazilian red propolis incorporated into a total-etching adhesive system help in maintaining bonding durability

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to evaluate the degree of conversion and bond strength of a commercial dental adhesive modified by the incorporation of quercetin, resveratrol (RES), and Brazilian red propolis (BRP). MethodsBRP markers were identified using ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with a diode array detector, and the antioxidant activity (AAO) of the three substances was analyzed. Single Bond 2 adhesive (3M ESPE) was modified by adding BRP, quercetin, and RES, separately, at 20 μg/mL, 250 μg/mL, and 500 μg/mL, respectively. The degree of conversion (DC) was measured using near-infrared spectroscopy 24 h after photopolymerization. Measurements of the resin-dentin microtensile bond strength (μTBS) were carried out after 1 day and 1 year. Student's t test and ANOVA with Tukey's test were used for data analysis (α = 0.05). ResultsThe markers daidzein, liquiritigenin, pinobanksin, isoliquiritigenin, formononetin, pinocembrin, and biochanin A were found in the ethanolic extract of BRP. Quercetin, RES, and BRP showed high AAO. The DC of the tested adhesives remained adequate for this category of material, with a slight increase in the DC of adhesives with quercetin and BRP (P > 0.05). Comparisons between μTBS measurements made at 1 day and 1 year showed that, contrary to the control group, μTBS values for all modified adhesives were maintained after 1 year in distilled water (P > 0.05). ConclusionsThese findings suggest that quercetin, RES, or BRP might be useful in adhesive dentistry to help improve hybrid layer resistance. Clinical significanceDentin bonding agents with quercetin, RES, and BRP have potential to increase the longevity of composite restorations.

Biosynthesis and characterization of gold nanoparticles using Brazilian red propolis and evaluation of its antimicrobial and anticancer activities

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are highlighted due to their low toxicity, compatibility with the human body, high surface area to volume ratio, and surfaces that can be easily modified with ligands. Biosynthesis of AuNPs using plant extract is considered a simple, low-cost, and eco-friendly approach. Brazilian Red Propolis (BRP), a product of bees, exhibits anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities. Here, we described the biosynthesis of AuNPs using BRP extract (AuNPextract) and its fractions (AuNPhexane, AuNPdichloromethane, AuNPethyl acetate) and evaluated their structural properties and their potential against microorganisms and cancer cells. AuNPs showed a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) band at 535 nm. The sizes and morphologies were influenced by the BRP sample used in the reaction. FTIR and TGA revealed the involvement of bioactive compounds from BRP extract or its fractions in the synthesis and stabilization of AuNPs. AuNPdichloromethane and AuNPhexane exhibited antimicrobial activities against all strains tested, showing their efficacy as antimicrobial agents to treat infectious diseases. AuNPs showed dose-dependent cytotoxic activity both in T24 and PC-3 cells. AuNPdichloromethane and AuNPextract exhibited the highest in vitro cytotoxic effect. Also, the cytotoxicity of biogenic nanoparticles was induced by mechanisms associated with apoptosis. The results highlight a potential low-cost green method using Brazilian red propolis to synthesize AuNPs, which demonstrated significant biological properties.

Caseinates loaded with Brazilian red propolis extract: preparation, protein-flavonoids interaction, antioxidant and antibacterial activities

Caseinates loaded with Brazilian red propolis extract: preparation, protein-flavonoids interaction, antioxidant and antibacterial activities

In vitro protective effect of topical nanoemulgels containing Brazilian red propolis benzophenones against UV-induced skin damage.

The overexposure of the skin to ultraviolet (UV) radiation may lead to oxidative stress, resulting in severe damage. The prevention of skin injuries through the topical application of natural compounds rich in antioxidants, such as propolis extracts, has shown promising results. In Brazil, the "red propolis" extract has stood out due to its complex constitution, based mainly on polyprenylated benzophenones (BZP). However, although the use of red propolis extracts has been shown to be encouraging, their addition in topical formulations is limited by the low solubility of BZP. For this reason, this study aimed to develop topical nanoemulgels containing Brazilian red propolis (BRP) extract to increase the potential of topical application, and the evaluation of skin protection against UVA/UVB radiation damage by means of protein carbonylation, protein thiol content and TBARS assays. The nanoemulgels were obtained by adding gelling polymer to nanoemulsions that were previously prepared by spontaneous emulsification. In this sense, a nanoemulgel containing BRP extract-loaded nanoemulsions (H-NE) and a nanoemulgel containing BRP extract-loaded nanoemulsions with DOTAP (H-NE/DT) were prepared. The physicochemical characterization of nanoemulgels showed monodisperse populations of 200-300 nm. The H-NE zeta potential was -38 mV, while that of H-NE/DT was +36 mV. BZP content in the formulations was around 0.86 mg g-1. These parameters remained stable for 90 days under cold storage. H/NE and H-NE/DT presented a non-Newtonian pseudoplastic rheological behavior. Permeation/retention studies, through porcine ear skin, showed the highest BZP retention (18.11 μg cm-2 after 8 h) for H-NE/DT, which also demonstrated, in an in vitro study, the highest ability to protect skin against oxidative damage after UVA/UVB radiation exposure. The results concerning the antioxidant activity revealed that formulations containing the BRP n-hexane extract were the most promising in combating oxidative stress, probable due to the presence of polyprenylated BZP. Altogether, the outcomes of this study suggest that nanoemulgels have suitable characteristics for topical application, and may be an alternative for the prevention of oxidative skin damage caused by UVA/UVB radiation.

Brazilian red propolis extract enhances expression of antioxidant enzyme genes in vitro and in vivo.

Brazilian red propolis reportedly has reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging effects in vitro, but the cellular mechanisms remain unclear. In the present study, the effects of an ethanol extract of Brazilian red propolis (EERP) on the Nrf2-ARE intracellular antioxidant pathway were examined in vitro and in vivo. EERP and its constituents transactivated the reporter gene through the ARE sequence and enhanced the expression of Nrf2-regulated genes in HEK293 cells. It also increased Nrf2 protein in the nucleus, which was partially inhibited by kinase inhibitors. Furthermore, EERP suppressed ROS generation and cytotoxicity induced by tert-butyl hydroperoxide. In vivo, orally administered EERP increased the expression of Nrf2-regulated genes in mice liver. These results suggest that EERP is a potential resource for preventing oxidative stress-related diseases as an Nrf2 inducer.