Chemical Composition Of Propolis Research Articles

The antiviral and immunomodulatory activities of propolis: An update and future perspectives for respiratory diseases.

Propolis is a complex natural product that possesses antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antibacterial, and antiviral properties mainly attributed to the high content in flavonoids, phenolic acids, and their derivatives. The chemical composition of propolis is multifarious, as it depends on the botanical sources from which honeybees collect resins and exudates. Nevertheless, despite this variability propolis may have a general pharmacological value, and this review systematically compiles, for the first time, the existing preclinical and clinical evidence of propolis activities as an antiviral and immunomodulatory agent, focusing on the possible application in respiratory diseases. In vitro and in vivo assays have demonstrated propolis broad‐spectrum effects on viral infectivity and replication, as well as the modulatory actions on cytokine production and immune cell activation as part of both innate and adaptive immune responses. Clinical trials confirmed propolis undeniable potential as an effective therapeutic agent; however, the lack of rigorous randomized clinical trials in the context of respiratory diseases is tangible. Since propolis is available as a dietary supplement, possible use for the prevention of respiratory diseases and their deleterious inflammatory drawbacks on the respiratory tract in humans is considered and discussed. This review opens up new perspectives on the clinical investigation of neglected propolis biological properties which, now more than ever, are particularly relevant with respect to the recent outbreaks of pandemic respiratory infections.

Propolis and Its Gastroprotective Effects on NSAID-Induced Gastric Ulcer Disease: A Systematic Review

Gastric ulcer disease induced by the consumption of NSAIDs is a major public health problem. The therapy used for its treatment causes adverse effects in the patient. Propolis is a natural product that has been used for the treatments of different diseases around the world. Nevertheless, there is little information about the activity of propolis in gastric ulcers caused by treatment with NSAIDs. Therefore, this review evaluates and compares the gastroprotective potential of propolis and its function against NSAID-induced gastric ulcers, for which a systematic search was carried out in the PubMed and ScienceDirect databases. The main criteria were articles that report the gastroprotective activity of propolis against the damage produced by NSAIDs in the gastric mucosa. Gastroprotection was related to the antioxidant, antisecretory, and cytoprotective effects, as well as the phenolic compounds present in the chemical composition of propolis. However, most of the studies used different doses of NSAIDs and propolis and evaluated different parameters. Propolis has proven to be a good alternative for the treatment of gastric ulcer disease. However, future studies should be carried out to identify the compounds responsible for these effects and to determine their potential use in people.

EFFECTS OF HONEY BEE RACE AND SEASON ON PROPOLIS COMPOSITION

Honey bees collect the main material of propolis from the buds, leaves, branches, and barks or other botanical sources and mixed that resinous material with beeswax produced from abdominal exocrine glands, mandibular gland secretions, and pollen to produce propolis. The composition of propolis changes depends on multiple factors such as honey bee races, geographical locations, phytogeography, harvesting seasons, extraction methods and solvents. In this study, two different studies were conducted in two different locations in order to reveal the effect of race and season variables on the composition and antioxidant value of propolis. The effect of race factor was studied on three different honey bee races (Apis mellifera caucasica, Apis mellifera syriaca and Apis mellifera carnica) and two different ecotypes (Muğla ecotype and Yığılca ecotype) to investigate the effects of race factor on propolis composition in Central Anatolia by under the controlled conditions. The effect of seasonal change was determined by Yığılca ecotype of A. melifera anatoliaca in the apiary located in Yığılca, Düzce location. Studied samples were harvested by propolis trap between May and October. Total phenolic content, total antioxidant capacity and chemical profiles of propolis samples were determined using HPLC-UV. The obtained results showed that honey bee race and season have an effect on the antioxidant capacity and chemical composition of propolis.

Geographic Area of Collection Determines the Chemical Composition and Antimicrobial Potential of Three Extracts of Chilean Propolis.

The biological properties of chilean propolis have been described and include antibacterial, antifungal and antibiofilm activities. Propolis has a strong antimicrobial potential. Clinical experiences with synthetic antibiotics indicated the need to discover new sources of bioactive compounds associated with ethnopharmacological knowledge or natural sources such as propolis. The microscopic analysis of pollen grains from plants allows us to determine the botanical origin of the propolis samples. In Angol, sample pollen grains were obtained from fodder plants (Sorghum bicolor; Lotus sp.) and trees, such as Acacia sp., Pinus radiata, Eucalyptus sp. and Salix babylonica. Propolis from the Maule region contains pollen grains from endemic plants such as Quillaja saponaria. Finally, the sample obtained from Melipilla presented a wider variety of pollen extracted from vegetable species.Colorimetric assays performed to quantify the total polyphenols present in Chilean propolis samples established that PCP2 (Angol sample) showed high amounts of phenolics compounds, with significant statistical differences in comparison with the other samples. The main compounds identified were pinocembrin, quercetin and caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE). The Angol sample showed a high content of polyphenols.Studies that determine the influence of geographical and floral variables on the chemical composition of propolis are a valuable source of information for the study of its biological properties.

Application of propolis in agriculture

ABSTRACT This work carried out a literary review of the different aspects related to the use of propolis in the management of plant crops and their advances in agriculture. Propolis is a product widely known for its therapeutic capacity. Due to its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, among other biological activities, its use has been studied in agriculture. Studies they show that the use of propolis via ethanolic propolis extract (EEP) provides beneficial effects on crops. These benefits are associated with the control of phytopathogens, postharvest preservation and conservation of fruits and vegetables and promotion of plant growth. There is evidence that benefits are the result of the propolis chemical composition that is especially rich in phenolic compounds and nutrients. In addition, the typical waxy property of propolis results in an efficient biofilm in plant tissues. There are still scarce reports showing that the use of EEP in crop management controls the presence of insects and reduces water stress in plants. Generally, studies are mainly focused on in vivo and greenhouse evaluations, requiring further research to elucidate the full potential of the use of propolis in crop management.

Biomedical Properties of Propolis on Diverse Chronic Diseases and Its Potential Applications and Health Benefits.

The use of alternative medicine products has increased tremendously in recent decades and it is estimated that approximately 80% of patients globally depend on them for some part of their primary health care. Propolis is a beekeeping product widely used in alternative medicine. It is a natural resinous product that bees collect from various plants and mix with beeswax and salivary enzymes and comprises a complex mixture of compounds. Various biomedical properties of propolis have been studied and reported in infectious and non-infectious diseases. However, the pharmacological activity and chemical composition of propolis is highly variable depending on its geographical origin, so it is important to describe and study the biomedical properties of propolis from different geographic regions. A number of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, obesity, and cancer, are the leading causes of global mortality, generating significant economic losses in many countries. In this review, we focus on compiling relevant information about propolis research related to diabetes, obesity, and cancer. The study of propolis could generate both new and accessible alternatives for the treatment of various diseases and will help to effectively evaluate the safety of its use.

Effect of antioxidant-rich propolis and bee pollen extracts against D-glucose induced type 2 diabetes in rats

The present study was designed to investigate the preventive effect of propolis, bee pollen and their combination on Type 2 diabetes induced by D-glucose in rats. The study was carried out by feeding daily two concentrations (100 and 200 mg/Kg BW) of propolis or bee pollen (or their combination to normal (non-diabetic) and diabetic rats for a period of 16 weeks. In vivo biochemical changes associated to diabetes are induced by drinking a solution containing 10% of D-glucose (diabetic rats). The in vitro antioxidant activity was also evaluated and the chemical composition of propolis and bee pollen extracts was determined by UHPLC-DAD. Phytochemical composition of propolis and bee pollen revealed the presence of several natural antioxidants, such as hydroxycinnamic acids, hydroxybenzoic acids, flavonoids, flavan-3-ols and stilbens. The major antioxidant compound present in propolis was Naringin (290.19 ± 0.2 mg/Kg) and in bee pollen was apigenin (162.85 ± 17.7 mg/Kg). These results have been related with a high antioxidant activity, more intense in propolis extract. In rats, the administration of D-glucose had induced hyperglycemia (13.2 ± 0.82 mmol/L), increased plasmatic insulin levels (25.10 ± 2.12 U/L) and HOMA-IR index (14.72 ± 0.85) accompanied with dyslipidemia, elevation of hepatic enzyme levels, and a change in both serum renal biomarkers and plasmatic calcium. The co-administration of propolis and bee pollen extracts alone or in combination restored these biochemical parameters and attenuated the deleterious effects of D-glucose on liver and kidney functions. Furthermore, these effects were better attenuated in the combined therapy-prevented diabetic rats. Hence, it is possible to conclude that propolis and bee pollen can be used as a preventive natural product against diabetes induced dyslipidemia and hepato-renal damage.

Multivariate calibration: Identification of phenolic compounds in PROPOLIS using FT‐NIR

AbstractThe chemical composition of propolis is complex and varies according to location, seasonality, and vegetation where the hives are located. Raw and macerated propolis produced in different regions of Brazil were assessed and produced iPLS models from FTNIR combined to multivariate calibration to determine total phenolic content (TPC). The spectra of raw propolis were obtained analyzing samples directly, without treatment or processing, while macerated propolis was submitted to the milling process using liquid nitrogen. Concerning the results, the TPC ranged from 3.61 to 90.4 mg GAE g‐1, which indicates a significant difference among samples. It was possible to conclude that macerated propolis presented the best multivariate calibration obtained from the second derivative and SNV pre‐processing. The error values RMSECV and RMSEP were 3.79 and 6.17 mg GAE g‐1 respectively, while the determination coefficients in the calibration, cross‐validation, and external validation were 0.97, 0.87, and 0.82, respectively.

Antibacterial Effect of Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester on Cariogenic Bacteria and Streptococcus mutans Biofilms.

Dental caries is the most common disease in the human mouth. Streptococcus mutans is the primary cariogenic bacterium. Propolis is a nontoxic natural product with a strong inhibitory effect on oral cariogenic bacteria. The polyphenol-rich extract from propolis inhibits S. mutans growth and biofilm formation, as well as the genes involved in virulence and adherence, through the inhibition of glucosyltransferases (GTF). However, because the chemical composition of propolis is highly variable and complex, the mechanism of its antimicrobial action and the active compound are controversial and not completely understood. Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) is abundant in the polyphenolic compounds from propolis, and it has many pharmacological effects. In this study, we investigated the antibacterial effects of CAPE on common oral cariogenic bacteria (Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sobrinus, Actinomyces viscosus, and Lactobacillus acidophilus) and its effects on the biofilm-forming and cariogenic abilities of S. mutans CAPE shows remarkable antimicrobial activity against cariogenic bacteria. Moreover, CAPE also inhibits the formation of S. mutans biofilms and their metabolic activity in mature biofilms. Furthermore, CAPE can inhibit the key virulence factors of S. mutans associated with cariogenicity, including acid production, acid tolerance, and the bacterium's ability to produce extracellular polysaccharides (EPS), without affecting bacterial viability at subinhibitory levels. In conclusion, CAPE appears to be a new agent with anticariogenic potential, not only via inhibition of the growth of cariogenic bacteria.

Phytochemical Constituents, Antioxidant, Cytotoxic, and Antimicrobial Activities of the Ethanolic Extract of Mexican Brown Propolis

Propolis is a complex mixture of natural sticky and resinous components produced by honeybees from living plant exudates. Globally, research has been dedicated to studying the biological properties and chemical composition of propolis from various geographical and climatic regions. However, the chemical data and biological properties of Mexican brown propolis are scant. The antioxidant activity of the ethanolic extract of propolis (EEP) sample collected in México and the isolated compounds is described. Cytotoxic activity was evaluated in a central nervous system and cervical cancer cell lines. Cytotoxicity of EEP was evaluated in a C6 cell line and cervical cancer (HeLa, SiHa, and CasKi) measured by the 3-(3,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)2,5-diphenyltetrazolium (MTT) assay. The antibacterial activity was tested using the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assay. Twelve known compounds were isolated and identified by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR). Additionally, forty volatile compounds were identified by means of headspace-solid phase microextraction with gas chromatography and mass spectrometry time of flight analysis (HS-SPME/GC-MS-TOF). The main volatile compounds detected include nonanal (18.82%), α-pinene (12.45%), neryl alcohol (10.13%), and α-pinene (8.04%). EEP showed an anti-proliferative effect on glioma cells better than temozolomide, also decreased proliferation and viability in cervical cancer cells, but its effectiveness was lower compared to cisplatin.

Comprehensive multivariate correlations between climatic effect, metabolite-profile, antioxidant capacity and antibacterial activity of Brazilian red propolis metabolites during seasonal study

The standardization of apiceutical products like as propolis extracts has been widely debated worldwide and variations in the propolis chemical composition are still very relevant topics for use-standardized of different propolis-type as medication by much of the world’s population. The present manuscript discuss important issues related to the climate effect and variations in propolis metabolite-profiling changes, antioxidant capacity and variations of the antibacterial activity of the Brazilian red propolis metabolites using comprehensive multivariate correlations. It was observed the increasing of guttiferones concentrations during the intense drought period and drastic decreasing in rainy period. The climate variation induced the high concentration of flavonoids in rainy period with pronounced dropped in some rainy months. The Pearson´s analysis demonstrated correlation between IC50 from DPPH and guttiferones and flavonoids concentrations. The PCA-X and Hotelling T2 test showed outliers during the months with lowest concentrations of formononetin and isoliquiritigenin was observed in antibacterial tests. The PLS-DA, OPLS-DA and VIP analysis demonstrate guttiferone E, guttiferone B, liquiritigenin, naringenin are considered important substances responsible by anti-staphylococcal activity in red propolis composition during the rainy season and drought period, but a synergistic effect with other flavonoids and isoflavonoids are not ruled out.

Impact of sterilization process on chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of propolis

Hygiene of the bee products, especially for the use of people, is very important. Although many studies have been done to prevent bacterial contamination of honey and pollen, there is a lack of research on the hygiene of propolis. Although the risk of contamination by spore-forming bacteria is high, bees use propolis to clean hives. In order to determine the standard propolis quality, the sterilization process will be a matter of scientific interest in near future. Thus, this study examines the impact of sterilization process on chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of propolis. In this study, 250 grams of propolis was collected, and the sample was divided into three parts. Raw propolis (RP) was sterilized without any pretreatment, but sterilization made it sticky and hard, and it burned during the process. Both sterilized (SEEP) and non-sterilized (NSEEP) ethanol extracts of propolis samples were analyzed by GC-MS for their chemical contents. Susceptibility patterns of three bacteria (Escherichia coli, Staphyllococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and one yeast (Candida albicans) strains to NSEEP and SEEP were assessed by the disc diffusion method. The MIC values were determined for both NSEEP and SEEP. The results show that NSSEP contains far more chemical components than SEEP, and its antimicrobial activity is much higher. It is easy to say that the sterilization process changes the chemical composition of propolis and leads to the loss of some substances and its antimicrobial activity. Therefore, it is not considered necessary. Instead of microbial contamination, chemical contamination constitutes a greater risk for human consumption.

Seasonal variation of propolis from southern Brazil:

Previous studies have reported on the phytotherapeutic potential of propolis from southern Brazil (Urupema, Santa Catarina State), in particular, its efficacy in the treatment of bovine mastitis. The present study evaluates the effect of seasonal variation on the chemical composition of propolis from southern Brazil and its resultant antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities in the context of treating bovine mastitis. Antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus was assessed, along with the cytotoxicity and induction of apoptosis in MAC-T bovine mammary epithelial cells. With the exception of spring propolis, the flavonoid quercetin was the main compound present in all samples. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of propolis against S. aureus from mastitic milk was 140 μg/mL for samples collected during the spring, autumn, and winter seasons, but 280 μg/mL for samples collected in summer. For MAC-T cells, the spring propolis extract was more toxic with an IC50 of 120 μg/mL. However, for 120 μg/mL of spring propolis extract, only 0.77% of necrotic and 37% of apoptotic MAC-T cells were found, respectively. Nonetheless, the induction of cell deaththrough apoptosis by propolis extract suggests less severe damage to bovine mammary glands. Moreover, only negligible seasonal variation was found in the chemical composition of propolis from southern Brazil, and no biological activities were determined to be harmful. Therefore, this propolis shows promise as an alternative to commercial antimicrobials in the control of bovine mastitis, offering support for organic milk production.

Insight on Propolis from Mediterranean Countries: Chemical Composition, Biological Activities and Application Fields.

This review updates the information upon the chemical composition of propolis from all Mediterranean countries as well as their biological properties and applications. The non-volatile fraction of propolis was characterized by the presence of phenolic acids and their esters and flavonoids. Nevertheless, in some countries, diterpenes were also present: Sicily (Italy), Croatia, Malta, Creta (Greece), Turkey, Cyprus, Egypt, Libya, Algeria and Morocco. The volatile fraction of propolis was characterized by the presence of benzoic acid and its esters, mono- and sesquiterpenes, being the oxygenated sesquiterpene β-eudesmol characteristic of poplar propolis, whereas the hydrocarbon monoterpene α-pinene has been related with the presence of conifers. Regardless the chemical composition, there are common biological properties attributed to propolis. Owing to these attributes, propolis has been target of study for applications in diverse areas, such as food, medicine and livestock.

Magnetite nanoparticles functionalized with propolis against methicillin resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus

Abstract Magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs) have been evaluated for inhibiting microbial growth and biofilm formation. In this study the effect of the nanocomposite Moroccan propolis extract / MNPs acting against methicillin resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was evaluated. Chemical composition of propolis was established by pyrolysis coupled to gas chromatography and mass spectrometry method (pyrolysis GC/MS). MNPs were obtained through the co-precipitation method. The fabricated nanostructure was characterized by X-ray Diffraction (DRX), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), and Fourier Transform-Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). TEM of MNPs provided a particle average size of 15 nm, FTIR spectral analysis enabled a fast way of identification of MNPs, attesting the occurrence of the different combinations. The use of MNPs loaded with propolis and the antibiotic chloramphenicol at Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) value inhibited the bacterial growth of MSSA (methicillin susceptible strain of S. aureus) and MRSA strains. After the treatment with MNPs-OA-P-CLo nanocomposite (MNPs with oleic acid, propolis and chloramphenicol), the disruption of the bacterial cell was observed by TEM. The combination of propolis and chloramphenicol in free form at MIC value largely impaired both MSSA and MRSA strains as, after 2 h of treatment, no viable cells of MRSA 2 and MRSA 16 were recovered. Hence, the results elucidated a new antibacterial nanocomposite synthesis, for possible applications as prospective nanoantibacterial agents or drug carriers.

Fourier transform near infrared spectroscopy as a tool for predicting antioxidant activity of propolis

The propolis chemical composition is complex, varied, and closely related to characteristics of the vegetation and location where the hives are located. The objective of this work was to determine the antioxidant activity through FRAP methodology in propolis (raw, macerated, ethanolic extract and concentrated ethanolic extract) using a rapid and non-destructive method namely Fourier transform near-infrared (FTNIR) spectroscopy. By the results obtained for the antioxidant activity it can be verified that the samples of propolis present a very diversified chemical profile, for the FRAP methodology the samples of propolis collected in Três Barras – SC and Campo Magro – PR showed the highest activities: 1.8 × 103 and 1.6 × 103 μmol of Fe2+ g−1 respectively. It was possible to conclude that the macerated propolis presented the best multivariate calibration model established with the Savitzky-Golay (SG) + Constant Offset Elimination (COE) preprocessed spectra, where the R2 and 0.95 and 113 for FRAP determination. The error values RMSEC, RMSECV and RMSEE were 73, 1.3 × 102 and 81 μmol Fe2+ g−1, respectively. The FRAP model for macerated propolis was validated and can be used for quantification of antioxidant activity of new extracts of propolis, being useful as an alternative to rapid analysis, reducing waste generation and cost.

Impact of propolis on the oral health

Propolis is a natural resinous substance collected by honey bees from buds and exudates of plant species, mixed with bee enzymes, pollen and wax. It has a complex composition with a wide range of effects, including antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antiflogistic, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, carcinostatic and immunomodulatory properties. It is often applied in the treatment of diseases involving the oral cavity and gums. The aim of this paper is to describe the therapeutic properties of propolis, chemical composition and its application in the oral cavity. Literature and systematic information on the composition and the effects of propolis on health were collected, with particular reference to the use in the treatment of oral cavity diseases. The chemical composition of propolis is very complex. The health impact depends on the biologically active components it contains. A particularly important application is in the treatment of diseases of the oral cavity. Studies show that propolis can help prevent dental caries and control gingivitis and plaque. It reduces halithosis (bad breath) and symptoms of periodontosis. It is also effective in fighting viruses. It can have significant application in orthodontics and restorative dentistry. A wide range of effects allows the multiple uses of propolis-based products. Recent research has been increasingly focused on diseases of the oral cavity. The development of novel propolis-based pharmaceutical forms could significantly reduce the use of antibiotics in conventional treatment of diseases of the oral cavity.

Botanical origin of triterpenoids from Yucatecan propolis

Propolis is a resinous material produced by bees from plant exudates; the most common secondary metabolites found in propolis are poliphenolics with different biological activities. Nevertheless, to date, there are a number of reports describing the presence of triterpenoids in propolis. This work describes the isolation and identification of the triterpenoids mangiferolic acid (1), iso-mangiferolic acid (2), and dammarenediol II (3), together with a number of ubiquitous pentacyclic triterpenes, from the extract of a propolis sample collected in Yucatan, Mexico. While the cycloartanes 1 and 2 have been reported previously from propolis samples collected in Africa, Asia and South America, this is the first report of 3 as a component in propolis. The botanical origin of 3 and the pentacyclic triterpenes has been traced to the resin of Bursera simaruba, a tree commonly found in Yucatan peninsula. The results of this investigation confirm the close relationship between the flora surrounding the beehive and the chemical composition of propolis.

Effect of poplar-type propolis on oxidative stability and rheological properties of O/W emulsions

Propolis is known to possess antioxidant activity. However, there is no information on this activity in emulsions O/W. The protective effect of propolis on the oxidation and rheological properties of emulsions O/W containing wheat germ and almond oils was evaluated. Emulsions O/W were prepared with different concentration of propolis extract, almond oil and wheat germ oil. All emulsions physically stable without phase separation were stored at 37 °C for 9 weeks. Chemical composition of propolis was established by Gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. Rheological characterization of different emulsions was performed evaluating consistency index and flow behavior index. The oxidation was monitored by measuring the lipid hydroperoxides and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) methods. Flavonoids, phenolic acid esters, and aromatic acids were the main groups of compounds found in propolis. The results showed that popolis was good antioxidant in the concentration of 0.02 and 0.04% when lipid phase was constituted by almond oil. The rheological behavior is typical of a non-Newtonian fluid, being almond oil more adequate for having a higher stable O/W emulsion.

Chemical composition of propolis from the Baha region in Saudi Arabia

The chemical composition of organic compounds in the extractable organic matter of propolis collected from the Baha region of Saudi Arabia was investigated. The propolis samples were extracted with methanol followed by column chromatography and collected in fractions (15 ml), then analysed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Samples were injected with and without derivatization using BSTFA simultaneously. The results showed that a total of 61 chemical compounds were characterized and identified by analysing each of the fractions. Out of these, 33 compounds have not been reported previously. The Baha sample contains a high amount of aromatic acids, alcohol and phenol aldehydes. In addition to these, some other compounds (aliphatic acids, sugar derivatives, steroid derivatives and flavone derivatives) were also present. Some of the identified compounds have shown diverse biological activities: antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic activities. Methanolic extraction of propolis followed by column chromatography and GC-MS resulted in the separation of a high number of compounds compared with propolis samples from different geographical regions. The new identified compounds were found related to the flora of the Baha region. Therefore, the composition of propolis differs according to the plants found in the area in which it is produced. This may be used in the determination of a geographical area as the source of a propolis sample.