Concentrations Of Propolis Research Articles

Biochemical analysis, antioxidant, and antibacterial efficacy of the bee propolis extract (Hymenoptera: Apis mellifera) against Staphylococcus aureus-induced infection in BALB/c mice: In vitro and in vivo study

Abstract Background Antibiotic resistance to Staphylococcal infections has prompted the pharmaceutical and scientific community to consider alternate treatments. Propolis is a natural substance produced by honey bees (Hymenoptera: Apis mellifera) from the exudates of different plants. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the antibacterial activity of ethanolic extracts of Pakistani bee propolis (PBP) against Staphylococcus aureus in both in vitro and in vivo modeling. Methods The propolis sample was collected from the Kohat district and dried in the dark until processing. The antibacterial activity of the propolis extract was examined using the agar well diffusion method. The S. aureus culture was incubated on Mueller–Hinton agar media. Five different concentrations of propolis, 100, 200, 350, 500, and 650 μg/ml, were used. Gentamicin disc was used as a positive control. For in vivo assay, BALB/c mice with an average weight of 30 g were purchased. Bacteria were inoculated into mice by the tape stripping technique. After abscess formation, mice were treated with propolis extract. Results The mean zone of inhibition and standard deviation for each concentration were 17 ± 0.816 at 650 μg/ml, 14.6 ± 0.471 at 500 μg/ml, 12 ± 1.41 at 300 μg/ml, 9.6 ± 0.942 at 200 μg/ml, and 2.3 ± 0.471 at 100 μg/ml of the propolis extract against S. aureus. It was observed that by increasing the concentration of the propolis extract, the antibacterial and antioxidant activities also increased. The extracts showed less antibacterial potential compared to gentamicin. The abscess size was also decreased in mice groups treated with the propolis extract topically and orally in comparison with the untreated mice group. Conclusions To the author’s best knowledge, this study is the first attempt to demonstrate that an ethanolic PBP extract has antibacterial potential against S. aureus-induced infections.

Investigation of The Physicochemical Properties of Propolis Added Ice Creams During Storage

The aim of this study is to add functional food feature to ice cream, which is a popular food, by enriching it with propolis. In addition, another aim of the study is to provide a widespread consumption potential through ice cream to propolis, which cannot be consumed raw and whose benefits and functional properties are unknown to most consumers. A mixture consisting of a total of 6 sample groups containing 0.0%, 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, 0.4% and 0.5% propolis powder was prepared for the ice cream mix. Ice cream samples were prepared from these ice cream mixes. Different analyses were executed for propolis, ice cream mix and ice cream samples. While only antioxidant analysis was executed for propolis samples, Dry matter, pH, titration acidity analyzes were executed in ice cream mix samples. Volume increase index, texture analysis, melting rate, antioxidant activity and sensory analyzes in propolis added ice cream samples were carried out on different days during 2 months of storage. According to the findings, while the volume increase of the ice cream samples was not affected by the storage time, the difference between the propolis concentrations was found. It was observed that the first dripping times increased with storage, while the melting rate of the ice cream decreased. There was no significant change in the meltıng rate and first drip times depending on the propolis concentrations. The texture properties of ice cream samples have changed with the addition of propolis. The hardness and stickiness values of ice cream samples changed depending on the storage time. The addition of propolis significantly increased the antioxidant activity. Antioxidant activity was changed with the addition of propolis. The phenolic content and of ice cream did not change with storage, but FRAP value decreased slightly after 60 days of storage. Storage time had a limited effect on the physicochemical and sensory properties of ice cream. Although the addition of propolis negatively affected the physical and sensory properties of ice cream, it contributed significantly to the antioxidant activity even at the lowest concentrations. With this study, the potential of propolis-added ice cream as a functional new food for consumers of all ages has been demonstrated. In line with these results, new studies should be conducted by trying different propolis extracts and different concentrations, by revealing the functionality of propolis and adding it to new other foods.

Evaluating bioactivity and bioaccessibility properties of the propolis extract prepared with l-lactic acid: An alternative solvent to ethanol for propolis extraction

Ethanol readily solubilizes the active components of propolis. Due to certain disadvantages of ethanolic extracts, developing new non-ethanolic extraction methods is highly desirable. This study aimed to determine the content of phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity of propolis by using lactic acid extraction compared to ethanol. Various concentrations of ethanol and lactic acid were utilized to produce extracts, and an in vitro digestion procedure was applied to the extracts to compare the bioaccessibility of phenolic compounds by using LC-MS/MS in extracts and HPLC-DAD in digested samples. The compounds detected in the lactic acid-based propolis solution had similar values to those in the ethanol solution at a propolis concentration of 10%. The propolis-lactic acid solution had a significantly higher antioxidant activity against DPPH radical than the one prepared with ethanol at the same concentration (p < 0.05). Chrysin and naringenin were found as the most abundant phenolic compounds in the initial samples during in vitro digestion experiments. Pinocembrin was the most bioaccessible component among the dialyzed IN fractions of ethanol and lactic acid-based solutions, whereas some compounds were not detected. The results suggest that lactic acid may be used as an alternative to ethanol for propolis extraction.

Mechanical Properties of Poly(Alkenoate) Cement Modified with Propolis as an Antiseptic.

We assessed the effect of propolis on the antibacterial, mechanical, and adhesive properties of a commercial poly(alkenoate) cement. The cement was modified with various concentrations of propolis, and antibacterial assays were performed against S. mutans by both MTT assays and agar diffusion tests. The compressive, flexural, and adhesive properties were also evaluated. the modified cement showed activity against S. mutans in both assays, although reductions in compressive (from 211.21 to 59.3 MPa) and flexural strength (from 11.1 to 6.2 MPa) were noted with the addition of propolis, while adhesive strength (shear bond strength and a novel pull-out method) showed a statistical difference (p < 0.05). the antiseptic potential of modified material against S. mutans will allow this material to be used in cases in which low mechanical resistance is required (in addition to its anti-inflammatory properties) when using atraumatic restorative techniques, especially in deep cavities.

Preparation and Investigation of Thermally Annealed Zein-Propolis Electrospun Nanofibers for Biomedical Applications.

Zein, a corn-derived protein, has a variety of applications ranging from drug delivery to tissue engineering and wound healing. This work aims to develop a biocompatible scaffold for dermal applications based on thermally annealed electrospun propolis-loaded zein nanofibers. Pristine fibers' biocompatibility is determined invitro. Next, propolis from Melipona quadrifasciata is added to the fibers at different concentrations (5% to 25%), and the scaffolds are studied. The physicochemical properties of zein/propolis precursor dispersions are evaluated and the results are correlated to the fibers' properties. Due to zein's and propolis' very favorable interactions, which are responsible for the increase in the dispersions surface tension, nanometric size ribbon-like fibers ranging from 420 to 575nm are obtained. The fiber's hydrophobicity is not dependent on propolis concentration and increases with the annealing procedure. Propolis inhibitory concentration (IC50 ) is determined as 61.78µgmL-1 . When loaded into fibers, propolis is gradually delivered to cells as Balb/3T3 fibroblasts and are able to adhere, grow, and interact with pristine and propolis-loaded fibers, and cytotoxicity is not observed. Therefore, the zein-propolis nanofibers are considered biocompatible and safe. The results are promising and provide prospects for the development of wound-healing nanofiber patches-one of propolis' main applications.

Characteristics of propolis encapsulated with gelatin and sodium alginate by complex coacervation method

ABSTRACT Propolis is a sticky resin from bees and contains reasonable amounts of bioactive compounds that benefit the human body. Despite the benefits that propolis has to offer, propolis also has a bitter taste and pungent aroma. These characteristics of propolis could be controlled by a microencapsulation process with a complex coacervation method using gelatine and sodium alginate as coating material. The amount of propolis added was also varied in F1 (5 ml), F2 (10 ml), and F3 (15 ml). This study aimed to determine the effect of different concentrations of propolis on the physicochemical characteristic of propolis microcapsule. The results showed that increasing the addition of propolis concentration could also increase yield, total phenolic content, hygroscopicity, and solubility. Meanwhile, the increase in propolis concentration showed a decrease in encapsulation efficiency, moisture content, water activity, and dissolution time. Propolis microcapsules have a round morphology and several hollows on the surface. The best treatment was seen in F1, which obtained microcapsules of propolis with an encapsulation efficiency of 91.86%, and F3 which obtained microcapsules with high spraydried yield and solubility, fast dissolution time, and low value of moisture content, water activity, and hygroscopicity.

Antimicrobial, Antibiofilm and Toxicological Assessment of Propolis.

Antimicrobial resistance is a serious problem for the control of infections and infectious diseases. Propolis is a substance produced by honeybees with antimicrobial and antibiofilm properties. To consider propolis as an alternative to the use of antimicrobials for infection control, we assessed its antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities. To assess propolis for topical medical use, toxicological studies were also performed. A Portuguese 70% propolis ethanolic extract was chemically evaluated and studied for antimicrobial activity on staphylococcal field isolates (n = 137) and antibiofilm action (n = 45). Cell toxicological assessment was performed using keratinocytes and fibroblasts. Pinobanksin, chrysin, acacetin, apigenin, pinocembrin, and kaempferol-dimethyl-ether were detected. All 137 isolates were susceptible to 6.68 mg/mL or lower propolis concentration (80% isolates were susceptible to <1 mg/mL). The mean percentage of biofilm inhibition was 71%, and biofilm disruption was 88.5%. Propolis (<1 mg/mL) was well-tolerated by fibroblasts and moderately tolerated by keratinocytes. The combined antimicrobial and antibiofilm effect of propolis, together with its low toxicity to connective tissue and epithelial cells, suggests a good applicability for topical antibacterial treatment. Therefore, propolis seems to be a good alternative to antimicrobials for the treatment of infections with Staphylococcus spp. that deserves to be evaluated in vivo.

Determination of Inhibition Effect of Propolis Extract on Watermelon mosaic virus in Edible Seed Squash

Edible seed squash (Cucurbita pepo L, ESS), which is grown for its seeds to consume as a snack, has a very important place in vegetable production in Türkiye. Viruses are one of the most problems in the cultivation of ESS in the country. One of these diseases is Watermelon mosaic virus (WMV, Potyvirus, Potyviridae). Also, it’s very common and devastating on other cucurbits worldwide. Propolis, which is composed mainly by the plant resins and exudates that honey bees gather, showed antiviral activity against plant and human viruses. In this study, the potential of propolis to control WMV was investigated by taking advantage of these antimicrobial properties of propolis. For this purpose, propolis extracted with 95% ethanol and diluted in distilled water to obtain different concentrations as 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10% were used. Effects of propolis against WMV were determined by in vitro and in vivo studies. Except of 2, and 4%, all concentrations caused to symptoms reductions of the infection, in all studies. In the result of in vitro studies, the ratios of healthy plants were calculated as 10, 20, 40% and 20, 30, 50% after one and two hours, respectively. In vivo, by spraying concentrations of 6, 8 and 10% before inoculation obtained healthy plants as 20, 40 and 60% after one-hour period, and as 20, 30 and 50% after two-hour period, while the extracts sprayed after inoculation, ratios of healthy plants as 10, 20 and 30% after one-hour period, and as 10, 20 and 20% after two-hour period. According to the results of the study, it was determined that applications of different propolis concentrations had the potential to reduce WMV infection, and these results should be supported by field trials.

Antifungal Activity of Propolis Extracts against Postharvest Pathogen Phlyctema vagabunda

Phlyctema vagabunda is one of the main postharvest pathogens in late-harvest apples in Chile. The control of this pathogen is mainly through synthetic fungicides or copper-based compounds; however, there are concerns about the residues of these products in food and the environment. Therefore, there is a need for seeking alternative control strategies, in which propolis, a resinous substance collected by bees with antimicrobial properties, could be an environmentally friendly and safe alternative to control for P. vagabunda. The aim of this study was to characterize and determine the pathogenicity of Chilean isolates of P. vagabunda and to evaluate the antifungal activity of propolis against P. vagabunda in vitro and in vivo conditions. The Chilean isolates were identified as P. vagabunda through morphological and molecular characterization. The concentrations of propolis of 0.5% and 0.05% significantly decreased the mycelial growth and germination of conidia by 88.5% and 100%, respectively. The incidence and severity of the disease in apples also decreased by 57.2% and 61.3%, respectively. The use of propolis extract could be a promising alternative for the control of P. vagabunda in apples.

BEE PROPOLIS USE IN BIOTIC AND ABIOTIC COMPOSITIONS AND ITS BIOLOGICAL ORIGIN FOR ANTICANCER MEDICINES

Propolis is a resinous compound with a balsamic aroma and a sticky consistency that is harvested from the exudates, flowers, and buds of several plants. These biological effects are tied to the phenolic chemicals found in propolis, the structure and concentration of which change depending on the region of production, the variety of plant resins available, the genetic makeup of the queen bee, the technique of production, and the time of year. Biomolecules isolated from plants have the potential to serve as the basis for anticancer medication prototypes with the ability to suppress tumour growth. The structure and concentration of propolis' phenolic compounds vary on the place of production, the range of plant resins accessible, the queen bee's genetic makeup, the manufacturing method, and the season. Plant biomolecules may be used to develop anticancer drugs that inhibit tumour growth. Tropical and subtropical regions are good for bioprospecting due of their biodiversity. Learning about these chemicals' efficacy is crucial since they could be utilised as adjuvants with other drugs or as new cancer treatments. Bee propolis is an important anticancer medication, but more preclinical and clinical research is needed to determine its selectivity, efficacy, and safety. We emphasised on the importance of bee propolis as an anticancer drug and focusing on the chemical components and biological processes.

Synthesis of PMMA Nanoparticles Loaded with Geopropolis Extract from the Brazilian Stingless Bee Melipona quadrifasciata Lepeletier, 1836 by Miniemulsion Polymerization

AbstractThe present work aims to encapsulate the concentrated geopropolis extract from the Brazilian stingless bee Melipona quadrifasciata quadrifasciata Lepeletier, 1836 in poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) nanoparticles produced by miniemulsion polymerization. The concentrated geopropolis extract is obtained by hydroalcoholic maceration and characterized by ultraviolet–visible spectrophotometry (UV–Vis) to quantify flavonoids and polyphenols in terms of quercetin (Q) and galic acid (GA), respectively. The PMMA‐Propolis nanoparticles is characterized by size exclusion chromatography (SEC), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), UV–Vis and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR1H). UV–Vis results of the geopropolis extract revealed an average flavonoid content of 22.51 mg Q g–1 and an average polyphenol content of 10.15 mg GA g–1. TEM images showed that the produced PMMA nanoparticles are spherical, and their average diameter reduced from 72.62 to 44.60 nm by increasing the propolis concentration from 0% to 40%. Additionally, the kinetic data reveal a reduction of the polymerization reaction rate as well as the average molecular weight when raising the propolis extract concentration in the reaction media. These results suggest that propolis extract may be used as a biocompatible and biodegradable co‐stabilizer and chain transfer agent in miniemulsion polymerization reactions of vinyl monomers.

Propolis protects ovarian follicular reserve and maintains the ovary against polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) by attenuating degeneration of zona pellucida and fibrous tissue

To examine the effects of 50 mg/kg and 150 mg/kg of propolis on ovarian folliculogenesis, p53 expression, and serum luteinising hormone (LH) and progesterone (P) levels in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) modeled rats. Twenty-four Wistar female rats were divided into 4 experimental groups: Group 1 (G1, Control), Group 2 (G2, PCOS), Group 3 (G3, PCOS + 50 mg/kg propolis), and Group 4 (G4, PCOS + 150 mg/kg propolis). The PCOS model was induced via the administration of letrozole for 21 days. After 21 days, G3 and G4 received propolis (50 mg/kg or 150 mg/kg) by oral gavage for 10 days. Daily oestrous cycles were assessed to monitor PCOS formation. Histological examinations were carried out using haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and Masson Trichrome (MT) staining. Ovarian follicles and corpus luteum (CL) structures were investigated. P and LH serum levels were determined by ELISA. A significant increase was observed in the number of cystic follicles in G2 compared to G1 (p < 0.001). Treatment with 50 mg/kg of propolis significantly ameliorated the elevated number of cystic and primary follicles seen in G2 (p < 0.001). Furthermore, G2 demonstrated a significant decrease in the number of CL structures (p < 0.05). Serum LH levels were significantly higher in G4 compared to both G1 and G2 (p < 0.01). No significant change was observed in circulating P levels. No p53 immunoreactivity was observed in any group. Low concentrations of propolis cannot completely improve the hormone profile and p53 expression associated with PCOS; however, these concentrations can control ovarian follicular cell architecture.

Qualitative Characterization and Antifungal Activity of Romanian Honey and Propolis.

The purpose of this study was to review the physicochemical characterization of Romanian honey and propolis and their antifungal effect on different strains. As an indicator of environmental pollution, lead exceeded the allowed limits in two study areas. The relationship between the acidity and electrical conductivity of polyfloral honey and the antioxidant activity with the total content of phenolics and flavonoids was investigated. The antifungal activity of 13 polyfloral honey and propolis samples from North-West and Central Romania and 12 samples from Alba County was investigated against six fungal strains: Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Candida albicans, Penicillium chrysogenum, Rhizopus stolonifer, Fusarium oxysporum. All honey and propolis samples exhibited an antifungal effect. The most sensitive strains were P. chrysogenum and R. stolonifer for honey and P. chrysogenum and F. oxisporumn for propolis. A two-way analysis of variance was used to evaluate the correlations between the diameter of the inhibition zones for the strains and the propolis extracts. Statistical analysis demonstrated that the diameter of the inhibition zone was influenced by the strain type and the geographical origin of honey and propolis. Pearson's correlation coefficient shows a significant positive linear relationship between the diameter of the inhibition zone and the flavonoid and phenol concentration of honey and propolis, respectively.

Healing Potential of Propolis in Skin Wounds Evidenced by Clinical Studies.

Propolis has been used since ancient times for the treatment of skin diseases and, currently, its pharmacological potential for healing and repairing various types of wounds is widely cited in the literature. The healing properties of propolis are mainly attributed to its composition which is rich in phenolic compounds, and propolis has aroused the interest of the pharmaceutical industry as a low-cost product as compared with other treatments and medications; however, most of the published data refer to its effects in vitro and in vivo and, so far, few clinical studies have been carried out proving its therapeutic efficacy. In this article, we aimed to review clinical trail data published in Portuguese, Spanish, and English, in Scielo, PubMed, Google Scholar, Medline, and Lilacs between 1990 and 2021 on the clinical use of propolis for skin ulcers. The potential of propolis as an alternative healing treatment for skin wounds such as diabetic, venous, and surgical wounds, as well as wounds caused by burns, etc., is mainly due to its evidenced properties such as antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and angiogenesis promoter effects. However, there is a need to standardize the type of administration and the concentration of propolis for each type of wound. Furthermore, further clinical studies are essential to add information about propolis safety and for obtaining the best possible therapeutic benefits from its use.

Characterization and evaluation of Colombian propolis on the intestinal integrity of broilers

Nutritional additives such as propolis seek to improve intestinal health as an alternative to the global ban on in-feed antibiotics used as growth promoters (AGP). The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of propolis supplementation in diet of broilers. Four hundred and fifty straight-run Ross 308 AP broilers were fed with a basal diet (BD) throughout the whole experimental period. Birds were randomly distributed into 5 groups at d 14: negative control without antibiotics nor propolis (AGP-), positive control 500 ppm of Zinc Bacitracin as growth promoter (AGP+), and 3 groups supplemented with 150, 300, and 450 ppm of propolis. Every group included 6 replicates of 15 birds each. Propolis concentration was increased from d 22 to 42, in experimental groups to 300, 600, and 900 ppm of propolis, and 10% of raw soybean was included as a challenge in all groups during the same period. Analysis of productive parameters, intestinal morphometry, and relative quantification of genes associated with epithelial integrity by qPCR were performed at 21 and 42 d. The groups with the greatest weights were those that consumed diets including 150 (21 d) and 900 ppm (42 d) of propolis compared with all treatments. The lowest score of ISI was found at 300 (21 d) and 600 ppm (42 d). A lower degree of injury in digestive system was seen with the inclusion of 300 ppm (21 d) and 900 ppm (42 d). Up-regulation of zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) was observed in jejunum of broilers supplemented with 150 and 300 ppm at 21 d. Up-regulation of ZO-1 and TGF-β was also evidenced in ileum at all propolis inclusion levels at 42-day-old compared to AGP+ and AGP-. The beneficial effects were evidenced at inclusion levels of 150 ppm in the starter and 900 ppm in the finisher. According to the results, the Colombian propolis inclusion can improve productive performance, physiological parameters, and gene expression associated with intestinal integrity.

Spodoptera frugiperda Hücre Kültüründe Geliştirilen Autographa californica nükleer polihedrosis virüsünün (AcNPV) Replikasyonu Üzerine Türkiye Propolisinin Antiviral Etkisi

In this study, the influence of propolis extracts gathered from Turkey on the replication of Autographa californica nuclear polyhedrosis virus (AcNPV) developed in Spodoptera frugiperda culture was researched through examining changes in cytopathic influences, hydroxyl radical mediated DNA damage and progeny virus concentration. By making use of propolis extract, we found inhibiting effect on cytopathic changes and DNA damage. It was found that propolis extracts on the cytopathic changes and hydroxyl radical-mediated DNA damage were similar to the control. The results showed that propolis has a protective effect on DNA exposed with H2O2. In terms of the production of occlusion bodies in Sf9 cells, no important difference was found between the average percentage of contaminated cells in contaminated control cells when the concentration of propolis is 3.125, and 1.5625 μg/mL (4.018 (Plaque forming units (PFU) pfu/mL and 5.145 pfu/mL respectively) (p&amp;lt;0.05) and no significant difference was found between the average number of occlusion bodies in the contaminated control cells and the contaminated cells in the concentration of propolis. Respectively 98.70% and 98.67% reduction were found in virus titter with propolis extracts when the concentration of propolis extracts 100, 50 μg/mL were included 1 h p.i. (p&amp;lt;0.05). However, different concentrations of propolis extract reduced the number of progeny viruses significantly.

Antiangiogenic and apoptotic effects of benzyl caffeate on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM): In vitro and in vivo models

• Benzyl caffeate inhibits the proliferation and tube formation of endothelial cells. • Benzyl caffeate reduces the number of newly formed vessels in chick embryo chorionic membrane models. • Benzyl caffeate induces apoptosis via activation of proapoptotic signaling. • Benzyl caffeate exerts its antiangiogenic effects through induction of endothelial apoptosis. Caffeic acid and its derivatives are polyphenolic compounds, which are present in high concentration in propolis and medicinal plants. Their antioxidant activity has been reported; however, the antiangiogenic effects of benzyl caffeate remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the angiogenic and apoptotic effects of benzyl caffeate both in vitro on HUVECs and in vivo in chick embryo chorionic membrane (CAM) models. Benzyl caffeate significantly inhibited angiogenesis via HUVECs-based tube formation by inducing apoptosis and antiproliferative effects on endothelial cells. Furthermore, benzyl caffeate significantly reduced the number of newly formed vessels in CAM. Western blot analysis showed that benzyl caffeate induced apoptosis via proapototic signaling via activation of caspase-9, caspase-3 and cleavage of PARP and lamin A/C. In addition, western blot showed that benzyl caffeate treatment inhibited c-Raf/MEK/ERK signaling, and thereby suppressed angiogenesis. In conclusion, the results indicate that benzyl caffeate exerts its antiangiogenic effects via induction of endothelial apoptosis.

소포체 스트레스에 의한 미세소관 중합 저해에 대한 국산 프로폴리스의 효과

Microtubules (MTs) are a major components of cytoskeletal structure. It is biopolymers formed through polymerization of heterodimers of α-tubulin and β-tubulin. MTs play a critical role for maintain of cell shape, cell division, migration and transport of materials in the cells. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress disrupts posttranslational modification of protein and consequently inhibits the formation of MTs structure. Here, we investigated the improving effect of Korean propolis for microtubule polymerization during ER stress by tunicamycin. Tunicamycin and propolis concentration for PC12 cell treatment is 150 μg/mL and 10 μg/mL, respectively. Tunicamycin treatment decreases the expression level of acetylation of α-tubulin and it was inhibits MTs formation in tubulin polymerization assay. However, although the presence of tunicamycin, propolis extracts recovers acetylation of α-tubulin level and polymerized β-tubulin. Especially, pre-treatment of propolis group exhibits higher polymerization level more than tunicamycin pre-treatment group. Fluorescence microscopy analysis shows the MTs structure recovery by propolis treatment. Our results suggested that propolis can be prevents the apoptosis, allowing protects the cells.

The influence concentration gel agent propolis combination of mulberry leaf on the growth of the bacteria Propionibacterium acnes

This research was carried out with the aim of determining the inhibitory power of the combination gel of propolis extract and mulberry leaf extract against Propionibacterium acnes bacteria and determining the concentration of propolis extract that provided the greatest inhibitory power against the test bacteria. The research method includes the extraction of mulberry leaves by maceration using 70% ethanol as a solvent and the propolis extract used is a ready-to-use extract. The formulations were designed with various concentrations of propolis (0.5%, 1%, 1.5%) and 0.5% mulberry leaf concentration. Testing the antimicrobial activity of propolis extract in combination with mulberry extract in gel preparations against the growth of Propionibacterium acnes bacteria was carried out using the agar diffusion method. The results showed that the average diameter of the inhibition area at 0.5% concentration was 36.87 mm, at 1% concentration was 44.557 mm and at 1.5% concentration was 45.97 mm, positive control was 49.21 mm. Based on the data obtained, it is concluded that the gel formula with a propolis concentration of 1.5% is the preparation with the largest zone of inhibition.

Propolis antibacterial and antioxidant synergisms with gentamicin and honey.

Assess the antibacterial and antioxidant effects of ethanol extracts of Portuguese propolis samples when combined with gentamicin, a widely used aminoglycoside antibiotic, or with honey, collected from the same apiary as propolis. Using the agar dilution method and DPPH free radical scavenging assay, antimicrobial and antioxidant synergistic effects between propolis and gentamicin or honey were assessed. Synergism between propolis and gentamicin was observed for all the tested extracts and against all the indicator bacteria, with particular interest against the Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) with a threefold decrease of the gentamicin MIC if mixed with 25µgml-1 propolis. Likely to propolis and gentamicin, mixtures of sub-MIC concentrations of propolis and honey enhanced the antibacterial action of each individual natural product against the majority of the strains. However, propolis antioxidant capacity decreased along with higher honey content in the mixture. Propolis has a strong synergistic effect when combined with gentamicin, allowing the reduction of the therapeutic dose of this drug. Propolis and honey mixtures also display a stronger antibacterial effect than the activity exhibited by each sample when tested individually, whereas the high antioxidant capacity of propolis seems to be not affected when in combination with honey. When mixed with honey, propolis antioxidant potential is maintained, or just slightly reduced up to 1:1 dilution, and show synergistic antibacterial effects, allowing to optimize the use of this usually scarce natural resource. Also, considering the antibiotic resistance problem, natural beehive products, alone or in the mixture, are promising alternatives to retard the outbreak of microbial resistance.