Compounds In Propolis Research Articles

Propolis: a natural compound with potential as an adjuvant in cancer therapy - a review of signaling pathways.

Propolis is a natural product used in cancer treatment, which is produced by bees via different sources. The chemical composition of Propolis is determined based on the climatic and geographical conditions, as well as harvesting time and method. This compound has been the subject of numerous investigational endeavors due to its expansive therapeutic capacity which includes antibacterial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-viral, and anti-cancer effects. The growing incidence rate of different cancers necessitates the need for developing novel preventive and therapeutic strategies. Chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and stem cell therapy have proved effective in cancer treatment, regardless of the adverse events associated with these modalities. Clinical application of natural compounds such as Propolis may confer promise as an adjuvant therapeutic intervention, particularly in certain subpopulations of patients that develop adverse events associated with anticancer regimens. The diverse biologically active compounds of propolis are believed to confer anti-cancer potential by modulation of critical signaling cascades such as caffeic acid phenethyl ester, Galangin, Artepillin C, Chrysin, Quercetin, Caffeic acid, Nymphaeols A and C, Frondoside A, Genistein, p-coumaric acid, and Propolin C. This review article aims to deliver a mechanistic account of anti-cancer effects of propolis and its components. Propolis can prevent angiogenesis by downregulating pathways involving Jun-N terminal kinase, ERK1/2, Akt and NF-ƘB, while counteracting metastatic progression of cancer by inhibiting Wtn2 and FAK, and MAPK and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways. Moreover, propolis or its main components show regulatory effects on cyclin D, CDK2/4/6, and their inhibitors. Additionally, propolis-induced up-regulation of p21 and p27 may result in cell cycle arrest at G2/M or G0/G1. The broad anti-apoptotic effects of propolis are mediated through upregulation of TRAIL, Bax, p53, and downregulation of the ERK1/2 signaling pathway. Considering the growing body of evidence regarding different anti-cancers effects of propolis and its active components, this natural compound could be considered an effective adjuvant therapy aimed at reducing related side effects associated with chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Design of experiment for extraction optimization and antioxidant assay studies of biologically active compounds of propolis

Bees gather propolis from tree sap and combine it with their saliva to seal and sanitize the hive. There are various countries where propolis extracts are used in food and beverage as additives mainly due to the presence of phenolic compounds. Therefore, extraction is the initial and the most vital step in the purification and recovery of phenolic compounds from propolis. The purpose of this study is to enhance propolis extract yield by thoroughly optimizing the extraction process and to evaluate and compare the antioxidant assay of the propolis extracts. Several factors such as the chemical nature of phenolic compounds, composition of solvents, temperature and solvent pH may influence the extraction efficiency and quantity of phenolic compounds. These factors have been extensively studied by univariant optimization; however, the univariant optimization fails to consider the effect of interaction between variables on extraction efficiency. Therefore, the Design of Experiment (DoE) approach is adopted in this study in order to evaluate the correlation between various parameters and their impacts on the extraction of propolis in order to determine TPC, TFC, and DPPH scavenging activity. The DoE was carried out to correctly optimize different extraction parameters including the percentage of ethanol in extraction solvent, temperature and time. The ethanol percentage showed the highest F ratio and minimum p-value for the extraction of 28 total phenolic compounds and flavonoids with a negative correlation showing the presence of more polar compounds in propolis. While in the case of DPPH scavenging assay, the temperature was found to have a significantly positive effect on the extraction efficiency. Optimized extraction parameters obtained by the design were found to be different for TFC, TPC and DPPH, e.g., optimum solvent composition for TFC, TPC and DPPH were 51%, 50% and 90%, respectively. The ultrasonic extracts of propolis showed a higher TPC (574.017 µg GAE/g); in 51% ethanol/water at 25 °C while sonicated for only 2 min. The total flavonoid content (TFC) was found higher (353.16 µg Quercetin/g) in 50% ethanol/water when sonicated for 60 min at 56 °C. DPPH scavenging assay showed higher capacity (1617.27 µg Ascorbic acid/g) in 90% ethanol/water at 62 °C for 60 min sonication. Fourteen propolis samples from Pakistan and Turkey were extracted in order to compare TPC, TFC, and DPPH assay results. In Pakistani propolis, the TPC, TFC, and DPPH scavenging assay varies from 418–1026 µg/g, 264–866 µg/g, and 302–1162 µg/g, respectively. Turkish propolis was demonstrated to have higher TPC, TFC, and DPPH scavenging assay values than Pakistani propolis, with values of 1312–1535 µg/g, 1182–1446 µg/g, and 885–2756 µg/g, respectively. It was found that propolis produced naturally possesses more potential phenolic compounds than propolis purchased from farmer’s markets.

Bioactive Compounds in Propolis from Wallacetrigona incisa and Their Application as Antibacterial Agent: In vitro and Molecular Docking Approach

Propolis, an extremely sticky and resinous substance collected by honeybees, has been widely used as a health food, antioxidant, and antimicrobial. Utilization of propolis as nutraceutical depends on the bioactive compounds contained therein. The plant source, type of bees, and region of honeybees are the main factors affecting the chemical composition of the bioactive compounds in propolis. This study aims to determine the bioactive compounds in propolis from Wallacetrigona incisa using LC-MS/MS and to analyze their antibacterial activity by in vitro and molecular docking approach. A series of propolis with different concentration (5, 7.5, 10, 20, 30, and 100 % w/v) were tested against five bacteria (P. acnes, S. aureus, S. epidermidis, B. subtilis, and E. coli) using disk diffusion method. The inhibition mechanism against the bacteria was studied by molecular docking approach. For the LC-MS/MS analysis, seven bioactive compounds were detected in the propolis from W. incisa: ganoderic acid R, mulberranol, schizandrin A (deoxyschizandrin), neoquassin, octahydrocurcumin, isorhamnetin, and 2-methoxyanofinic acid. Moreover, for the antibacterial activity, propolis has strong inhibition at concentration of 30% and 100%, and better efficacy on Gram-positive bacterial species (S. epidermidis, B. subtilis, S. aureus, P. acnes) than gram-negative bacterial (E. coli). Ganoderic acid R and mulberranol were found to be the most potential bioactive compounds of the propolis as antibacterial agents due to their good performance in interacting with target proteins of bacteria.

Uncovering the anti-breast cancer activity potential of east Kalimantan propolis by In vitro and bioinformatics analysis

Numerous side effects of breast cancer drugs have prompted researchers to explore more into new therapeutic approaches derived from natural substances. In this context, our study focused on uncovering the potential of East Kalimantan propolis from Trigona apicalis for breast cancer treatment including the underlying mechanisms through bioinformatics approached. We conducted integrated in vitro and bioinformatics analysis of network pharmacology, molecular docking, molecular dynamics and MM-GBSA analysis. Initially, in vitro cytotoxic assay demonstrated the anti-breast cancer activity potential of ethanol extract of East Kalimantan propolis, particularly its ethyl acetate fraction, which exhibited similar activity to doxorubicin, as indicated by their IC50 value. This study revealed eight propolis compounds, consisting of flavonoids and phenolic acids, in East Kalimantan propolis. By integrating microarray datasets (GSE29431, GSE36295, and GSE42568) analysis with potential targets derived from propolis compounds, 39 shared target genes were identified. Subsequently, GO and KEGG pathway, protein–protein interaction (PPI) network, core hub genes and gene expression analysis revealed three major targets, namely, PTGS2, CXCL2, and MMP9. Among them, only MMP9 was highly expressed in breast cancer than normal. Moreover, molecular docking revealed the six of propolis compounds which exhibited pronounced binding affinity towards MMP-9, better than marimastat as control drug. Dynamic simulation confirmed the stability of chrysin and quercetin as best compounds. Additionally, MM-GBSA analysis revealed a relative binding energy for chrysin (−25.6403 kcal/mol) that was comparable to marimastat (−27.3827 kcal/mol). In conclusion, this study reveals how East Kalimantan Propolis affect breast cancer and emphasizes MMP9 as a key target for future therapeutics.

Analysis and evaluation of quality parameters of commercial propolis products using a new high Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) method and Comparison of antimicrobial properties

Propolis, which has an important place in functional foods, is a natural bee product with high biological active value and is consumed in different formulations and packages worldwide. Thanks to the active compounds it contains, propolis shows biological properties such as antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antiprotozoal, antitumoral, antiulcer and anti-inflammatory. However, it is seen that propolis supplements are prepared unconsciously in the market.Such commercial products need to be standardized. Within the scope of this study, characteristic compounds of Turkish propolis were initially determined with support from the literature. Subsequently, bioactive components of 23 commercial propolis products were analyzed using the new HPLC method. Then, the flavonoid content and antimicrobial activity of the samples were determined.According to the results of these analyses, the amounts of Caffeic Acid (2,16–1620,57 ppm, Quercetin (0,19–203,99 ppm), Apigenin (0,30–319,08 ppm), Kaempferol (0,56–251,15 ppm), Chrysin (3,97–2830,93 ppm), and Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester (13,08–9666,48 ppm) were found to be quite different. The highest flavonoid content was measured as P2: 20847,43 mg/L and the lowest was 00003,10 mg/L in sample P13. Samples prepared for children were found to be highly diluted in terms of content. Again, it was determined that the samples with high preservation of active ingredients were products with production certificates based on laboratory analyzes. The samples were generally found to have inhibition activity against Gram (+) bacteria. Propolis samples P6 and P22 showed high activity against Gram (+) and Gram (−) bacteria and even fungi. When we evaluated some products that are insufficient in terms of content and antimicrobial activity, it was observed that antimicrobial activity increased depending on the other auxiliary chemicals used in the products. In this context, propolis products, which are very valuable in terms of health, may lose their real activity due to uncontrolled production and will gradually be devalued in the market. It is important that this valuable product should be produced and offered to the market with the necessary analysis methods without losing its effectiveness.

Green Propolis: A Review of Pharmaceutical Patents with Potential Therapeutic Applications

Abstract: Green propolis is a resin produced from Baccharis dracunculifolia, which has as its main compounds flavonoids, derivatives of cinnamic acids, such as artepillin C and baccarin. This resin has antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer activities. This review aimed to analyze pharmaceutical patents containing green propolis in various formulations. The search was conducted in the National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI), the Patent Search of Spain and Latin America (Latipat-Espacenet), the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), and Google Patents, with a combination of the keywords green propolis, green propolis extract, pharmacology, and pharmaceutical product. Primary research identified 60 patents, from which 22 were selected after applying the inclusion criteria. The selected patents referred to products with pharmacological activities, from cancer treatment to food supplements and included innovations for improved controlled release of the green propolis compounds. Most of the documents concerned the preparation and/or formulation of the green propolis extract, followed by innovative extraction methods, treatment and systemic use, and finally by topical use and quality control techniques and procedures. Thus, the reviewed patents of green propolis provided valuable insights into the pharmaceutical applications of green propolis, showing its potential in diverse formulations and treatments.

Phytochemical Profile, Antioxidant, Enzyme Inhibition, Acute Toxicity, In Silico Molecular Docking and Dynamic Analysis of Apis Mellifera Propolis as Antidiabetic Supplement.

This study aims to identify the phytochemical profile of Apis mellifera propolis and explore the potential of its anti-diabetic activity through inhibition of α-amylase (α-AE), α-glucosidase(α-GE), as well as novel antidiabetic compounds of propolis. Apis mellifera propolis extract (AMPE) exhibited elevated polyphenol 33.26±0.17 (mg GAE/g) and flavonoid (15.45±0.13 mg RE/g). It also indicated moderate strong antioxidant activity (IC50 793.09±1.94 μg/ml). This study found that AMPE displayed promising α-AE and α-GE inhibition through in vitro study. Based on LC-MS/MS screening, 18 unique AMPE compounds were identified, with majorly belonging to anthraquinone and flavonoid compounds. Furthermore, in silico study determined that 8 compounds of AMPE exhibited strong binding to α-AE that specifically interacted with its catalytic residue of ASP197. Moreover, 2 compounds exhibit potential inhibition of α-GE, by interacting with crucial amino acids of ARG315, ASP352, and ASP69. Finally, we suggested that 2,7-Dihydroxy-1-(p-hydroxybenzyl)-4-methoxy-9,10-dihydrophenanthrene and 3(3-(3,4-Dihydroxybenzyl)-7-hydroxychroman-4-one as novel inhibitors of α-AE and α-GE. Notably, these compounds were initially discovered from Apis mellifera propolis in this study. The molecular dynamic analysis confirmed their stable binding with both enzymes over 100 ns simulations. The in vivo acute toxicity assay reveals AMPE as a practically non-toxic product with an LD50 value of 16,050 mg/kg. Therefore, this propolis may serve as a promising natural product for diabetes mellitus treatment.

Encapsulation of propolis extracted with methylal in the chitosan nanoparticles and its antibacterial and cell cytotoxicity studies

In this study we develop novel type of antibacterial chitosan-propolis NPs to improve theantimicrobial activity against various pathogens. To this aim, we primarily extracted propolis with methylal and ethanol as green solvents and its encapsulation with chitosan NPs. The developed propolis loaded chitosan NPs indicated antimicrobial and anti-biofilm properties against various gram positive and negative. FTIR revealed the successful encapsulation of the propolis extract with Ethanol (PE) and Methylal (PM) into the chitosan nano career matrix. HPLC and GC-MASS also confirmed the presence of flavonoids and phenols compounds of propolis extracted with both solvents. In addition, we confirmed the total phenolic and flavonoid compounds in propolis by calorimetric method of Folin–Ciocalteu and aluminum trichloride complex formation assays, respectively. PE-CH and PM-CH were optimized regarding physicochemical properties such as particle size, zeta potential, and poly dispersity index (PDI) index. DLS and SEM micrographs confirmed a spherical morphology in a range of 360–420 nm with Z potential values of 30–48 mV and PDI of 0.105–0.166 for PE-CH and PM-CH, respectively. The encapsulation efficiency was evaluated using colorimetric analysis, with median values ranging from 90 to 92%. The MIC values within the range of 2 to 230 µg/ml and MBC values between 3 to 346 μg/ml against both gram-positive and negative bacteria. While both PE and PM showed a significant reduction in the number of E. coli, S. aureus, and S. epidermidis, the use of PE-CH and PM-CH led to a statistically significant and greater reduction in number of E. coli, S. aureus, and S. epidermidis strains on the biofilm, pre-formed biofilm and planktonic phases. Besides, the DPPH assay showed significant antioxidant activity for these NPs within the range of 36 to 92%. MTT assay for MHFB-1, HFF, L929, MDF, and MCF-7 cells exhibited statistically significant differences in each other that show the IC50 between 60–160 µg/ml for normal cells and 20 for cancer cells. Finally the present study indicated that both PM and PM-CH greater than PE and PE-CH in which contain high flavonoid and phenolic contents with a high antioxidation potential antioxidant properties, which could be beneficial for cell proliferation and antibiotic and anticancer applications.

Chemical Composition of Volatile and Extractive Components of Canary (Tenerife) Propolis.

The vegetation of the Canary Islands is characterized by a large number of endemic species confined to different altitudinal levels. It can be assumed that these circumstances determine the characteristic features of the chemical composition of local beekeeping products, including propolis. We report, for the first time, the chemical composition of propolis from Tenerife (Canary Islands). The volatile emissions of three propolis samples collected from different apiaries are represented by 162 C1-C20 compounds, of which 144 were identified using the HS-SPME/GC-MS technique. The main group of volatiles, consisting of 72 compounds, is formed by terpenoids, which account for 42-68% of the total ion current (TIC) of the chromatograms. The next most numerous groups are formed by C6-C17 alkanes and alkenes (6-32% TIC) and aliphatic C3-C11 carbonyl compounds (7-20% TIC). The volatile emissions also contain C1-C6 aliphatic acids and C2-C8 alcohols, as well as their esters. Peaks of 138 organic C3-C34 compounds were recorded in the chromatograms of the ether extracts of the studied propolis. Terpene compounds form the most numerous group, but their number and content in different samples is within very wide limits (9-63% TIC), which is probably due to the origin of the samples from apiaries located at different altitudes. A peculiarity of the chemical composition of the extractive substances is the almost complete absence of phenylcarboxylic acids and flavonoids, characteristic of Apis mellifera propolis from different regions of Eurasia and North America. Aromatic compounds of propolis from Tenerife are represented by a group of nine isomeric furofuranoid lignans, as well as alkyl- and alkenyl-substituted derivatives of salicylic acid and resorcinol.

Activity of propolis compounds as potential MMP1 and MMP2 inhibitors by in silico studies in wound healing application

Context: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play a critical role in wound healing, with higher levels seen in chronic wounds, delaying healing. Since ancient times, propolis has been widely used for traditional wound healing. However, there is still limited research on MMP1 and MMP12. Aims: To evaluate new candidates of propolis compounds for targeting MMP1 and MMP12 using in silico studies supported by experimental screening using LC-MS/MS quadrupole-time of flight (QTOF). Methods: Compounds in propolis were screened using LC-MS/MS QTOF. The 3D structure of all compounds in propolis and protein targets was prepared in Autodock and Biovia Discovery Studio. The molecular docking of all compounds in propolis was carried out using Autodock on PyRx 0.9. Drug-likeness and ADMET analysis of selected compounds in propolis with the lowest affinity were observed. Lastly, molecular dynamic simulations of the best compounds in propolis were conducted using the GROMACS 2020 package. Results: Eleven flavonoid and phenolic compounds were identified in propolis using LC-MS/MS QTOF analysis. Molecular docking simulations showed that licoflavone A and pinostrobin exhibited the lowest binding affinity to MMP1 and MMP12, respectively. Molecular dynamic simulations revealed that licoflavone A formed a more stabilized complex with MMP1, while pinostrobin formed a more stabilized complex with MMP12 than the native ligand. Conclusions: This study revealed new candidates for MMP1 and MMP12 inhibitors from propolis compounds that can enhance wound healing. It is hoped that the evidence gathered in this study provides crucial new information in exploring new wound-healing medications.

Potential Active Compounds of Propolis as Breast Anticancer Candidates: In Silico Study

Potential Active Compounds of Propolis as Breast Anticancer Candidates: In Silico Study

Investigation of Active Compounds in Propolis Structure Against Sars Cov-2 Main Protease by Molecular Docking Method: In Silico Study

It was aimed to investigate the active ingredients limonin, quercetin and kaempferol in propolis against SARS-CoV-2 main protease(MPro) using in silico methods. Absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) screening of ligands assists US to state their absorption properties, toxicity, and drug-likeness. Ligand molecules obtained from PubChem in smiles format were loaded on SWISSADME and PROTOX-II webservers for ADMET screening. The three compounds in propolis were obtained from the PubChem database. Compounds were located at the active site of the SARS-CoV-2 MPro receptor with PDB ID:6LU7. Molecular docking work was done with Autodock program. Molecular docking results were found as -8.7 kcal/mol in limonin, -7.5 kcal/mol in quercetin and -7.7 kcal/mol in kaempferol. In silico ADMET estimation showed they have a potential for antiviral therapy. In conclusion, we thought that propolis active components limonin, quercetin and kaempferol have the potential to be a SARS CoV-2 MPro inhibitor.

Application of Poloxamer for In Situ Eye Drop Modeling by Enrichment with Propolis and Balsam Poplar Buds Phenolic Compounds.

In situ poloxamer-based gels are increasingly being explored as ocular drug delivery carriers to extend the release of active substances, thereby enhancing bioavailability. The objective of this study was to develop thermally stable in situ gels incorporating balsam poplar bud extract, propolis extract, and p-coumaric acid solution and to evaluate the physicochemical parameters of these gelified eye drops. This research assessed the compatibility of poloxamer-based eye drops with active components, their physicochemical properties, stability post-sterilization and during storage, and the release profiles of the active compounds. Fifteen eye drop formulations were prepared and categorized into three groups based on active components. One of the active components was propolis extract. As an alternative to propolis, eye drops containing the plant precursor, balsam poplar bud extract, were developed. The third group's active component was p-coumaric acid, a dominant phenolic acid in propolis and balsam poplar bud extracts. The study reported phenolic contents of 76.63 CAE mg/g for propolis and 83.25 CAE mg/g for balsam poplar bud aqueous extracts, with balsam poplar bud extracts showing higher SPF values (14.0) compared to propolis (12.7), while p-coumaric acid solution exhibited the highest SPF values (25.5). All eye drops were transparent, with pH values meeting the requirements for ocular drops. Formulations containing 8-10% poloxamer 407 met the criteria for in situ gels. All formulations remained stable for 90 days. Conclusion: The study results indicate that the formulated gels possess suitable physicochemical properties, are resistant to applied autoclaving conditions, and exhibit an extended release of active compounds with an increase in poloxamer content.

Phytochemical analysis and antioxidant activities ethanol extract of propolis Trigona spp. from different vegetation in Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia

Abstract. Tirtasari K, Suwanti LT, Mufasirin, Hastutiek P, Indasari EN, Kurnijasanti R, Plumeriastuti H, Safitri E, Hestianah EP. 2024. Phytochemical analysis and antioxidant activities ethanol extract of propolis Trigona spp. from different vegetation in Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 25: 404-411. Propolis is a natural substance containing a resin that is collected by honey bees from various plants and has a significant effect on human health such as antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, anesthetic, antioxidant, antitumoural, antiprotozoal, anticancer, antihypertensive, anticarcinogenic, antihepatotoxic and has cytotoxic activity. Cultivation of Trigona spp. in Lombok is growing rapidly. Trigona spp. produces more propolis than honey bees of Apis spp., but bee products that are maximally utilized are only honey, and propolis has not been utilized optimally. Currently, there is no scientific validation of the phytochemical content, bioactive compounds, and biological activities of ethanol extract propolis Trigona spp. from Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara. So, this study aimed to determine the phytochemical compounds, bioactive compounds, and antioxidant activity of propolis. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis was performed to determine the bioactive compounds of ethanol extract propolis. DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) was used to evaluate antioxidant activity. The composition of propolis compounds is different for each propolis depending on the bee species and the vegetation source from which the resin was collected. In this research, propolis was collected from different vegetation sources (cashews, moringa, coffee, and lote trees). This study used qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analysis and the antioxidant DPPH test. Different components and percentages cause significant variations in the results obtained from phytochemical tests. The content is different in various propolis, there are saponins, flavonoids, and tannins. The highest antioxidant activity was found in propolis with moringa resin 38.4150 (very strong), followed by lote tree resin -66.0420 (strong), cashew resin 81.8140 (strong), and coffee resin 100.7465 (moderate).

ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY OF Homotrigona fimbriata PROPOLIS EXTRACT

Antioxidant compounds have a role in protecting the body from free radicals, Propolis from Homotrigona fimbriata species is widely used as an alternative to natural healing in East Kalimantan. The secondary metabolite compounds in propolis contain many flavonoids and phenolic compounds. These compounds can be utilized to fight free radicals. The purpose of this study was to determine the antioxidant content of stingless bee (Homotrigona fimbriata) propolis extract. This was a quantitative study of the antioxidant potential of propolis extract. The benchmark antioxidant activity was measured based on its ability to counteract free radicals using the DPPH method. The results of this study showed the presence of secondary metabolites of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, and saponins as well as antioxidant activity of Homotrigona fimbriata propolis extract with a value of 95,8 ppm as strong category. This can be caused by differences in geographical location, and various resins found in the trees around the beehive will affect antioxidant activity. Keywords: Homotrigona fimbriata, antioxidant, stingless bee

Chrysin Inhibits Indonesian Serotype Foot-and-Mouth-Disease Virus Replication: Insights from DFT, Molecular Docking and Dynamics Analyses

Chrysin, a predominant compound in Propolis, possesses diverse bioactivities, including antiviral properties. However, its antiviral efficacy against the Indonesian Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus (FMDV) serotype remains unexplored. This study investigates Chrysin's inhibitory potential against FMDV Indonesian serotype by targeting the 3C Protease (3CP), a vital enzyme for viral replication. Multiple sequence alignment was used to reveal unique characteristics of the Indonesian serotype's 3CP compared to global serotypes. Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations assessed Chrysin's interaction with 3CP based on electronegativity. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics analyses evaluated Chrysin's inhibitory activity against 3CP, using homology modeling for the Indonesian serotype's 3CP structure. Luteolin, a known FMDV 3CP inhibitor with a similar structure to Chrysin, served as a reference. Results showed distinct 3CP sequences in the Indonesian serotype compared to O serotypes and others. Chrysin exhibited potential electron-donor activity with lower HOMO and LUMO values than Luteolin, but they had similar energy gaps, i.e., 4.016 and 4.044 eV, respectively. Molecular docking indicated similar binding affinities, with Chrysin (-6.365 kcal/mol) and Luteolin (-6.864 kcal/mol) bound to active site residues. Molecular dynamics analysis demonstrated stable 3CP-Chrysin and 3CP-Luteolin complexes, with minor differences in Radius of gyration (Rg) and Root-Mean-Square Fluctuation (RMSF) below 1 Å. From the ligand stability point of view, Chrysin had comparable stability with Luteolin. However, Chrysin formed fewer hydrogen bonds and displayed greater free-binding energy than Luteolin during simulation periods. These findings suggest that Chrysin holds promise as an inhibitor of the Indonesian serotype's FMDV 3C Protease.

Revealing Propolis Potential Activity on Inhibiting Estrogen Receptor and Heat Shock Protein 90 Overexpressed in Breast Cancer by Bioinformatics Approaches.

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer globally, with the highest incidence of breast cancer occurring in Asian countries including Indonesia. Among the types of breast cancer, the estrogen receptor (ER)-positive subtype which is prominent with estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) and heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) overexpression genes becomes the most prevalent than the others, approximately 75% of all breast cancer cases. ERα and HSP90 play a role in breast cancer activities including breast tumor growth, invasion, and metastasis mechanism. Propolis, a natural bee product, has been explored for its anticancer activity. However, there is lack of studies that evaluated the potential inhibitor from propolis compounds to the ERα and HSP90 proteins. Therefore, this article focuses on examining the correlation between ERα and HSP90's role in breast cancer and investigating the potential of 93 unique propolis compositions in inhibiting these genes in breast cancer using in silico approaches. This study revealed the positive correlation between ERα and HSP90 genes in breast cancer disease development. Furthermore, we also found novel potential bioactive compounds of propolis against breast cancer through binding with ERα and HSP90; they were 3',4',7-trihydroxyisoflavone and baicalein-7-O-β-D glucopyranoside, respectively. Further research on these compounds is needed to elucidate deeper mechanisms and activity in the real biological system to develop new breast cancer drug treatments.

Comparing the Effects of Korean and Brazilian Propolis on Anti‐Atopic Dermatitis and the Related Mechanisms Through In Silico and In Vitro Analyses

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder requiring continuous care and treatment. Therefore, exploring the therapeutic potential of natural ingredients for AD is essential. This study conducted a network analysis to investigate the anti‐AD effects of propolis and its underlying mechanism, with a focus on the compositional differences between Korean and Brazilian propolis. To identify the bioactive components and related mechanisms, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in AD‐induced HaCaT cells with and without propolis treatment were identified. NCBI, SwissTargetPrediction, STITCH, and the Comparative Toxicogenomics Database (CTD) were used to identify target genes of the propolis compounds, and these genes were compared with the DEGs to identify the shared target genes. Notably, CXCL10 and CCL2 were highly associated with target genes shared between Korean and Brazilian propolis, with Korean propolis affecting TLR4, RIPK2, and PYCARD and Brazilian propolis influencing CEBPB, PTGS2, and DAB2IP. Korean propolis was found to predominantly impact the regulation of mast cell activation and the cytosolic DNA‐sensing pathway, whereas Brazilian propolis primarily affects Type I interferon–mediated regulation and the TNF signaling pathway. Additionally, both the TNF and IL‐17 signaling pathways were implicated in the mechanisms of both Brazilian propolis and Korean propolis. Furthermore, our study validated the therapeutic potential of propolis in AD treatment, as evidenced by significant reductions in TNF‐α, IFN‐γ, IL‐4, IL‐13, CXCL10, CCL2, and histamine release in an AD‐induced model. This study confirms the efficacy of Korean and Brazilian propolis in treating AD and reveals molecular mechanism differences due to variations in major components and target genes.

Exploring Therapeutic Potential of Nutraceutical Compounds from Propolis on MAPK1 Protein Using Bioinformatics Approaches as Anti-Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

This study explores the potential of propolis, a natural substance, as a gene therapy for treating COVID-19. Despite the advent of COVID-19 vaccines, their side effects pose new health challenges. Utilizing network pharmacology, this research identifies propolis compounds through various databases and assesses their ability to target proteins associated with COVID-19. MAPK1 emerges as a potential therapeutic target, and molecular docking reveals Broussoflavonol F, Glyasperin A, and Sulabiroins as promising compounds with strong binding affinities, i.e.,- 9.0, -9.0, and -8.8 kcal/mol, respectively, exceeding the native ligand (-7.2 kcal/mol). Molecular Dynamics displays stable complex behavior, with backbone RMSD values consistently below 4 Angstroms and RMSF simulations showing minimal fluctuations within ±2 Angstroms error. Moreover, MM-PBSA analysis further supports the strong binding of Broussoflavonol F, Glyasperin A, and Sulabiroins A, with relative binding energies of -122.82±89.65, 131.48±95.39, and -155.97±111,37 kJ/mol, respectively. These results indicate that propolis has potential as an anti-COVID-19 agent, primarily through inhibiting the MAPK1 pathway. However, further research is needed to validate these results and develop practical applications for COVID-19 therapy. This study underscores the significance of network pharmacology and computational models in understanding propolis mechanisms, offering potential directions for future research and treatment strategies against COVID-19.

Antibacterial and Antifungal Activities of Apis mellifera L. Honey, Propolis, Royal Jelly in Iraqi Kurdistan Region

This study was conducted at a laboratory in the Biology, College of Education, University of Salahaddin, from February to May 2022 to investigate propolis, honey and royal jelly’s chemical composition, antioxidant and antibacterial activities. The honeybee production extract showed that Gram (+) bacteria were more resistant to the antibacterial compounds of honey and propolis than Gram (-) bacteria and fungi. E. coli was a more sensitive isolate than all the other bacteria examined against the honey types tested. At the same time, it revealed more resistance against all types of propolis. Royal jelly with honey displayed more antimicrobial activity than other bee products and exhibited superior activity; the minimum inhibitory concentration of honey and propolis samples ranged from 32 to 512µg/mL. The MIC value of the most effective honey (Honey 1, Honey 2 and Royal jelly) was 32µg/mL. The lowest concentration of Qaladze propolis was (32µg/mL) for E. coli ATCC 25922, followed by 128µg/mL in some other propolis types. Keywords: Apis mellifera; antimicrobial activities; honey; propolis; royal jelly.